How to Conquer the Gym

        Unless you’re lucky enough to have a gym in your home, nowhere else makes it easier to get a workout in than college. With CWU’s recreation center located conveniently in the SURC, and membership and classes included in your tuition, the opportunity stands just one swipe away. It can seem intimidating if you don’t have much experience in the gym but working out is for everyone with a body. We all can improve ourselves somehow, and getting active is one of the most stress-relieving methods that benefit our mind and body. I was scared when I started and I know a lot of other girls are as well, but now as a regular around the gym, I have some tips for getting in the groove.  

Confidence in Numbers 

The simplest method, just get a friend to go with you. I promise you’ll feel more comfortable with someone already familiar, and it can be fun to research workouts to do together. You can push each other to do just a few more reps, people watch the other inhabitants, and hang out while improving your bodies. One of my best friends went with me for the longest time to get me comfortable, and since he was already familiar with the different machines, he was able to teach me what I needed to know to excel on my own. 

Take a Class 

Don’t have someone who can go with you or show you the ropes? Try a class also included in your membership. Currently, I’m taking a weekly group x class with a few of my girls, and it’s a great introductory course to the basics of platies and a great way to bond and be active. Your instructor helps you focus on form and concentrating certain muscle groups, which can transfer to your solo gym trips and round out your workouts to engage all parts of your body. 

A Cute Fit 

It may seem trivial, but what you’re wearing, at least for me, has a huge impact on my mood at the gym. If I’m wearing my favorite leggings and a cute top, I feel way better and more motivated to work out as opposed to being dressed in a big t-shirt, which makes me feel slow and not very good about myself. Find what silhouettes make you feel the most comfortable and confident, and a healthy workout will come in tow.  

Research and Inspiration 

In the age of social media, there are gym rats all over the internet with set workout plans that are tested and easy to follow. Women like Whitney Simmons are great examples of body-positive fitness role models. With a single click to follow, you can be updated with weekly workouts for the gym and home, along with basic inspiration and even deals from their partnerships with workout brands. Real people showing you what’s worked for them is a great way to pay attention to technique and take inspiration from other’s routines.   The gym is great, staying active year-round can help improve mood and keep you feeling healthy and productive. It allows you to be in tune with your body and accomplish what you want, knowing that you’re healthy. So, in these years of on-campus gym access, take advantage and make the most out of your body.  

The gym is great, staying active year-round can help improve mood and keep you feeling healthy and productive. It allows you to be in tune with your body and accomplish what you want, knowing that you’re healthy. So, in these years of on-campus gym access, take advantage and make the most out of your body.  

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