Are You Ready for the Gym 🤔?
A framework to start with before investing in a gym membership you ultimately won't use:
In the initial stages of my fitness journey, I held a mistaken belief that simply having a gym membership would magically transform me into a fit individual.
I thought, "Once I get that gym membership, I'll use it diligently, and fitness will be my reality."
But reality had other plans.
Though I obtained that gym membership, it remained untouched for three months before I finally ventured into it.
Did getting the membership have its benefits?
Of course. 👍
It granted me access to a range of exercise equipment, ready for my earnest efforts.
However, was it an essential purchase at that particular time?
Not really. 👎
Many of us aspire to embrace an active lifestyle, yet our mental preparation often lags behind our intentions when stepping into the gym.
So, how do we determine the right moment to leap, to commit to working out earnestly?
That's what I'm here to discuss with you today.
Today, I want to talk to you through a mental framework I wish I had before I purchased my gym membership.
Call it: Pre-gym training.
Timeline:🗓
Starting Point:
- Envisioning the Desired Outcome
Learning Phase:
- Gathering Knowledge and Insights
Formulating a Strategy:
- Creating a Plan of Action
Consistency + Habit Amplification:
- Establishing Regular Practice and Strengthening Positive Behaviours
Destination: The Gym
- Arriving at the Fitness Center
RULES:📜
If a step is unsuccessful, return to START:
You might wonder, why go all the way back to the beginning if I fail a step?
Can't I just go back to the previous step and continue from there?
Above everything else, the gym is about getting your repetitions in.
Repetitions lead to progress.
So, when you start over, you're essentially getting more "Reps" in for this plan.
Failing at step four is actually a positive thing.
It means you weren't entirely prepared to commit yet fully.
Returning to the start and trying again will strengthen you for the next attempt.
Don't be discouraged by the length of the process.
Developing the discipline to delay gratification is essential when entering the gym, as noticeable results might take months to years to show.
Patience will be one of the skills you cultivate along the way, and repeating steps is just one method of incorporating this mindset.
Don't rush the steps💨:
Hastening through your steps will inevitably lead to failure in the future.
Being truthful and ensuring the completion of each step will play a crucial role in your progress at the gym.
This principle parallels working out – you're deceiving yourself if you compromise on your repetitions.
Avoid cheating yourself.
This step is pivotal as you embark on your gym journey.
Like weightlifting, when you tell yourself, "I did 8 reps, but they were half-efforts," those don't truly count.
Remember: If you cheat your reps, you only cheat yourself.
Prioritize consistency and discipline over immediate results🔑:
Results will come in due time.
The purpose of each step is to cultivate self-discipline and unwavering consistency, which will lay a strong foundation for the learning experiences within the gym.
Think of it like you're the Karate Kid – polishing your progress.
This framework is your "wax on, wax off"
You're unknowingly absorbing valuable lessons in the process.
If you can adhere to these principles, you'll be well-prepared to embark on your journey toward joining the gym.
START:⚡
Begin with your Dream Outcome 💭
When you imagine yourself in the gym, what do you picture?
Do you see big muscles in the mirror?
Supermodels all around you?
A mountain of protein powders arranged into a throne, with you crowned the prince of protein?
(That's my dream)
No matter the goal, it's essential to consider your dream outcome.
Action Step:🦾
Manifestation
We all have desires for the future, but sometimes, it's tough to visualize them clearly.
One way to address this challenge is by creating a vision board or by jotting down your thoughts on paper.
This serves as the initial step in turning a dream into reality.
This manifestation should capture your mind's attention and give you something tangible to gaze at when doubting your vision or simply needing inspiration.
It's crucial to ensure that this manifestation isn't just written down; it should be followed up with action.
These desires should be strong enough to overcome your hesitations and motivate you to embark on a new journey.
A Powerful Motivator 🔮
If you've ever watched "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," you might remember a crucial scene.
Our main character, Harry, is learning to conjure a Patronus charm to fend off the dark dementors.
To cast the spell successfully, he must summon a powerful and joyful memory from his past to strengthen his magic.
Similarly, you should adopt a similar approach.
Instead of relying on a memory, focus on a strong and compelling desire you wish to achieve.
Choose something so powerful that it propels you to take decisive action.
Just as Harry's positive memory empowered his spell, your intense desire will motivate and guide you toward your goals.
