Do you avoid the gym as a place just for body-builders or fitness buffs?
You could be missing some awesome opportunities.
“We associate the gym with lifting weights or losing weight, but it’s so much more than that,” says Colby Nye, a Saanich Recreation instructor and personal trainer.
A tennis player finding play more challenging might weight train to improve core strength; a senior might boost mobility by improving muscle, flexibility and balance.
Regardless of your goals, continued motivation can be challenging, but here’s how you can work smarter … and stick with it!
1. Goal-set smarter: Replace “I’m going to get healthier” or “I’m going to lose weight,” with smaller, specific goals to help maintain motivation. “Start with something small – maybe drink more water, get more sleep or walk more. You’ll feel better and find it easier to work toward your larger goals. Remember, small wins equal big results,” Nye says.
2. Get oriented: Book a weightroom orientation. You’ll get comfortable with the machines – including some specialized equipment – and can establish a routine to get started.
A personal training session can also help you create a gameplan to work toward shorter and longer-term goals on your own time. “A trainer will help you pinpoint areas to work on and build a plan to help achieve your goals. This can be a great way to navigate an often daunting task and get you off to a good start.”
Use your Access Pass to drop in and work out – you can even check the weightroom schedule to work out when an attendant is on-hand to answer any questions.
3. Start slow: Starting slow and gradually building your strength and stamina is another smart way to avoid burning out or getting injured. Maybe you’ll add a light jog a few weeks in, or increase the reps on your weight circuit.
4. Reap the rewards: Reward yourself for following through. You’ll likely notice those other quality-of-life rewards in the process – feeling stronger or breathing easier, less back pain or improved sleep. Those successes are all worth celebrating.
5. Find a workout buddy: Having someone counting on you helps keep you honest, and lets you share new ideas and motivational tips. (It doesn’t hurt to socialize over a post-workout smoothie, too!)
6. Keep it interesting: Every few months, incorporate new equipment or activities to beat boredom – for you and your body. “The idea is to make your workout fun so you will want to stick with it,” Nye says.
Get your Access Pass today!
Your Saanich Access Pass offers 31 different drop-in activities weekly at four centres, including fitness, sports, swims and skates. With passes for every budget, including a monthly payment plan for some passes, buy your pass online or at any Saanich recreation centre. Learn more at saanich.ca/recreation
READ MORE: Flexible + Affordable + Inclusive: Your Saanich Access Pass has it all!
