Bringing Exercise Indoors

As the dog days of summer recline into the brisk days of autumn, many of us find that the backyard barbeques and summer beers have burdened us with a winter coat a little too early for our liking. It’s now time to hit the gym, but you haven’t been in ages and you’ve gotten used to your summer hikes and other outdoor exercises. Don’t fret. Like all routines, getting back to the gym is all about preparation and determination. Use these simple guidelines to help you get into your own cold weather exercise routine.

1. Prepare a schedule in advance. Most people work out just two to three days a week. If you plan your days in advance and stick to them, you’ve just accomplished the hardest part in getting back in shape.

2. Have the right equipment. Do you decent, loose-fitting sweats and gym shoes? Part of why people hate gyms is because they feel out of place. Visit a gym and see what others are wearing so you’ll know how to fit in on that first day without embarrassment.

3. Make use of the gym trainers. If you haven’t been to a gym in a while (or not ever), make sure you use the trainers employed by the gym. They will help you map out an exercise routine that works for you and won’t be to exhausting.

4. If getting to the gym is still a problem for you, you may be shy about the weight you need to loose. Don’t be. Everyone is at the gym for the same reasons – getting healthy or staying healthy. Being overweight is nothing to be ashamed of at the gym. Just by being there, you have more in common with the hard bodies than people who don’t go to gyms and you’ll be surprised at how supportive the people at the gym can be about your healthy choice to exercise.

5. Bring a friend. A lot of people find that they stick to their exercise routine better in the buddy system. This is why most gyms offer two for one coupons and membership packages. A friend can push you to work harder, make time on the bikes or treadmills more fun with conversation and help carpool.