We all have those days where we have to force ourselves out of bed and to into the gym. No matter how much we hate it and how hard it is, we know that by going we are working towards reaching that goal. But how often do we go to the gym and just waste time? No matter how hard our trainer tries to push us, we whine and cry. We use phrases like, “I can’t” “I’m sorry, I’m just really tired today” or “I don’t know what’s wrong with me today”. No matter what the reason, we are in that gym for a purpose and more often than not, when your trainer is at your side trying to motivate you to do the things that you really don’t want to do, sometimes all they really want to tell you is the cold hard truth. Here is a list of all the lovely things that your weight loss expert really wishes that they could say to you during your workout.
Photo by Alan Cleaver, CC BY 2.0
1. Stop complaining
I know you’re tired, I know you’re sore. But the more time you waste going on about it, the less you are actually achieving. If you put half as much effort into your workout as you do complaining about it, you would be well on your way to reaching your goal.
2. Don’t lie
You stayed up all night with a sick child you say? You hardly slept at all you say? Well, did you forget that you added me to Facebook? I didn’t. Even though all those pitchers of beer and table sized platter of nachos that you were posing with looked delicious, they sure didn’t resemble anything like your “sick child”. Just be honest with me, if you think I am going to take it any easier on you, you’re wrong. But if you are coming here to do nothing and waste both my time and yours, you really aren’t doing yourself any favours. Next time, call and reschedule. No need to lie about it.
3. Save social time for the locker room
If you are here to work out, then lets workout. Sure, you are paying me to stand here and motivate you and show you how to properly use the gym equipment, but can’t you wait until after we are done to make plans with your friends or update your Facebook status? Sure, your friend’s new shoes are definitely on point but standing there talking about them for 15 mins isn’t going to burn off that Starbucks coffee you had this morning. Let’s go!
4. Tell me if it hurts
Sometimes, eagerness can have the reverse effect. It can also be referred to as stubbornness/ Of course you are supposed to feel a burn when you are working out. That’s the whole point. But when it actually hurts you to perform an exercise and you keep pushing through it, you aren’t doing yourself any favours. Take a break, get it checked out and go from there. There is no good in continuing if you are doing more damage than good. Don’t worry, your ego will be fine.
5. Ask me questions
Even if you think it may sound like a silly question, ask it anyway. That’s what I am there for. To educate and guide you. We spend all this time in the gym together creating plans and working on routines and exercises, the last thing I want is for you to feel confused and not sure about what you are doing when you leave.
6. It’s about more than looks
Sure those super cool kicks may be calling out your name, but are the actually beneficial for what you are doing? Do you really think a pair a skate shoes are a good idea to wear for running on the treadmill? No. Do your research, try things on and ask the store associates if you aren’t sure about what to buy. Believe me, the better equipped you are with the right clothing, the more effective and comfortable your work out will be.
7. Eat properly
If you are trying to lose weight, of course you are going to adjust your eating habits, but don’t forget that you need food for fuel. If you show up for an hour long sweat session after only eating a piece of toast or a small container of yogurt, then you are in for long painful time. Not only are you going to run out of energy very quickly, but chances are, you already burned off that piece of toast by running up the stairs to get here. Think ahead, plan your meals and if you have questions, ASK ME.
8. Take a break
You don’t need to spend every waking moment of your life in the gym. Your body needs time to recuperate in order for your muscles to repair and rebuild themselves. Pushing it too hard can result in serious injury. So take a day off, curl up on the couch with some chips and salsa and turn on Netflix. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, it is just one of the many secrets to losing weight.
Sometimes sugar coating the truth can do more damage than good. Trainers often find themselves biting their tongue when all they want to do is tell you how it actually is. Everyone has good days and bad days. Just remember why you are there and keep your mind in the zone for at least the duration of your workout. Lean on the experts to help guide you to your goal, give you advice and educate you on things you are unsure about. That’s what they are there for.
