One of the biggest problems I hear from women when it comes to working out, is the gym setting. We envision the big room full of tough guys pumping iron and running on the treadmills.
If we did get up the courage to set foot in a gym, we wouldn’t know what to do with any of the equipment, and we’d feel completely out of place.
For many, the trepidation alone is enough to prevent them from ever setting foot in a fitness club. Like many things, the reality is not as bad as the perception. Unfortunately, the problems with going to a gym don’t end after the perception is broken.
Problems with Conventional Gym Memberships
Women are busy. We aren’t usually driving past the gym on on our way somewhere else, with a change of clothes and a towel, and an extra hour and a half to kill.
Add kids to the mix, and we are going to have a very hard time sticking with it.
The “New Year, new you” goal power often doesn’t last long. The “summer body” goal power lasts for… the spring.
The gyms know this, and they make bank on our lack of commitment. They do it with a mandatory automatic withdrawal from your bank account. Maximum capacity is only an issue for January and February, and after that, it’s basically free money for them.
Problems with Self Directed Exercise
Self-directed exercise has its own set of problems. The main one being, we don’t discipline ourselves well. Given the choice, we opt for that extra hour of sleep. At the risk of sounding like a negative Nellie, will power alone just doesn’t get us very far in the fitness world.
The people who do the best with it are often the ones who have experienced major health issues, and have to stick with it to stay functional.
Avoid the Pitfalls of Gym Memberships
My way of avoiding the financial pitfall is simply not to get one. Now that isn’t the right answer for everyone, obviously. But it is for me.
Gyms that offer group classes help with the problem of self-discipline. Classes offer a fun community factor that makes it more enjoyable. It also cuts down on the cost.
How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Self Directed Exercise
One of the biggest things you can do, is the same thing the gyms figured out. Find community and/or accountability. If you have this built in to your program, it is less self directed, and more fun.
It also helps to make a habit of it by attaching it to another part of your routine. For instance, if you make coffee in the morning, take 10 or 15 minutes and do a simple morning routine to wake up your body. Then reward yourself when the coffee is done.
Toned Bodies Start with a Strong Core
Your core muscles, (diaphragm, multifidi, transverse abdominus, and pelvic floor) are key to your stability, posture, and safe functional movement. They should be the stable base from which all movement proceeds.
Just like you wouldn’t climb a ladder that is on an unstable base, you should not move heavy boxes, lift toddlers, run around, etc., with an unstable core.
Pilates is an excellent way to tone and strengthen the core, and it can be done without setting foot in a gym. You don’t even need equipment!
Toned bodies should be functional too
In addition to a strong core, you need to have a form of exercise that will increase flexibility, mobility, and strength. Big biceps are great, but you also need full body exercise to help you up off the floor when you get older.
You definitely need exercise designed to keep your posture at its best and help prevent the development of a dowager’s hump.
Yes, you read that right. Pilates can even help with that.
You also need exercise that will not add to the stress of life. Preferably take away from it and help calm you.
Yup, Pilates can help with that too.
Toned body, functional body, strong body, happy body. No gym required.
How Pilates At Home Does All That For You
It’s in the name- Pilates At Home. No gym required, no gym membership making automatic withdrawals. You have the option to try it on for size and cancel anytime.
In addition, our paid program offers structure, accountability, and access to my members only trainings, workouts, and other perks. If the paid membership isn’t your cup o’ tea, that’s okay! You’re still welcome to use all the free resources we have, and you can still reach out to me at info@pilatesathome.me
