Roadblocks

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Certainly, going to the gym, especially when it’s a new hobby, can be an unnerving venture.

King understands this fear amongst new gym-goers. She empathizes, “In my opinion, I believe the main reason people come to M.R. Stax is for general health and wellness. But I think people don’t want to go to the gym in the first place because they’re scared, nervous, or intimidated, especially if they’re brand new to fitness and just starting their journey. It can be a scary place if you’re not quite sure what to do or how to operate the equipment.”

For beginners, patience and consistency may be the most arduous feat of all. Showing up for yourself and having willpower is not a cake walk, especially when you’re navigating a lifestyle shift. In order to aid others in combating their gym fear, King offers motivation by providing thoughtful, uplifting quotes on a whiteboard hanging at M.R. Stax, supporting her fellow gym-goers to power through even their most laborious of workouts.

“I think having just a little pickme-up whether you read it before or during your workout is a nice way to keep the members in a positive mindset while they’re here,” said King.

She added, “However, my motivational advice for beginners would be to set simple goals for yourself and make any kind of physical fitness part of your everyday routine. Be motivated by your goals.”

Going through a fitness journey alone can feel isolating at times. The saying, ‘two is better than one,’ rings true. Having a community of people rallying around and supporting you is helpful with self-accountability, but having a friendly face close by and someone offering a kind pat on the back when it is most needed is something many beginners long for in the gym.

“When it comes to motivation (within the gym), I think the members do a good job at being each other’s motivators whether they are trying to be or not. There are a ton of great and amazing people that come here that always have a smile on their face and a positive outlook. It’s very refreshing and I think people can see that and feed off of them,” King noted.

Starting a fitness journey is a lot like life. There are good and bad days. King understands how discouraged people can feel when they give it their all throughout their workouts and do not feel as if they are seeing the fruits of their labor. Routines can become mundane after doing them for an extended period of time. In fact, research shows that a vast majority of health clubs and gyms lose 50% of their new members within the first six months, so do not feel discouraged or like a failure if you feel bound to give it up.

For those who feel as if they have hit a plateau in their fitness journey, King shared a solution.

“Switch up your routine completely. Go outside your comfort zone,” she suggested.

There are a plethora of ways to become more active. Taking the family dog for a walk, running the track, pilates, yoga, weight training, CrossFit and much more. Find what feels good for you and your body and show up as the best version of you every day! Take care of yourself and happy training.