The Gym Chronicles: Why Starting Gym is Tough (But Worth It)
You know what is more difficult than canyoning or hiking up a volcano? Getting started at the gym.
Here I am, almost retired and planning more adventure travel - particularly canyoning and hiking up a volcano in Costa Rica next year - and I realized if I wanted to keep exploring, I would need to focus on my strength and stamina. So, naturally I thought I needed to hit the gym. Oh boy, if it were as simple as buying new gym shoes and just showing up everyone would be at gym. Of course, attending gym regularly is a whole other matter.
Step 1: The Decision to Go (The Most Difficult Step)
It starts with the best intentions. "This is it," I tell myself. "I am going to the gym."
Then my brain intervenes:
- Let's do some research.
- Should I buy workout clothes and shoes?
- What about a gym playlist?
- Maybe I need to watch a few YouTube videos on what exercises I should do.
- Oh look, a video on longevity and I go down that rabbit hole.
Before I know it, 6 months have passed since I signed up at the gym and the only thing I have lifted is the TV remote. It was the encouragement of my friends Tonya and Rebeca that eventually made me go to my first gym session in 14 years.
Step 2: The Initial Gym Jitters
Walking into a gym after years away can make you feel self-conscious - "What is this old fat guy doing here?" Even though everyone is focused on their own workouts and music you still stand out as the new guy. The ones that have been attending gym for years move with confidence, while I pause to read machine instructions like I am decoding ancient texts.
But here is the thing: I know this feeling will pass, I have mastered many things in my life and overcome far greater challenges than attending gym - so I just need to show up and keep at it. I remind myself that every session, every rep and every drop of sweat is an investment in my ability to keep enjoying an active and adventurous lifestyle.
Step 3: Figuring Out My Plan
I needed a clear action plan. I needed to combine strength training with Cardio as I had learned in my reading on exercising for longevity. Cardio first, mixing up walking, cycling and rowing to provide variety, then machines for strength training in the Circuit section as they provide a full body workout.
Step 4: The Surprising Wins
Once I pushed past the initial awkwardness, I started to enjoy going to gym. There is something satisfying about my progress, whether it is increasing the resistance on a machine, increasing the incline on the treadmill or adding new exercises to my workout.
The best part is that gym is not as intimidating as it first seems. No one is watching and no one cares. The only thing that matters is showing up, putting in the work and challenging yourself - every session is another step toward keeping up with the lifestyle I love.
