100 Days at the Gym, What Did I Learn?

When my gym app congratulated me on my 100th visit to the gym, I almost wanted to gloss over it and overlook it, just like many other times that I achieved goals that I set for myself. I also felt it was not a big deal, and because I did not see the changes that I was expecting (Instagram baddies lied to us), I did not think 100 days at the gym should mean anything.

But today, while taking a shower after an intense gym session, I remembered that 100 days was such a big target that seemed impossible when I started going to the gym in March, so I decided to snap out of that feeling and applaud myself for showing up for 100 days. By the time I made this decision, it was already one week after I hit that milestone, but I am still excited about this and seeing what the future holds for me.

I have always been one of those people that were athletic, but I am also a lazy babe who enjoys being a couch potato, so when I decided to pay for a year’s subscription at the gym, I knew I had to mean business. The plan was to work out every day till the 20th of March, which is my birthday, but then I decided to incorporate it as a lifestyle.

I started by investing in a few cute gym wear because the slay is important. To be honest, I did not have any goal in mind at first (I was scared of being held accountable); I just wanted to be healthy and stronger.

I decided to start on the treadmill. It was quite enjoyable, moving at my own pace and in my comfort zone. The real issue started when I decided to register for gym classes with gym instructors and as someone who did not think that she was unfit or unhealthy, my first class with my gym instructor was a reality check. I could barely move my body for push-ups or even bicycle kicks, and to the normal eye, I looked good because I had added weight in the places that mattered. Meanwhile, your girl was literally fighting for her life.

I have come such a long way now because, as I walked into class today, my workout partner was like,, “Your arms look so toned, ” Well done!

I am not a pro, and I am still discovering myself, but I have learnt a couple of new stuff that helped me in the past couple of months

Teamwork makes the dream work, I find that using the gym and working in groups helped me a great deal, My workout partners motivate me even when I feel lazy, they complain with me when our trainer is doing the most. More importantly, they also remind me of little progress, which makes it worth it. I also have friends who post their workout pictures and videos online; these videos guilt trip me almost all the time.

Another thing I learnt is that you can do it! From one lazy babe to another, if I can do it, then you can. These past months, I have stretched myself and lifted weights I never thought I could; just push yourself, and you will see wonders.

Something that has really helped me is working with routine, this might not work for everyone, but I find that putting the gym as a routine activity, just like eating or sleeping, makes life easier for me; I know that I have to show up. The gym is a 20/25 minute walk from my apartment, I listen to the Bible on my phone, do a little prayer and just walk/ jog to the gym.

Always remember that if you fail, get right back up, I went to the gym every day in March, and April and when I missed some days in May and even June, I was disappointed in myself, but the hack is to feel disappointed but still go back to the gym, you can’t dwell in your sad feelings, get up, please!

These days, my typical day entails leaving for the gym at 6:30 am and joining 7:30 am classes; who would have thought,

I have also pushed myself because of my workout partners, and I now lift weights and engage in core exercises more often, but I am still very much a cardio girl.

I have learnt that being a workout girl also means being willing to step out of your comfort zone. I was so comfortable with using the thread mill, and I said the most important thing is leaving my house and walking to the gym, didn’t matter if I made any efforts at the gym, a win is a win. But there is always something better and bigger, and more challenging and guess what? You have the capacity for it

Challenge yourself. I remember my partner telling me to attempt hard things and even if I can’t do the entire rep I can at least try for a few minutes. I also know that when it is the hardest is the best time to keep going. In the past 100 days, I have pushed myself and I am better for it.

In spite of all my efforts, my stomach is not still flat, my ass is not big, and my trainer is still telling me to work on my form, but I am fit, and that is enough for me.