I recently was asked by my friend to pick up the mantle of the Super Squats column here at Crasstalk and I humbly accepted, of course. Why else would I be writing this? So anyway, I’ve been a self-proclaimed “gym rat” for many years now and with that has come a lot of knowledge about what challenges people face when they’re trying to lose some weight or get back to the gym or just improve their life.
I know the average person finds it difficult getting started with a consistent fitness regimen and there are those, like me, that find it difficult to stay engaged with The Life.
I was also asked, by this same friend, some poignant questions about the gym and what sort of fitness regimen I adhere to personally. I found myself being reinvigorated by the conversation and I believe my friend was too. Here was a unique opportunity that could be mutually beneficial for both parties.
Before I realized it I was back in the mood to hit the gym and tackle some, well, squats!
Here is some advice for some of you gym rookies out there: Don’t be intimidated by what seems like the daunting task of getting in shape. One of the best things you can do is find a workout partner who is a little more advanced and gym savvy than you — because the benefits will be immediate.
With a workout partner you’ll have some measurable goals to focus on and you won’t be embarrassed when you’re awkwardly trying to negotiate with unfamiliar gym equipment. You also don’t have to ask for a spot because you have a spotter on deck and most importantly you won’t have to pay someone to yell at you like a personal trainer.
And here’s my advice for the wily old gym vets: Don’t be so intimidating and snobbish. Look at it this way — working with newbies gives you the chance to show off your knowledge and rediscover the excitement of hitting personal goals. You also get back to the basics and have your own personal spotter too, so you can get back to setting and achieving personal goals of your own.
The one thing I know about setting up and maintaining a healthy fitness regimen from years of experience is that it must be consistent and manageable enough to fit into your day-to-day. So make it easy on yourselves by sharing the load. Partner up!
P.S. Don’t forget to leave your workout and nutrition questions in the comment section and I’ll try to answer them in future Super Squats columns.
