A year ago, I found myself going through gyms like it was nobody’s business. I’d take advantage of a week or two of free trials (sometimes even a month!!!), constantly enticed by better deals, add-ons, more convenience, and the like. With apps out there allowing you to try different classes every day, my inability to commit was hurting more than just my relationship status, it was starting to have its toll on my body.
And then, suddenly, I decided to try an unheard-of experiment and stick to ONE workout location for at least three months. Three became six, six became nine, and now I don’t think I’ll ever change again. Here are some of the things I’ve learned that have made me a committed and loyal client.
Consistency is the key to success
If you’re a regular workout fiend like yours truly you know that routine is the only way to get real results. I thought this only applied to how much effort you expended during the workout. Don’t get me wrong, effort does matter. However, I have learned that consistency is as important. Expending maximum effort is great, but it doesn’t produce great results when you’re going once a month. Great results occur when you’re expending maximum effort every day. And, it turns out having a regular place to go plays a huge factor in your consistency. You’re not re-discovering new equipment every week, not taken in by the novelty of the place, not lacking an element or piece of hardware that was in a previous location; but you are building a routine and habit that augments your performance.
Peer pressure can be a shot of adrenaline
The one thing I do love about going to the same gym week in week out is that you start to know the people there, and they start knowing you. From the occasional nod of the head when you cross each other on the way to the treadmills to the guy with your exact same schedule who is always willing to spot you on the free weights, they know you, they start knowing your routine, and they will know if you progress. Recognition from others is argued as a vital human need, https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/recognition/ that’s likely the reason why I find myself motivated to go to the gym just to show my workout companions what I’m made of. I even find fun in going to the gym because I feel a sense of competition and for me, a competitive environment keeps me motivated to expend as much effort as possible to efficiently reach my goals. Sounds a bit stupid when I write it, but this kind of peer pressure can be a huge source of encouragement.
Save that hard-earned cash
Let’s be real, there are a ton of gyms out there at different price points, with sign-up fees, with tiered-memberships, with add-ons, you name it! And I was technically paying little to nothing in my churning days (seeking those deals), but if you become a regular goer you can save a lot of money by committing for the long term. Quarterly or yearly memberships can save you hundreds of dollars per year and be combining that with corporate plans or discounts you can find across the internet can make a huge difference to your bottom line. Also, imagine those outrageous medical bills from lifestyle diseases; going to a gym drastically improves your health https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1402378/ and decreases your chances to avoid those unpleasant bills.
Home is where the heart lies
Ok, maybe I should give one more reason why I picked a gym – I freakin’ love it. I don’t know if it was the high ceilings, the industrial feel, the high-tech equipment, the convenience for my commute, or the friendly faces around, but I’m happy that I chose to stick with a gym. The gym has become a second home; I want to go there even when I don’t feel like exercising. I find that this place helps me unwind from my long day at work, gives a social life by providing me opportunities to chat it up with familiar faces, and reminds me of my goals and aspirations which revs up my motivation. It has played such a big role in my (now) unwavering loyalty.
Parting words
But don’t take all of this for granted. Try it out yourself. If you’ve had a tough time committing to one place, just pick one that you quite liked in general (even if you weren’t ready to settle) and tell yourself you’ll commit for the next three months. You’ll see those three months turn into a lot longer and your performance skyrocket; that gym just might become your second beloved home.
Author
Nicholas works in business development at Lyvly [www.belyvly.com] which helps you find discounted access to fitness, classes, and recreational activities around you.