Avoiding Gym Curse

comounamanzana · 2018-11-27T14:50:01+00:00

dont miss days, make going to gym a routine

personally the drive to be better motivated me enough to lift heavy

you can do this brah

bybedad · 2018-11-27T14:52:17+00:00

In the beginning, set yourself regular days and times to go lifting. Stick to this. No excuses. You will either get addicted or you won't.

If you get addicted, perfect. Then, the off-days are actually harder than the training days.

If you do not get addicted, not so perfect. Then, you need discipline. No easy way around.

It is as simple as that.

For me, personally, eating enough is the real hassle.

rpsheepdog · 2018-11-27T14:50:27+00:00

Different for everybody

I used to compete in sports in high school, after high school I wanted another place to compete, now I do strongman, powerlifting, and oly lifting. Provides a great goal oriented reason to get in the gym.

Or find a lift you enjoy doing and set some goals, say you wanna deadlift 405, well find a good program and see how it progresses over time, that is the benefit to lifting, a lb is always a lb and it doesnt shit test you

Poutvora · 2018-11-27T15:10:21+00:00

Don't overdo it. I like to spend less time, like 30 to 45 minutes and go 4 to 5 times a week. That way the routine strengthens, it's not such a big deal when I miss one day and I don't go absolutely rekt out of the gym. I feel like I am less to burnout because when I am less happy to go, I know that I'll be back in an hour and there is not this extreme workout that needs to be done. Also I keep reminding myself that it's a marathon and not a sprint.

Herdsengineers · 2018-11-27T16:26:15+00:00

big difference between motivation and dedication. it's easy to go to the gym when you're motivated at the start. keeping with it means going when you don't feel like it - that's dedication. set up a weekly routine, go on routine, and then build it into habit.

it helped me, though, to do a few training sessions with a trainer, learn proper form, etc. when you look like you know what you're doing, the other guys nod and are supportive while you are there. you're one of the "club". being one who belongs makes it more satisfying to go.

TheGoblinTurkey · 2018-11-27T16:47:41+00:00

If you're feeling like skipping today's session, spend a moment thinking of something that makes you angry, I'm talking hands shaking angry.

It'll be the best gym session you've ever had.

GoldZone1 · 2018-11-27T17:08:28+00:00

https://leangains.com/fuckarounditis/

Read this one when you wake up and before sleep. In my opinion one of the most important articles written for the gym. This one should set you on right path.

JohnGaltAWALT · 2018-11-27T17:20:35+00:00

Success in lifting (and in life) boils down to discipline in many instances.

Go when you're tired. Go when your sore. Go when you're psyched. And especially go when you don't want to.

Over time, this will make you a stronger man. Physically, but also mentally.

Remember: changing yourself is the most difficult yet rewarding thing you can choose to do. So don't take it lightly and don't beat yourself up when you make mistakes. Keep moving the needle forward.

I would invest some money in getting instruction on how to safely and properly do your four main compound lifts (bench, squat, dead, press).

I would also make it a point to watch reputable channels on YouTube regarding proper form and safe lifting.

Then, start with small weight and get enough protein/calories.

Over time, you will amass knowledge, skill, and wisdom that can only come from experience.

Go to the gym and start getting experience.

xabl00 · 2018-11-27T17:41:11+00:00

Just go every day, no excuses. In a week , you'll feel like an asshole for even THINKING about skipping.

https://youtu.be/67Vp7fTgQ3g

Try that video too.

CainPrice · 2018-11-27T15:22:50+00:00

Actually keep track of your progress. Write down how many sets you do of what at what weights, then try to up your weight a little bit the next week. Seeing yourself actually being able to do something this week that you couldn't do last week is very motivating.

When you hit a plateau, keeping track helps you with that, too. You can work at it and push past it, which is also extremely satisfying.

Weigh yourself, too, and check yourself out in the mirror at home. As you notice changes in your body, that's pretty awesome as well.

Go every day. Even if just for a little bit on the days when your time is constrained. The difference between 30 minutes at the gym each day and doing nothing is enormous. The difference between 2 hours and 2.5 hours is tiny. Doing something, anything at all, is where you get you hugest improvement.

