30
01/2012

OK, so you’ve started your program but need a little extra help staying motivated? Here’s a few tips:

• Get an exercise buddy. They will help keep you motivated-and so will the guilt of standing them up.
• Make a bet with a friend or enemy. Placing a money wager that you will hit your goal by a certain date makes every workout count. It also puts your honor on the line!
• Tell everyone you know about your fitness goals. That way, you will have that many more people to answer to.
• Buy yourself new exercise clothes, sneakers or a workout bag. Not wanting new and/or expensive equipment to go to waste will make you more apt to get off the couch and use it.
• Join a gym that you pass by nearly every day-perhaps on the road between your home and work. Seeing it regularly will eventually draw you in there to train.
• Get on a professionally-designed, long-term program. The sooner you start seeing results, the more you’ll want to keep training to continue them. Aimlessly hopping from workout to workout-or even worse, from machine to machine-will only waste your time.
• Join an exercise class. The camaraderie you develop with your classmates should be enough to keep you coming back.
• Keep a workout log. Recording your progress from session to session (or lack thereof) will show you what you’re doing right and what you’re doing wrong. There’s also a great feeling of satisfaction that comes from watching the amount of poundage you use grow with each passing week.
• Buy an iPod or portable CD player that you can take to the gym. Associating your workouts with fun music or escapism will make you not want to miss them.
• Put a picture of your family or loved ones in your gym bag. It will remind you who you want to be healthy for.

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Posted 4 days ago

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27
01/2012

The vow to eat right and exercise is one of the most popular—if not the most popular—of all New Year’s resolutions, which is why we rounded up these gym-going pointers from the experts to help you navigate the gym.

1. Do your best to familiarize yourself with the gym’s rules and regulations. Each gym has its own set of do’s and don’ts about time spent on equipment during peak hours, how to return towels and more.

2. Learn basic gym etiquette: Learn to workout with people who are using the same machines or benches, re-rack your weights after using them, wipe off any sweat from a bench or machine, and don’t talk on your cellphone while people are working out around you.

3. Get the lay of the land. Most gyms offer a free fitness consultation with a personal trainer for new members – be sure to get a tour of the facilities and ask questions about unfamiliar machines, proper form and specific exercises.

4.  Prepping your body for the burn.  Never hit the gym without proper nutrition. Not only will you not get the workout you want, but you may cause serious risk to your health. 

5. Make sure you have the right gear.  Wear supportive running shoes or a cross-trainer shoe. You’ll also need breathable and comfortable clothing such as shorts and short-sleeve shirts; women also need a supportive sports bra.

6.  Take ample time to warm up your muscles. Take an easy ride on a stationary bike or a leisurely walk on a treadmill for 10 minutes to get your body stretched, loose and ready to work. 

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Posted 1 week ago

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27
01/2012

This almost hour-by-waking-hour guide will help you power through your killer schedule and may even help you sleep better when you finally get the chance.

8 a.m. – Do breakfast right

Six ounces of Greek yogurt and mix in a cup of fruit and a few tablespoons of granola for a light meal that’s rich in protein and healthy fats.

10 a.m. – Fill your water bottle

Staying hydrated fends off sluggishness by moving nutrients through the body.

11 a.m. – Check in with a friend

Mentally changing focus at least once a day fights brain fatigue.

Noon – Select smart carbs

Try a dose of energizing complex carbs, perhaps some turkey and light Swiss cheese on whole-wheat bread, plus a few apple slices.

2 p.m. – Let the sunshine in

Take 10 minutes to soak up some rays for a natural wake-up call. Even cloud-filtered light can stave off sleepiness.

4 p.m. – Pat yourself on the back

Before quitting time at work make a quick list of the day’s accomplishments—even “I got to work on time!” counts.

6 p.m. – Dodge the couch

Take 20 minutes (or more) to jog around the block, do some quick strengh-training, or yoga now. Exercise can actually help you sleep well which is the key to starting the next day with power to spare.

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Posted 1 week ago

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27
01/2012

Welcome to the brand new Gold’s Gym tumblr blog!  Check back here for all the latest news surrounding Gold’s Gym, including fitness tips, exercises to try at the gym, expert advice from our Fitness Institute and much more.

Additionally, we’re excited to announce the launch of “Show Us Your Journey.”  Whether it’s shaping up for a sport, losing weight, or overcoming a physical challenge, Gold’s Gym recognizes that it’s not just about the “before” and “after” photos when it comes to a fitness transformation – it’s about the journey, the hard work and the sacrifice that it takes to get from one photo to the other.

Starting Wednesday, February 1^st, six candidates selected from across the country will chronicle their fitness journeys through blog post updates, videos and images for a chance to potentially be featured in our Stronger Than ad campaign.  Join us here as the program kicks off to learn more about the candidates and follow their progress!  

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Posted 1 week ago

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