Let me start by saying that I don't do much exercise. Working out has never been my thing. When I was younger and my body could take the stress, I used to enjoy going running. When I got older, I started going to yoga. Then I got breast cancer and had a difficult time continuing to practice. Following that, I started walking outside when the weather was agreeable to it. Now, over the past couple of weeks, I have begun running again, just like I did when I was in my teens and 20's. I've recently joined a gym and I try to go a couple of times a week. Let's just say, I am not the kind of girl who goes to the gym. I don't have the proper workout clothes, I don't watch my diet or my weight, and frankly, I am not a fan of rooms full of sweaty people. I would prefer a hike in the mountains or a walk along the beach any day. However, recently I decided it was time to focus on my physical well-being, and I found my way back to running. I'm up to four miles now, and I'm looking forward to when spring comes and I can take my running outside. I know for many people four miles might not be a lot, but for me, four miles is comparable to having run a marathon. (Ok, not quite, but you get where I'm coming from, right?) I'm pleased to say that the feeling of accomplishment that I get when I run is worth the effort. Similarly, the opportunity to free my mind and body and push it in new ways is rewarding. The following are ten simple life lessons which illustrate the notion that, all I really need to know I learned at the gym.
1. A smile and a positive attitude go a long way.
Whether it's the gym employee that greets me on the way in, or the person using the machine next to me, a nice friendly smile or greeting can make the difference between a good day or a bad one. Use this in your daily life to make a difference. Whether it be at the workplace or in your home, a smile and a positive attitude impacts those around you.
2. Consideration for others is a necessity.
Wiping down the equipment after you've used it shows respect and consideration for your fellow gym members. It's really no different than the kindness we show strangers when we hold open a door for them or offer that they go in front of us in line. Do unto others as you would have done to you. The gym is like its own little microcosm, where respect for others is a requirement for a well-functioning society.
3. If you think you can, you will. If you tell yourself you can't, you won't.
It's simple. When I'm on the treadmill and I'm saying I 'm tired and I don't know if i can keep going, I stop. Yet, when I push myself to think about achieving my goal and how I am capable of doing it, I do it. The same applies to anything in life. Tell yourself all the positive reasons why you are going to succeed. Imagine succeeding. Don't start rattling off in your head the obstacles in front of you. Instead, think of all the reasons you'll achieve your goal. Where there's a will there's a way. Find it.
4. Move to the beat of your own drum.
It doesn't matter if everyone else is listening to their iPods while you run with only the music that plays in your head. It doesn't matter if the woman next to you is running six miles to your one mile. Everyone is different. You are only in competition with yourself. At the gym, or in life, you only have to try to be better than the you that you were yesterday.
5. It's ok to ask for help when you need it.
My first day at the gym I had to stop and ask someone how to use the treadmill. Seriously. I wasn't sure how to keep it to its basic functions, with all the fancy buttons and programs available these days. Likewise, if you run into a hurdle in life, theres no shame in asking for some support or guidance.
6. There is a fine balance between social time and time for oneself.
Do you ever notice how some people go to workout with a friend, while others consistently do their exercising alone? What about when you are working out and someone comes over and wants to chat? You'd like to be friendly, yet you're having a hard enough time breathing to be able to carry on a semi-intelligent conversation. Make time for socializing and make time for yourself. Both are necessary. Both are valuable. And as far as I can tell, it's tough to simultaneously socialize and take time for yourself, and then fully reap the benefits of either.
7. Mix it up.
Doing the same thing over and over again is boring, both at the gym and in life. Add some variety to both, and you'll be a lot happier.
8. No one else can do it for you.
Whether it's lifting weights and using the elliptical, or whether it's starting a new career or relationship, only you can make it happen. So get out there and do it.
9. When you think you can't take any more, you can.
When your muscles feel sore, or when you think you can't juggle anymore stress in life, know that you probably can go a little further. Whatever life hands you, you are capable of getting through it. Take a deep breath, think about how to get through it, and forge ahead. Don't give up.
10. You get out of it what you put into it.
Time spent at the gym is like time spent living your life. The more you put into it, the more you get out of it. If you're going to bother going to the gym at all, don't half-ass your workout. It was hard enough to wake yourself up, put on workout clothes, and get there. More importantly, don't half-ass your way through life. You only live once. It might feel like a quick sprint, or it might feel like a marathon. No matter what, make every step count!