PROGRESS BAR: ⚫⚪⚪⚪⚪
This is the starting point, and having a clear and prominent vision of the life you desire is crucial.
Dedicate time to this step, as it will serve as your guiding point to ensure your goals align with your overall vision.
🔰If Desired Outcome is failed: Go back to START 🔄
Learning Phase:📚
Before determining if your dream outcome is achievable, it's essential to understand what's possible.
This step is a cornerstone of your development and the ongoing success of your dream.
Learning can take various forms, and I find the binge-learning approach particularly effective:
Here's how it works:
- Start using platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube (my personal preference) to search for your topic or question information.
- Engage with various content types.
- As you consume content, pay attention to any intriguing aspects or specific details that catch your eye. Dive deeper into those areas for more in-depth investigation.
- The more information you gather, the more you become familiar with the subject matter. You'll find yourself delving into related topics and exploring a broader range of content.
- Initially, your focus may stay close to your original search, but as you explore further, you'll discover new insights and perspectives you hadn't considered before.
For instance, my journey began with a single video on how to do a push-up.
This then led me down the rabbit hole of topics like:
"Optimal ways to target your serratus while doing dumbbell bench press."
Once you're engrossed in the learning process for your chosen topic (in this case, fitness), you'll start grasping what's necessary to achieve your desired outcome.
The more you learn, the more precise the path becomes, and you better understand the requirements.
Action Step:🦾
Just Do It - Nike
Now that you've learned something new, whether it's about optimizing your sleep, improving your diet, or becoming more active, don't wait to implement changes.
Actively seek ways to break old habits as soon as possible.
This prevents you from forgetting what you've learned and positively reinforces the behaviour of learning and applying new knowledge.
Embrace the opportunity for immediate change and put your newfound insights into practice.
PROGRESS BAR: ⚫⚫⚪⚪⚪
If you're uncertain about what to search for or the information you need to learn, it might indicate that your desired goal isn't specific enough.
Creating a well-defined and detailed dream outcome to navigate changes effectively would be best.
This will help you seek the proper knowledge to achieve your goals.
If you encounter difficulties while learning, don't be discouraged.
Remember that if you face obstacles, it's okay to return to the beginning and restart the process.
It's all part of the journey towards personal growth and success.
🔰If Learning Is Failed: Go back to Start🔄
Formulating a Strategy♟️
Now that you've visualized your dream
(Your protein throne 👑)
And gathered knowledge about healthy habits, thoughts, and eating habits, it's time to outline the specific actions you need to take to reach your goal.
What does this process involve?
Begin by identifying habits you want to change.
These initial changes might not directly relate to the gym, but they influence your overall approach to improving yourself, which includes your gym journey.
Action Step:🦾
Reverse Engineer the Problem
If you're unsure which habits to develop, try looking at patterns you wish to break.
For instance, consider the example of wanting to establish an earlier bedtime.
If you consistently go to bed late and wish to change this, your initial goal is to create a plan for going to bed at a more reasonable hour.
Once you succeed in this area, you can build on it. For example, now that your wake earlier; you can begin incorporating a morning gym routine.
By first establishing the habit of going to bed early, you're setting yourself up for success in the future.
As you get accustomed to a routine that includes an earlier bedtime, it becomes much smoother to integrate a morning gym routine when you already have the habit of going to bed early.
PROGRESS BAR: ⚫⚫⚫⚪⚪
If you find it challenging to adhere to the habits you've established, it indicates that you haven't yet mastered the essential aspects of crafting a solid plan of attack.
An effective plan of attack should be so well-constructed that it's virtually impervious to any distractions or impulses other than your ultimate dream outcome.
If you discover yourself struggling to consistently carry out these new habits, it could mean that your older habits need to be dismantled into smaller, manageable steps.
This phase is likely to be the most demanding and time-consuming.
So don't rush this part.
It's crucial to exercise patience and avoid rushing the process.
Breaking habits that you've held for years demands time and persistence.
🔰If Formulating a Strategy Is Failed: Go back to Start🔄
Consistency + Habit Amplification🥋
After a month or more of diligently working to break your bad habits, you'll likely notice that they have started to weaken.
This realization occurs when you've gone a substantial period without engaging in or even thinking about those bad habits.
A word of advice: try not to tally the days obsessively. Counting days can inadvertently give the bad habit more power by keeping it on your mind. Instead, channel your energy into proactively combating the habit.
Once you've made remarkable progress in dismantling at least three of your most challenging habits and find that you're no longer grappling with them.