Ohboohoolittlegirl · 2018-11-27T16:09:29+00:00

Make it. Routine and make to have time for. It. Cause of this, I work out during my break. At work.. Best way to spend that time

Aggressive_Beta · 2018-11-27T16:42:27+00:00

Get MyFitnessPal. That way you can be sure you’re eating enough calories to gain 0.5 to 1 lbs per week and are eating enough protein. If you do this, get enough sleep, and drink enough water, coupled with going to the gym and lifting heavy 3 days per week.....you will see gains quickly and it will motivate you to keep going

HurricaneHugues · 2018-11-27T17:12:29+00:00

Lift with purpose. Have a very specific goal in mind. It could either be a specific number you want to hit on a lift by next summer, or it could be a specific bodyweight you want to hit by next summer. Either way the goal has to be long term. You plant seeds today so you can harvest in 2 seasons time.

randarrow · 2018-11-27T17:37:17+00:00

For me was four things:

Don't over do it, if you wear yourself out or break down you will stop going, don't get to that point. Watch things like your resting heart rate and read up on physical over training syndrome. Goal is to improve yourself, not tear yourself down like I'm basic training.

It was really do or die for me, was very out of shape. Had two family members come down with heart issues, was last straw before I started working our regularly.

Lastly, I had good luck heading to gym straight after work on set days. It got to point where I drove to gym almost on auto pilot, didn't even think about it. And, having set days meant I could set my social schedule around it. Trying to switch to morning workouts because the evening workouts can screw with my sleep, but the changeatwork/leavework/gotogym thing worked out well to start.

Find the right gym. You won't want to work out at a place with a toxic culture or with people who are different from you, or who don't really work out. My main gym was shut down suddenly, looked at several others. One local gym was full of the soccer mom crowd, they were more about sitting on equipment than working out. There other was just plain toxic, actually caught them mocking me behind my back, and main office operated like a used car dealership. Never went back to either, using apt complex gym instead.

IVIaskerade · 2018-11-27T17:44:54+00:00

When the time comes, start telling yourself all the reasons you can't go while you get ready and leave.

[deleted] · 2018-11-27T17:51:33+00:00

My question is how do i avoid becoming another gym cliche?

Any advice for really getting into that love for iron most of you seem to have.

Don't quit. You don't have to love it. Just don't quit. That's it.

Honestly, if you finished your undergrad in biochemistry, that's much harder than sticking to the gym. It should be a breeze. Just don't quit.

MadChestHairYuKnight · 2018-11-27T18:43:18+00:00

I am going to a gym far from my house cause my friends were members of that gym. Bad idea cause none of them come anymore and I'm stuck for 75 more days.

Find a gym close to your house so going even on a bad day isn't a problem. That's it. Shorter the distance, lesser doubts in your head.

I still hate the journey and I'm sure I'll hate it for 75 more days until I quit this gym and join the one 100 yards from my place.

dark_rabbit · 2018-11-27T19:12:36+00:00

Show up, no matter what. Even if you don’t work out, just go sit there and leave after 15/30. Going regularly is your number one goal right now, build the habit. You’ll work out regardless.

soggynugget69 · 2018-11-27T19:19:03+00:00

In the beginning, it's definitely not easy as some make it out to be.

But follow a proper routine (this is important to avoid feeling 'lost' in the gym) this 4 days/week for a month, you're guaranteed to see progress (in terms of weight lifted and the physical changes).

And man... once you get past the first month... you won't stop. Progress is so addictive.

[deleted] · 2018-11-27T19:34:41+00:00

You will have to find ypur motivation. Mine was to be strong. After that I had some kind of mental breakdown that has made my body weak, so know I do light olympic lifts as rehabilitation...something to move my entire body. I am lanky too. My goal was not I will go to the gym for a yesr or new year resplution. It was I will go to the gym today...next day I will go to the gym today...That worked for me. Find whatbworks for you.

someonesopinion6969 · 2018-11-27T20:03:00+00:00

stop expecting the 'iron' to change your mind, it's a tool in a kit of improvement.

i only started going last week and yeah it may not change your immediate future but then you HAVE to stick at it otherwise you will never grow. can't take this shit half arsed, you either write posts on reddit to complain or you get after it

ttann71 · 2018-11-27T20:06:43+00:00

Tip is tracking your numbers. Seeing your strength increase month by month is solid motivation.

koedeloe · 2018-11-27T21:42:57+00:00

Don't get disappointed when you see many guys lifting more than you. There are a crapload of ego lifters, including beginners. They take way too much weight, fuck up their reps and don't see any progress.

The only one that matters is you. Start with low weight and make sure you can do atleast 12-15 reps. Once you feel comortable with the weight, move up a bit. Try to set goals for yourself and reach them. Eat healthy, look at your protein intake, sleep enough and DONT overtrain. If you're a beginner training 3-4 days a week is enough, your body needs to rest.

Oh yeah... don't skip leg day and don't train every muscle group on the same day. Try to spread it into groups. Chest/Tripceps on monday. Back/Biceps on Wednesday and Legs/shoulders on friday for exemple.

