Life has been quite busy lately (especially as we prepare for TBR Dream Marathon registration! Eek!), but, I must say, this is exactly the way I like it. For some reason, I get more work done when I know I’ve got a hectic day ahead. How do I make sure I get my workout done? Here are my 5 best tips on how you can squeeze a workout into your busy lifestyle: (more…)
Each year, Fitness First holds the New You Achievements Awards (NYAA) to celebrate the exciting success stories of Fitness First members. The most outstanding achievements are recognized at the prestigious and well-attended NYAA Gala Dinner. The awards are broken into four (4) categories, namely, Health, Shape, Sport, and Strength with each having its own winner. (more…)
I switched gyms recently and I must confess that, even if the gym is like a second home for me, the first few days at the new gym had me feeling shy and uneasy. I was thrown back into grade school when I met new classmates on the first day of school, but this time, I was confronted with “classmates” with 6-pack abs or to-die-for biceps! Gaaah! After a few days of familiarizing myself with the layout of the gym and meeting some of the trainers though, it was all good.
The experience got me thinking about how much harder it must be for first-time gym goers who are just getting started on their journey to fitness. Enrolling in a gym is a big step and the challenge for beginners is how to get comfy as quickly as possible so getting fit doesn’t become a chore but a fun experience.
Here are my top 8 tips to getting comfortable while getting fit at the gym:
1- On your first day, ask for an orientation. If you have no clue what to do or where to go, then ask the front desk to have a trainer take you around the gym to introduce the facilities and the types of exercises you can do on your own. Ask them specific questions on how to use the treadmills, spinning bikes, and other machines. Don’t be shy!
2- Get to know at least one of the staff members or gym mates by name. The first few days can be unnerving if you don’t know anyone at all at the gym. However, just by casually introducing yourself to one trainer or fellow gym member and making friendly conversation, you’ll feel more comfortable in the future when you see them again. Just remember: the gym is not a place for chitchat. Keep conversations to a minimum so you give your new friend a chance to workout.
3- Workout with a friend. If you’re nervous about going out there on your own, then encourage a friend to sign up with you. Join classes together, hop on the treadmill at the same time, and just have fun.
4- Hire a personal trainer. If you really have no clue where to begin, then consider hiring a personal trainer who can assess your fitness, evaluate your goals, and assist you during the entire workout.
5- Join a class. One of the best ways to get your feet wet immediately is to sign up for one of the class sessions. This gives you a chance to feel like you’re truly part of the gym along with the other members. To add, it can allow you to meet some of the gym members who frequent the sessions.
6- Come prepared. Wear the appropriate gym out fit, bring your ipod and earphones if you want to keep to yourself, and bring your own hydration bottle. By arriving at the gym feeling ready, then you’re less likely to feel nervous and insecure.
7- Be confident. Don’t be intimidated by people who look and act like they workout 24/7. These people were once newbies too. The gym is for people of all shapes and sizes and everyone has their own goals. You don’t have to look super fit to fit in at the gym.
8- Go often. The more you go, the more you feel comfortable in the gym and, in time, it truly will feel like a second home to you.
A gym membership is essential for a runner like me. 2 out of my 5 weekly runs are done on a gym treadmill. Treadmill runs are efficient, simple, and, they’re a lot more comfortable than suffering under the tormenting heat of the sun when my busy sched won’t allow for early morning runs. Core workouts and strengthening exercises are also an integral part of my running program and I complete these exercises at the gym. Lastly, I like shaking things up every now and then, so trying out group classes like spinning and yoga at the gym, is a convenient way for me to cross train without having to commit to an entire set of new classes. (more…)
The past few weeks, I’ve been somewhat troubled. It’s been so hot outdoors that I’ve been compelled to run on the treader at my gym. It’s bad enough that I have to run indoors, but it gets worse when I have to run on the decrepit treadmills at my gym. I love my gym, but man oh man their treaders are dying! Among the five facing the television, one does not incline anymore and another takes forever to speed up. I’ve even run 10k on one that had these words screaming at me on the monitor every few minutes: “Replace belt!” All the other treadmills seem like they’re just waiting to DNF while someone is on it. Gaah! Needless to say I’ve been toying with the idea of switching gyms because the only thing I use at my gym, apart from the mats and the lockers, are the treadmills!
Last week, I was invited to a Fitness First event where they unveiled plans for 2014 that had me drooling with envy. (It was probably a sign!) Fitness First launched its new logo, new programs, and new innovations for their gyms worldwide.
Fitness First’s New Logo
Simon Flint, CEO of Fitness First Asia, and Mark Ellis, Fitness First Philippines’ Country Manager
Fierce and fast triathlete friends
Simon Flint, CEO of Fitness First Asia talked about the new Fitness First Philosophy. The club aims to inspire and motivate people to work on their fitness by engaging and interacting with them through Fitness First’s innovative new programs and expert trainers, and not just through exercising on the gym equipment. “With the new innovations of Fitness First, we help you go further in life with the right balance of training, healthy eating and inspiration. With us you can reach your personal best and achieve more than you thought possible. We provide you with fitness that suits your style and your life. And more importantly, we keep you moving forward,” Flint explained.
Fitness First has built on the principles of behavioral psychology to radically change their gyms and create workouts that will help people stay motivated such as their four signature fitness programs that are delivered by highly skilled staff. These were showcased during the launch with exciting performances cum fitness demonstrations by Fitness First’s professional trainers. The signature programs that are Fitness First proprietary products designed to produce maximum results in minimum time are Pro Cycling, Advance Flow Yoga, Freestyle Group Training, and Hardcore Maxx.
The company is also co-producing a first-of-its kind reality TV show called Fit for Fashion that will subject the contestants to Fitness First’s innovative training programmes to help them get fitter and go further in life. The show will transform contestants into fit, stylish and confident individuals who will inspire and motivate viewers watching the show. A fashion show was one of the highlights of the night as Fitness First showed fit and confident individuals of different shapes and sizes who walked down the ramp.
As a fitting end to the night, the newest Fitness First Ambassador Ginebra Gin King and Gilas Pilipinas’ renowned point guard L.A. Tenorio was introduced alongside members of the Fitness First Triathlon team who are advocates of fit, active and healthy living.
Fitness First Philippines Managing Director Mark Ellis said, “Fitness is a lifestyle choice. Ultimately, Fitness First wants to provide members with more than a box of equipment. We shaped our new staff training programme which includes expert instruction on how to motivate members. We want to provide them with the expert support they need via highly qualified fitness expertise, effective exercise programmes and a motivating workout environment. We believe that we can help people go further in life, and our teams are in the forefront of helping members push their limits to go further in life and inspire others to do the same.”
Good job Fitness First! Thank you for the complimentary day pass. I shall use it for at least a day’s respite from rickety old treaders LOL.