It's time to shift your focus to the next endeavour: Exercise
BUT WAIT!
Before you rush off to buy a gym membership, hold on a moment.
The process isn't relatively that straightforward.
It's time to embark on your fitness journey through various avenues.
Your ultimate aim is to magnify all the good habits you've nurtured.
Are you hitting the sack earlier?
Then, how about getting up and taking a morning stroll?
Are you adopting healthier eating habits?
Try meticulously tracking your calories and experimenting with calorie-deficit meal preparation.
While adopting a new habit can be a positive start, remember that it doesn't have to end there.
Harness the ongoing momentum to shape a better life by building additional habits on top of each other, gradually creating a stronger and healthier routine.
Action Step:🦾
3 Essential Goals
As for physical activity, make sure you're achieving these three essential goals:
- Aim for 10,000 steps daily.
- Strive to engage in physical activity at least once daily.
- Hydrate yourself by drinking a minimum of 2 litres of water each day.
So, while you're not quite ready to jump into the gym membership, you're on your way to establishing a robust foundation for a healthier and more active lifestyle.
PROGRESS BAR: ⚫⚫⚫⚫⚪
If you've managed to break away from your old habits but are still struggling to be consistent, it's crucial to realize that the habits might not be truly broken.
In essence, if you haven't maintained consistency in abandoning these habits, they're still holding sway over you.
This often indicates that you haven't discovered sufficient motivation to remain steadfast in your new behaviours.
Should you find yourself faltering in the latter stages of this journey, it might indicate that you're not fully prepared for the commitment that a gym membership entails.
The dedication required to stay consistent with your fitness routine is a substantial commitment.
Moreover, if you're unable to consistently adhere to the three fundamental steps we've discussed, it's advisable not to rush into investing money in a gym membership.
The path to results lies in diligently following each step, not in trying to make big strides without a solid foundation.
Remember, progress is achieved through small steps, taken consistently, rather than attempting to leap forward in a single bound.
It's a journey that requires patience, commitment, and a deep understanding of your own readiness and capabilities.
🔰If Consistency + Habit Amplification Is Failed: Go back to Start🔄
Destination: The Gym🏋🏽
If you've managed to conquer those troublesome habits while immersing yourself in understanding your sought-after goal and have consistently pursued the three action steps, then here's some fantastic news:
You've successfully earned your way to the next level—joining the gym.
You can finally take that leap into committing to the gym and all the incredible benefits it holds for your life.
By this point, you've consistently achieved goals that perhaps you hadn't even dreamed of conquering just months ago.
You've accumulated numerous victories, and now you're prepared to vie for the championship belt of successes within the gym.
The gym is a small victory compared to what you have already endured.
This is where you can shatter personal records, make remarkable strides in your flexibility, and finally sculpt your dream physique.
The lessons you've internalized while integrating gym routines will amplify your ability to stick to the gym and equip you to tackle the challenges within the gym and in your future life.
You're already halfway to your dream outcome, and you've accomplished it all yourself.
(and with some assistance from reading this guide, of course 😉)
I'm proud of the progress you've achieved, and I'm genuinely excited to witness the future successes that await you.
PROGRESS BAR: ⚫⚫⚫⚫⚫
If you find that after purchasing that membership, you feel intimated by the presence of others at the gym and revert to your old habits, it indicates that you haven't maintained the necessary level of consistency.
In such cases, you might need to retrace your steps.
Consistency and discipline entail persevering through the hard work even when you lack motivation.
It's crucial to continue your gym routine even when faced with difficulties.
This commitment can be the defining factor between seeing gains in the gym or not seeing any progress at all.
If you find yourself struggling, it's possible that you've lost sight of your desired outcome and have veered away from the steps you were following.
🔰If The Gym Is Failed: Go back to Start🔄
Congratulations!🎆
If you've followed this framework, it means you've acquired your membership and are now poised to embark on your gym journey.
Welcome aboard!
Your journey is just beginning.
You've confronted numerous challenges, consistently breaking habits, absorbing new knowledge, and remaining steadfast in adopting your new lifestyle.
Because of your tenacity, I'm confident you'll succeed in the gym.
I'm excited for you to share this framework with others who'll see your remarkable changes as a result of this journey.
You're a force to be reckoned with.
Now, go out there and conquer your goals!
Your dream outcome is closer than you can imagine🦾.