Weeks 1&2

Okay yes, whoops – I forgot to post in real time. But you know what I didn’t forget? To actually do the work. So I’m backtracking a little to fill you in on what I’ve been up to for weeks 1 and 2 of my learning project.

Week 1: Just Get Started

This was the week I officially began the “omg I’m really doing this” phase. I started out by scouring the internet for tips n how to actually start a fitness routine and stay consistent – which, as it turns out, is the real challenge. Between blog posts, social media, and enough Pinterest pins to build a digital vision board, it was a bit overwhelming… but also find of fun?

Amongst all the online info I scrolled through, two gems stood out: One Chel of an Adventure ‘s blog post was realistic, friendly, and encouraging – like a motivational text from a friend who just gets it.  This blog post from Fit Squirrel’s was full of  real-life motivations to workout, beginner-friendly advice and reminders that progress beats perfection.

So, taking the advice of these two blogs into consideration, I actively blocked out time on my calendar to go to the gym – twice a week, Saturdays and  Sundays. Now, early morning workouts and me are not besties, but I figured this would be the best time to help me stick to it. I made it both days (the lovely people at the counter gave me a supportive smile and a “Wow, Welcome Back!” when I scanned in – a true telltale of just how long its been since I was last there). While there, I stuck to the treadmills and maybe one or two machines I vaguely recognized, but it felt like a solid start.

Week 2: A Gal with a Plan

After those first 2 days at the gym I realized something: know I should go to the gym is one thing. Knowing what to do once I get there is a whole other level.  I also learned that the Planet Fitness app on my phone does a whole lot more than just help me scan into the gym. There’s actually a whole other part to the app that has tutorials on how to use the machines and offers suggestions on workout programs you can use! So using this newly found info I made a (sort-of) plan:

Saturday = Upper Body Day: This time around, on top of my dedicated treadmill time, I also tackled the machines for chest press, shoulder press, bicep curl, and the cable rope. My arms were shaking like overcooked spaghetti by the end, but I did it!

Sunday = Lower Body Day:  This time, I hit the leg press, hip abductor/adductor, glute machine, and the calf raise machine. I’ll just say, stairs were NOT my friends for a couple days after all that!

What I’m Learning So Far

While the Planet Fitness App was very useful when it came to showing me how to use the machines, it was a loong list of tutorials to sort through and I still sort of felt like I was just walking around and jumping on whichever machine was available at the time and hoping for the best.

That being said, I’ve also learned that the internet is a goldmine of free fitness info – if you’re willing to spend the time digging through it. Having a plan before walking into the gym makes a HUGE difference in my confidence (and how long I spend pretending to “check my playlist” while actually watching machine tutorials).  I’m really looking forward to continuing this journey, and building up my confidence as well as my routine.