Some Need to know Gym Stuff

We all know we hate going to the gym. Sure we are motivated to work out but being around other sweaty people in a closed off environment is not the best of situations on any day.  So I've figured out a few tips and tricks to make going to the gym and doing a lil somethin' somethin' a little easier on you.

Set a goal - Before starting your work out process, weight yourself then set a goal. Don't say "I want to lose twenty pounds in a week" let's face it, unless you starve yourself and live at the gym, that's not possible. Not only is it not possible, it is not healthy. If you said "I want to lose five pounds in a week" alright, that is plausible. Set a realistic goal.

Make a plan - Like everything else in life, you should make a plan. Make a meal plan, work out plan, water drinknig plan, breaking the healthy eating plan (I HATE the word diet). Don't call it a diet because then you feel pressure and give up. So make a plan and stick to it.

Time - Don't go to the gym at a certain time because everyone else is going. I mean, if you're like me and love as much privacy as possible while you're getting all sweaty and booti-fied, you won't get much done with everyone and their uncles there.  Pick a time of the day where you feel motivated. For me, its before class mostly, or right before lunch time. Some of us can only go to the gym at certain times because we have kids, or school or work or other stuff that takes up our days. So find a time where you fell is best for you and go.

Dress for success - Similiar to the way you wouldn't show up at a job interview dressed in a tights and tank to, you wouldn't go to the gym wearing just about anything.  You don't go to the gym to look cute and us girls should really know, guys don't go to the gym to pick up cute girls.  I was at the gym today and saw this girl wearing jeans and a tshirt that said "Prada" on the front. I mean what in the hell? How do you work out in jeans? I mean sure they look good and they make your butt look good but they are not conducive to a gym environment and the material doesn't breath as well as track pants or tights.  Dress properly for the gym. Get a pair of running shoes that you only wear to the gym. Do not wear your gym shoes outdoors.  Get a couple of track pants (if you live in Canada then get a long one for the winter and a short one for the summer).  Get tops you are comfortable in. Try not to wear anything too baggy because the last thing you need to do is have your clothes caught in the machines.

Do what your body can endure - Dispite popular belief, if you lift too much or do too many reps you can hurt yourself. Especially if you are not experienced in the gym department. Take your time and do what your body can handle. Do not over do it. It is better to take more days to lose the weight, that try doing it all in one or two days and pull a muscle, break a bone etc. So take it easy...give yourself more time.

Going with a friend -It is best to go with a friend. Let's face facts, we all love having company. We love having that person to compete with, to talk to and to chill with. But we all must remember, if you're going to go with a friend, go with someone who's motivating. Do not go with someone who wants to see you fail or negative.  Negative people burden you so don't go with one. Sometimes, you'll just have to bite the bullet and go alone. Do not break your plan because if you do you will not meet your goal. So, if your friends don't want to go, go alone.

Know your Equipment - If you do not know how to use the equipment, ask a gym attendant. Take the tour before you start using the gym. Every gym has one where they teach you how to use everything and to show you where everything is.  Use this time and get to know your attendants and equipment.

Take a break - Do not believe the myth that you have to GO GO GO GO like a drill sargeant is on your ass.  Work out six days a week and give your body that seventh day to rest. Do Zumba (my workout of choice) one day, gym the next day, zumba the next...alternate. Give your poor muscles a little bit of a break. If you miss a day, do not double up your work out the next day. Continue as normal and that seventh day you would take a rest, use it to make up your missed day. Don't freak out and burden your muscles. Your body will make you pay for it.

Music - Work it with music. The right kind of music makes it all better.  The right kind of music makes the workout fly by. Forget feeling the burn! Shake your ass to the best beats. Don't use depressing music. Find your favorite jump up/party music, plug it into your ipod and jam away while you climb that hill.

My Favorite Feel the Burn Jams

1. Almost anything from Chris Brown's "FAME". Pretty much all his fast beat songs make you wanna work.
2. Return of the Mack - Mark Morrison
3. Mr. Saxobeat - Alexandra Stan
4. The Little Things - Danny Elfman (WANTED soundtrack)
5. For Your Entertainment - Adam Lambert
6. Fireball - Willow Smith and Nicki Minaj
7. Flip Reverse - Jang Woo Hyuk
8. Fever - Adam Lambert
9. Dirty Talk - Wynter Gordyn
10. Don't Stop Dancing - Mathew Morrison
11. Don't Trust Me - 3OH3!
12. Dirty King - The Clicks
13. Brand New Bitch - Anjulie
14. Breaking Dishes - Rihanna
15. Bad - Tablo f/Taeyang
16. Chammak Challo - Akon or The Cast of Ra.One
17. Hit Me Up - Danny Fernandes f/Josh Ramsay
18. International Love - Pitbul f/Chris Brown
19. Let's Make a Movie - Danny Fernandes
20. Need You Tonight - INXS
21. Tick Tock - Busy Signal
22. What Doesn't Kill You - Kelly Clarkeson
23. Mona Lisa- MBLAQ
24. Whip My Hair- Willow Smith
25. Shakin' It for Daddy - Robin Thicke f/Nicki Minaj
26. Rain Man- Jang Woo Hyuk (A Man Called God OST)
27. Oh Yeah - MBLAQ

That is just some of the songs from my ipod play list called "Feel Da Burnnnnnnn" I have eighty nine songs on that list. When I'm at the gym, I put it on shuffle and just let it go. So use these tips and let me know how it works for you.

Hugs,

Kay