Unlikely Lessons from a Former Gym Grouch

How I finally stuck to a gym routine and it changed my life.

Written by Julia Jayne | November 2023

What I'm about to share with you is as unlikely as witnessing Lord Voldemort, the infamous dark wizard from Harry Potter, sporting hot pink spandex aerobic outfit and transforming into a full-fledged wellness guru. Just picture that for a moment!

Here it is: Lifting weights has changed my life. 

The notion of me, a self-proclaimed gym-phobic, stepping into the world of weightlifting and loving it was as far-fetched as imagining the sinister wizard leading a yoga retreat for Lululemon-loving Westside moms.

Yet, here we are, a year into my fitness journey, which means I’ve been consistently sore for the last 12 months, yet I am feeling better, stronger, healthier, and happier than I ever thought possible. It's not that I had an aversion to exercise in the past; I always enjoyed staying active through hiking, walking, tennis and the occasional yoga session, and such. However, I was undeniably skeptical when it came to anything gym or weightlifting related. So, how did I manage to stick with a regular workout routine and transition from a gym grouch to a bona fide gym rat? Well, keep on reading my friend.

HOW I FINALLY STUCK WITH A GYM ROUTINE

The Why - Make Strong Your New Skinny

You would think that the day I threw out my back while lifting a tiny box off the floor would have motivated me to hit the gym. Surprisingly, it didn't. What actually prompted me to take action was the day I found it increasingly difficult to reach my salad bowls on the top shelf. It was in that moment that I realized my desire to be as strong and independent as possible as I age.

My tip: Find something greater beyond simply wanting to be skinny or healthy—something that will motivate you to hit the gym even on days when you don't feel like it.

Your Mindset - Choose Your Thoughts and Words Wisely

We've all heard that mindset is crucial. If we repeatedly tell ourselves we're old, we start feeling old. If age is truly just a number, then it's just a number. Viewing the gym as a chore makes it less likely for us to stick to a routine. Personally, I've adopted the habit of saying I 'get to' work on my strength today, rather than saying I 'have to' go to the gym.

Date Your Gym First

Why is this step so crucial? Especially when you're just starting out, your inner dialogue can flood you with reasons to skip a workout – traffic, crowded spaces, parking issues, and more. It's astonishing the excuses we can come up with. So, before making a commitment, 'date' various gyms (if options are available in your area). Many gyms offer a free trial period. Evaluate factors like the commute, parking, locker rooms, equipment, and the atmosphere before making your choice.

The Difference Between Exercise and Training

Exercise is fantastic. It provides a temporary escape from your daily life, gets your body in motion, and usually leaves you feeling great in the moment. On the other hand, training involves working out with a specific goal, like building muscles. Each session is designed to build on the previous one. To ensure you have a plan in place, consider downloading a workout app or hiring a trainer.

Try Before You Buy

When selecting a training app, be sure to explore free trials before committing. Treat it like choosing a gym membership. Most apps offer a trial period, and personally, I experimented with six different apps before finding the one that resonated with me. I basically sampled various workout apps for six weeks at no cost before deciding to invest in a year-long membership. 

Awkward Is The New Sexy

Embrace the Awkwardness. It's perfectly normal to struggle in the beginning, and that's okay. Everyone begins somewhere. Like acquiring a new skill or language, lifting weights requires time to become familiar with. Recall the first time you sat behind the steering wheel learning to drive—it felt awkward, didn't it? Now, you likely drive without a second thought. 

Start Slow Finish Strong

No need to jump into working out five days a week right away. Give your body time to adjust. In the first few months, I began with twice a week, then progressed to three times, and eventually built up to five days a week. 

As I chose to not work with a trainer, I turned to YouTube and Instagram videos to learn the proper execution of specific exercises (hello, deadlift and RDL). I dedicated a solid 6 months to perfecting my form with lighter weights before progressing to heavier lifting.

People Watch

Since everything was new to me in the beginning, and I wasn't familiar with most of the equipment, I found inspiration by observing others. I wasn't shy about asking questions either. I discovered that people in the gym are generally very helpful and willing to share their knowledge. 

Can’t Outperform A Bad Diet

Fuel Your Muscles, Don’t Feed Your Fat. What and how you eat is just as crucial as the workout itself. Many people tend to either overeat in the beginning (protein shakes, snacks, etc.) or undereat. It's a delicate balance. I discovered for myself that even a good diet doesn't help if you eat too much of it. In my case, I was overdoing it with nuts, healthy fats, and excessive proteins, leading to initial weight gain. It took me a good ten months to figure out the right nutrition that works for me. Since everyone is unique, pay close attention to your body. A good diet is one where you feel energetic, healthy, mentally alert, sleep well, have glowing skin, and achieve fat loss while building muscle.

Apply the 1% Rule

Every time you show up for yourself thrive to be 1% better than the last. Small improvements over time lead to major changes.

Have Idols 

I can't stress this enough: finding people you look up to, who inspire you to keep going, is crucial—especially on days when you don't feel like it. Personally, I started following what I'll call 'mature influencers'—individuals who began lifting weights in their 50s and 60s, such as Joan McDonald @trainwithjoan, Julia Linn Olson @dolphinine, Shannon @thegymnurse, Denise Kirtley @fiftyfitnessjourney. Witnessing their transformations continues to inspire and motivate me to persevere. 

I'm glad I finally got over myself and started lifting weights. The transformation in my life, body, and mind has been priceless. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to prioritize strength and health over the pursuit of wanting to be skinny. Ultimately, no one can make you do anything—it's up to you. Perhaps it's not weightlifting, but you'll never know until you give it a shot. If you haven't read 'Defying Gravity' yet, check out how Mary Seritella became an international pole dancing phenomenon in her 60s. It proves that there's a sport out there for everybody, no matter your age.

Inspired to take action? Here's a recap: