Overcoming Roadblocks (With Video From Marcus Filly)

How To Leap Back Into The Gym, For Newcomers and Those Returning

Speaking from experience, going to the gym can feel overwhelming. It felt difficult when I first started going because I worried that people would stare at me or I had no idea where to start. It felt as if a roadblock was in my way. One roadblock can be if you feel that you may not want to start or feel you do not have the time or energy to do so. Another roadblock may include if you stop going to the gym, whether you have been under the weather or become too busy (been there!). Here, I want to give some encouragement on how to overcome that and what has worked well for me.

When you are looking to get back into the swing of things, it is not necessarily a bad thing to take it slow. For instance, when I have been sick (common allergies, seasonal sicknesses, etc.), I feel that I lost what I have been working towards, especially if I had not eaten enough or I am not moving around. It is important to get steps in if you are recovering form being sick, rather than laying down all day and becoming sore. 

As you begin to feel better, take smaller steps into exercising again. Start small, go for around 45 minutes to an hour, if possible. I would not worry too much about trying to lift heavy or add extra weight onto a machine since that can be overstimulating your body and it may be too soon to do that. It will be a gradual process; once you feel 100% better it will be easier to step back into your routine. Getting rest is important, but don't let it become an easy out of the gym. It is important to not go to the gym if you are not feeling good, as it can cause a feeling of relapse and could worsen your condition. Plus, you will risk getting those around you sick. Only go when you start to feel better and when you think you are not contagious; feel free to wipe machines if you think that will be helpful and respectful towards others (a little tip on that, try to wipe down every two machines with one wipe, so you are not using as many towels or wipes).

What if you were not sick and were just trying to get back into the gym? As I mentioned, start small and work your way up. I started at the gym by going 45 minutes every few days and I developed a routine along the way. Only you know what you will be comfortable with, so do not do something that will be too much to handle. Eventually, you will learn from others and by doing your research. I recommend checking out my other posts if you are looking for healthy tips from others or a routine that you may want to follow. Another important note is to not worry about those around you. The right mindset for the gym is to know that those who are going are choosing a healthy option. Most of the time, people are more focused on the workout they are getting in themselves, not on those around them. Do not feel intimidated by others or, if it comes to it, feel that you are being put down by others; you are there to make a good lifestyle choice, do not let someone take that away from you based on looks/comments. On the contrary, people may help you or you may want to help others; welcome these opportunities if you can! It is better to learn from mistakes and misconceptions than to keep doing it in a way that is not helpful. One way that has applied to me is when a guy at my gym showed me how to correct my form when doing tricep pushdowns; he was respectful about it and showed me how the correct form would help my muscles. Not one person will have all of the knowledge on working out; and everyone has different routines, preferences, and needs that are met. So do not feel your workout has to look the same as everyone else.

I will say it is a good idea to set goals and challenge yourself a little. You do not want to be doing the same weights, exercises, and routines every day; that may get dull and it may not be key to building more muscle. When working out, be sure to challenge yourself so that the last rep you do is one that you just barely finish. While this may not be done every time, it is helpful for muscle growth. Of course, do this when you are not getting back from being sick or if you are just starting! Be sure to make it a gradual process and move up little by little; for starters, on a machine, do one set with a little extra weight and see where it goes. Do an extra set and feel the burn! Do not hurt yourself or overdo it in the process, but find ways to make a little challenge out of it and work your way up.

Why Am I Writing About This?

This page seems relevant to my idea of the website as a whole. Times when I have been sick, whether for a few days or more than a week, it can feel discouraging when I have not been to the gym. But making healthy choices, gradually getting back into my routine, and knowing that I can regain my strength are all motivating factors for me. My workouts will always be there waiting for me, but I have to be patient first. Along the way, it can be helpful for me to remember that I want to take care of myself more; I want to choose to eat healthy foods, build up my immune system, and build extra support for my body. To finish it off, I want to share a video that I think is encouraging for my audience to watch. The video comes from an influencer and bodybuilder, Marcus Filly. I recommend checking more out on his channel, as he talks about workout routines, dieting, and other encouraging content. While the video focuses more on recovering from being sick, I think it still applies to those who lack sleep, have stressful moments, or get caught up in the business of life. Here is the video:

I hope this page and the video I shared are good words to help you along the way in the gym! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out! Check out Marcus Filly's Youtube Channel! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwJhoAPAoUfinWSLioVjNog

"Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer"

Romans 12:12 CSB