Goodluck man!

DadOnDabs · 2018-11-27T21:47:05+00:00

Have YOUR OWN reason to go. Most people go because others tell them they should to lose weight and finally they give in and go. Their only motivation is the validation of others (which can be good in the short term) but will fade as people stop constantly validating them.

Have a reason YOU want to go. My reason was originally like most people here (to get chicks). I got bigger, got better at game, and started pulling like crazy. Then my motivation went down and I didn't get any bigger for a year.

I realized I waste a year in the gym, got no stronger, and don't look any better. I buckled down and told myself I wanted to get stronger and look better for ME. I wanted to be able to say "GOD DAMN" every time I looked in the mirror.

That is my motivation for lifting, you just have to find your own.

(Also I play a sport so it helps with that too)

Nikelu · 2018-11-27T21:58:32+00:00

Well if you were never trained before you would ideally want someone to teach you some stuff, like the proper execution of exercises. Very important to avoid injuries.

You also need to understand that you need to limit the times you go nuts and to extreme measures, you are training to look good and get the t-boost. You aren't going to become the next mr olympia and you won't be taking steroids probably anytime soon if you have any amount of brain. You neither have their coaches and their doctors and the people that get them their food perfect each time.

So leaving that aside,gym must be something you look forward to. To do that I'd personally suggest to anyone starting now to firstly go as light as they can, do a minimum amount of weights and progress from there. Do your favorite exercises, go when you feel most like it in the day, morning sets me up perfectly for the rest of the day but when I don't have time I go at afternoon.

To get the most benefits at least at the beginning I'd do a full body split, meaning you train each muscle group every day. So for example Monday you do : squats, dumbell bench press, seated rows, military press etc and then some accessories like arms or smth. Do have some cardio daily in the gym and some core exercises to strengthen your body.

Most important is you need to love the process, I 've been hitting gym and training generally since I was 6 years old so now it's a lifestyle for me and I don't see many gains. I just love doing it. Watching your body grow is amazing. In my first true bulk I got like 5-6 kgs of muscle and it felt amazing when I cut to low bodyfat and become a bigger more aesthetic version of myself.

Put it in your routine, try first thing in the morning, then try another time. See what's best for you. Start doing 15 minutes of cardio and 45 mins of weights. Prefer machines mostly, until you get a hang of barbell exercises because it is extremely easy to injure yourself and instantly get demotivated.

And yeah almost forgot, diet is as important if not more than your training. Start with 1,4-1,5g of protein per kg of bodyweight and time your carbs pre and post workout. If you need anything more ask

Matthias_Foley35 · 2018-11-27T22:17:02+00:00

This gave me my first routine which worked for me and got me hooked in the gym.

This can theoretically be a good launch for some folks.

Peter_B_Long · 2018-11-27T22:52:22+00:00

Look up a an online fitness program (it'd help if you have to spend money on it like bodybuilding,com or jimstoppani,com)

I remember I was looking up this program by Cory Gregory on bodybuilding,com called "Squat Every Day". I learned everything about it. I studied it for a few weeks reading up on the nutrition plan and the workout routine. I went to the grocery store and bought all of the foods that was recommended by the program. I'd mapped out my schedule of what time I was going to wake up, and what time I needed to be at the gym (I work out before work). I was ready.

The night before Day 1 of the program, my mom told me that I'd need to take my sister to school the next day. I was pissed and told my mom that there was no way. I explained to her that I've had my schedule planned out and that it was important for me to go to the gym the next day. I'm sure she thought it was silly that I HAD to go to the gym, but we asked my aunt and she said she'd take my sister. I went to the gym 3 weeks straight after that. No rest days. Even after getting 3 wisdom teeth removed, I went to the gym the next morning with gauze in my mouth and hit a new PR on my deadlift.

Anyways, my point is that if can find a fitness program that you can learn to obsess over and fully commit to, nothing will fucking stop you. Instead of trying to fit the gym around your lifestyle, fit your lifestyle around the gym.

Something else that made me get up at 5am every morning to hit the gym was that California traffic. There's nothing worse than driving 1 hour to work and showing up barely on time, stressed the fuck out, already starting your day off on the wrong foot. What I found out was that if I get up early and drive to the gym that's close to my work at 6am, I can get there in 20 minutes, workout, shower, and drive to my work in 5 minutes. Whenever I'd wake up in my cozy bed at 5am under the blankets and think about maybe just sleeping in, I'd think about the fucking nightmare of a commute it is to drive to work at 8am and I'd instantly jump the fuck out of bed.

