An honest review of my first week at the gym.
I made a decision to take my fitness and physical health more seriously this year and thankfully, halfway into the year, I pursued this goal. What no one prepared me for however, was all the drama that came with entering my gym girl era. I find it refreshing to see the girlies killing it on Instagram with their cute fits and gym mirror selfies, so call it peer pressure or self determination, but I saw the insides of a gym for the first time this week.
Here are seven things no one warned me about. Also, you’re welcome.
Workout Clothing Can Be Is Pricey
I’m convinced fitness is for the rich at this point. It’s not enough that I’ve paid for a gym subscription and fitness trainer, but I also need to buy cute yet expensive gym wears to motivate me? Don’t even get me started on the cost of 2-piece gym outfits. I know they look good, but still!
You Can No Longer Eat Dinner At 2am
Most shocking of all, I was informed I had to let go of eating past 7pm and as you can imagine, I was deeply upset with this information. What do you mean I can’t make my signature noodles at midnight anymore? Even swallow I can’t eat? I think we forget that we only have one life to live but me I haven’t forgotten so I shall indulge.. not.
..And You Have to Actually Make Changes to Your Diet
Unfortunately, when trying to get your body into a healthier shape, it’s vital to make dietary changes, unless you’re just fooling yourself because as the saying goes, “you can’t out-exercise a bad diet.” You have to do away with foods that are high in carbohydrate and low in fibre and protein, even sugar calories like sodas. My only problem is, how am I, a Nigerian woman, supposed to cut down on carbs when rice, pasta and swallow is all I eat?
The Muscle Pain Is Real!
The pain that hits your body on Day 3 is wild. Your muscles are typically sore and tender by now, so good luck trying to casually walk down a flight of stairs or squat over a toilet seat. The conversation around this maintains that the more you exercise your muscles, the less pain you feel because your body starts to adapt and your muscles get stronger. Well, tell that to my abs when I try to laugh. Seriously though, push through and stay active, it works!
Gym Buzz Words and Motivational Phrases
There are a whole lot of buzz words used in the gym community that are foreign to a beginner like myself. It’s been a week and I’m still trying to get the hang of it. From words like reps to sets, to leg day and cardio, get ready to do quick google searches from time to time. They also have phrases that are designed to motivate you. No pain No gain is a common one. Personally, I’m over the phrases because the only thing this pain is giving, is suffering.
Lifting Is.. Hard
Social media makes it look like fitness gurus are casually lifting weights effortlessly. In real life, these dead weights and barbells are actually so heavy! (Seriously, I don’t even know what I expected). I attempted to carry a 20kg weight lift the other day and I saw my life flash before my eyes.
You’ll Rethink Your Fitness Journey By Day 4
By the fourth day of joining the gym, you’ll start questioning your choices and considering letting your gym subscription go. The easy way out would be to quit, but the best thing for you in the long run is to keep going, take your much needed rests and keep lifting. Or at least that’s what my trainer says.
Gym Guilt
As if you don’t already have a plethora of things to feel guilty about in your life, once you join the gym, throw in gym guilt. On the days you skip a workout to get extra sleep time, it may feel good at first but then you start to actually feel guilty for not being disciplined enough to go and workout. And I don’t know about anyone else, but I start to feel like all the progress I’ve made has been for nothing, and so I start to feel guilty again. As if you didn’t already have enough problems as an adult.
I may be a beginner but I’m determined to make working out a part of my lifestyle. Whether you’re trying to maintain your weight, lose some weight or get toned, it’s important to engage in regular exercise at an early age, because the older you get, the harder it becomes. According to heathline, numerous studies have shown that exercise can help lower your risk of heart disease, decrease blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, increase your heart’s size and strength, and improve cardiorespiratory fitness. Even a low intensity aerobic activity such as walking may reduce your heart disease risk. So what are you waiting for? Enter your gym girl era today!
