February is the time when common New Year’s Resolutions, like getting in shape, typically begin to fail. You may have wanted to go to the gym more, but the mental and physical aspect involved may have begun to seem like way too much.

I am not a newcomer to physical fitness, as I have been going to the gym routinely for roughly eighteen months. I work out five days a week for a total of eight to ten hours per week. If I have learned anything, it is that the gym is tough.

I have found that the physical aspect involved in working out truly gets easier after a little while. The mental motivation aspect is what actually tests an individual, especially coupled with the other demands of life as student.

Nevertheless, going to the gym can be so gratifying for an individual, as it has been for me. Nothing compares to coming past all of the mental obstacles and completing such a challenge. For more help, check this post explaining why Bowflex Elite is one of many different home gym fitness equipment options.

I hope these following tips help you keep your New Year’s fitness resolution, as they have certainly helped me stay motivated going to the gym for so long.

• Get in your zone: Whether it is listening to music or shadow-boxing, do what you need to get ready. Your playlist is one of the most important aspects of a workout as it helps you stay focused and maintains the gym mindset.

• Know what you are doing: Misuse of the gym can result in some serious injuries over time, especially if you’re trying to get into the weightlifting side of working out. Do some research and find workout apps that demonstrate proper form – I use an app called Fitness 22. Although it may be tempting, never sacrifice form for the amount of weight lifted. Trust me, your back will thank you.

• Do what moves you: If you’re a first-timer to workout culture, go into the gym and just do whatever looks interesting to you. This is important to avoid tedium before you start an actual routine.

• Make a plan/Set goals: One of the biggest mistakes I have seen throughout my fitness journey is people walking around the gym mindlessly lifting weights. This practice sets you up for failure. Once you find what interests you, I recommend organizing it into a routine on a google doc, which is what I use. This will help you keep track of several aspects of the exercise and remind you of past mistakes. For best supplements and products for bodybuilding, visit Apex Peptides homepage 

• Have a diet/Eat healthy: You can work out as much as you want, but you will see very little body change if your diet does not complement the work you put in. Do not be afraid of carbs. Whole-grain carbs are your best friend, especially when it comes to muscle gain. Also, do not think that eating tons of protein will only benefit you; eating too much can cause serious health issues. If you are not sure about the nutritional consequences of a food, consult Livestrong or some other resource. For healthy solutions you can check this out here.

• Remember why you started: The starting phase of working out is the hardest part. It will get better, and months or years into hitting the gym, you will know where the transformation began and be able to laugh at how much you have changed.

Even with all of these tips,  people who make a lifestyle out of going to the gym rely  on something that cannot be taught. There is deep-seated drive within those individuals who strive to improve themselves.

I challenge you to be in the minority that overcomes the odds and becomes what they have always pictured themselves to be.