The only way that you can completely stick to this new lifestyle is to become addicted to it. If it's a chore for you, you're going to fail. Find a way to get obsessed with it. Do what you love to do. If you don't like cardio, don't do cardio. For me, I LOVE compound exercises.

Some times when I'm really into my fitness plan, I have to convince myself to take a rest day. Instead of convincing myself to go to the gym, I have to tell myself that I need a day off because going to the gym for 14 days straight requires a rest day.

ArdAtak · 2018-11-27T22:59:30+00:00

Of all the decisions regarding TRP, working out is the easiest.

Busy? Fuck you, go lift. Sick? Fuck you, go lift. Tired? Fuck you, go lift. Broke? Fuck you, go lift.

All you have to do is put one foot in front of another and walk into that gym. Much much easier than all the mental gymnastics that the rest of TRP demands.

buttgoogler · 2018-11-27T23:18:01+00:00

First of all, no matter how motivated you'll be in the beginning -- it will wear out. Discipline is what makes a difference.

Also, trust me on this one: if you work out properly, eat properly and sleep properly, next time you step your foot on scales and/or look in the mirror and you notice your first gains -- it will add a burning desire to get even better, stronger and bigger.

Good luck.

mineralranch · 2018-11-27T23:41:24+00:00

I have unsuccessfully started lifting many times. I'm currently on a nine month streak; I think it's safe to say that lifting is officially a part of my life now. Here are a few things that have kept me steady.

I got a coach. This was important for two reasons: I learned how to perform the main compound lifts properly, and it's a lot less likely you'll miss a day or pussy out when your money and pride are on the line. I found a coach who was responsible enough to push me to my limits without crushing me. He also has taught me how to program intelligently. Despite what many people are going to tell you, going 110% in the gym every time isn't going to benefit you in the long-run.
I didn't quit when I was injured. I'd usually quit because I'd hurt myself. I am spectacularly injury-prone; I guess I have shitty joints, whatever who cares. Well, working with a coach has taught me how to handle injuries. If you are injured, do the most you can do without aggravating the issue. This typically speeds up the healing process as well. I stopped stopping. That has helped me tremendously.
Set realistic expectations. You aren't going to look like a Greek god in six months. You aren't going to look like a Greek god in a year. Maybe 2 years if you are diligent with your nutrition and programming. The attainment of strength is a lifelong process. Don't be discouraged because you're the weakest guy in the gym or because people over the internet claim they could deadlift four plates in two months. People lie. They lie a lot. Don't compare yourself to anyone but yourself. As long as you're making progress, you're doing good.

And another word on progress: It is not always linear. You are gonna have setbacks. You may be weaker one week for no apparent reason. Do not quit. This is the greatest lesson that lifting will teach you. As long as you put in the work, you will get the results. Just have healthy expectations and respect your body.

grunge022 · 2018-11-28T06:04:54+00:00

I've been lifting for 10 years and been consistent for the last 4 years. I've seen many people at my gym come and go. Most new guys last a few weeks to a month tops and that is usually because of motivation. The thing is motivation is great to get started but it does not last. The only thing that will bring you gains in the gym is DISCIPLINE. The best advice I can give you at this moment is to hit the gym consistently 4-5 times a week for 3 months straight. No excuses. If you can do that then you're already better than 95% of the population. By March 1, 2019 I'll be expecting to receive a message from you with your results.

chillindude911 · 2018-11-28T07:50:31+00:00

Find a gym buddy who is already motivated to go every day, someone you like and admire.

The people who surround you can really influence you dramatically

wildrobbie87 · 2018-11-29T07:14:29+00:00

Go to the gym and start lifting - 4 sets of 12-15 reps for 5 months..ending with light cardio whilst eating the foods that only humans can grow and proud using our hands. use google to find out what can be hand prepared.

Dont let your ego get to you and think you can run away from a bad diet or show big muscles without high reps. Do gym the right way and in 5 months, your hard work will reflect the true value and respect for your body. Its very hars to reject really tasty food just so you respect your own body.

As a result, when people see this newer improved body-image, it will stimulate the subconcious mental triggers that you are someone that values life and tjeir dedication to life because you cant cheat at time taken to take care of your body.

Title	Avoiding Gym Curse
Author	ibhova
Upvotes	17
Comments	38
Date	November 27, 2018 2:44 PM UTC (7 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/askTRP
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/asktrp/comments/a0vg7d/avoiding_gym_curse/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/askTRP/avoiding-gym-curse.54463 https://theredarchive.com/post/54463

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