7 Things to Keep You Going When Thinking of Quitting Gym

Gained a pound or ten over the last holiday season? I'm going to bet your New Year's Resolution has got something to do with hitting the gym. You are not alone. And you certainly won't be alone in the gym come January until the rest of the month, maybe.

You might be surprised to know that many of those who signed up for a gym membership at the start of the year have already quit. According to the Credit Donkey article by Rebecca Lake, although gyms get crowded by January, 80 per cent of these members won't make it past the five-month and many would have already quit by the end of January.

Before you know it, it is summer and you haven't achieved your beach body goal to show off on Instagram.

Isn't it sad that people would pay for membership and waste the opportunity of achieving anything at the gym?

What should you do to keep your resolve?

We are listing down these tips for you to consider before you actually throw in the towel.

1. Sign up for a gym membership in February, not January.

Don't let the wave of half-hearted gym goers carry you along with them. When they stop going to gym, it might dissuade you from going regularly as well.

Start working on your gym goals a month after the New Year fever. You won't have to waste your time waiting for your turn treadmill or wait your turn to use the gym equipment because the crowd has already dispersed by February.

It is still early enough for you to start working on your bikini body in time for summer. You can also focus more with the quieter setting to achieve your own resolution to either lose weight, maintain weight or start bulking up with muscles. Find more information about these on ShapeThatBod.com.

2. Keep your eye on the prize by keeping your goals quantifiable.

When you set your goals before starting a gym membership, make sure that it is something you can quantify.

If you intend to lose weight, be sure to know how much exactly. If your goals are vague, you won't be able to tell if your efforts are taking you one step closer to it. Nothing will encourage you more to keep going than actually seeing the progress you've been making.

3. Invest in a Personal Trainer.

Many first-time gym-goers don't have a clue what to do. They just hop on the treadmill and expect results as soon as possible.

When they don't see any change right away, they quit.

According to the National Federation of Personal Trainers, part of their role is to design and execute exercise or fitness programs. These are specific to the needs or goals of their client.

4. Take your time.

From little physical activity to an intense workout, your body will have a hard time adjusting.

The pain might make you think it's not worth it. If you pace yourself properly, your body (and your resolve) won't be burned out so easily. Give yourself time to heal in between your gym schedule. Two days a week is a perfect start. Make it three days a week when your body has gotten used to the workouts. Add in more days or more intense activities slowly, but surely.

5. Get a Gym Buddy to go along with.

A gym buddy can, directly and indirectly, keep you motivated.

Even your gym buddy has fitness goals of their own and you don't want to let them down, right? It's easy to find excuses for yourself. With a gym buddy, you'll accountable when they don't achieve their goals because of you.

6. Try something new at the gym.

Instead of getting stuck to the stationary bike, try swimming, hip-hop dance class, yoga or whatever else there is at your local gym.

If you keep doing the same type of workout day in and day out, it will get boring fast.

There are many creative ways to work out and you can try joining these special classes to keep things interesting while moving to tow your goal.

7. When all else fails, go back to the reason why you started this journey in the first place.

Your fitness goals also require mental focus.

These tips we are sharing with you will not work if you're not mentally prepared to stay in the game. This is why; you should never forget why you started this journey in the first place.

For whatever reason you signed up for the gym, remind yourself.  Don't let any excuse get in the way of that reason and your determination.

In a Nutshell

Signing up for a gym membership is a form of commitment. It's not something you give up when things start getting tough. Aside from helping you become fit, lose weight or tone your muscles, going to the gym can be quite fun if you're really committed to it. To achieve your fitness goals, to make good with your new year's resolution, you will have to work on it diligently. You can't expect significant results overnight. So don't give up and stay focused.