Fit Tips: You Don’t Have to Love the Gym

Social media shows snapshots of people living their best lives as gym lovers. These influencers would never skip leg day, they throw back scoops of pre-workout powder before heading into the gym, and prioritize their weightlifting sessions. They love heavy lifting, are friends with everyone in the gym, gripe about cardio, and put their fitness before anything else.

You don’t have to become this person. This lifestyle is awesome for many, but you don't have to find a passion for exercise or the gym to reach your goals if you don't want to.

Finding a fitness community can be life-changing for many people. However, it's entirely possible for a workout to be just a workout. A means to improve your strength and mobility and reach your goals. You don't have to be the person who spends hundreds of dollars on coordinating gym outfits, never forgets their protein shaker, and sets a new personal squat weight record with half the gym cheering you on.

When I first became a Personal Trainer, I wanted everyone I came in contact with to fall in love with exercise and the gym the same way I did. It took a lot of time for me to realize that this wouldn't happen for a lot of people. Not everyone is looking for this passion, and even some who are might not find it. I realized recently, after a lot of life and lifestyle changes, that I don't even have the same love and enthusiasm for the gym as I used to. Movement is still so important to me, and I haven’t lost my passion for helping others feel better in their bodies!

If you only work out because you know it's vital to your health, that's okay. If you only lift weights because your family has a history of osteoporosis, that's fine too. Your motivation and discipline don't have to come from a genuine enjoyment of exercising in a gym. Your goals and reasons aren't any less valid than those of a gym fanatic.

If you want to be passionate about fitness but just don't care enough about lifting weights, don't give up! There are a ton of other forms of exercise and movement that might click for you. Yoga, hiking, or recreational sports are just a few activities that can be so beneficial to your mind and body, and they might end up being something you fall in love with. These activities become your passions as well as your motivation to work out. Wanting to improve your form or technique, be able to challenge yourself, or last longer during your chosen activity can drive you to success as you exercise.

However, if you know physical activity will never be something you fall in love with, don't sweat it either. Stay focused on the things you do enjoy and care about and let those be your driving force to stay strong and flexible.

If you want to explore ways to make exercise more enjoyable, discuss how to stay active and enjoy it, or feel that something in this post resonates with you, let’s chat!