January is more than halfway over, with some left some still clinging to their New Year’s resolutions.
For many, this month includes working out more than the other 11 months combined. In fact, according to usnews.com, the second highest gym and health club attendance occurs in January, with March coming in first.
The question is simple: how does one make it over the January hump? How can New Year’s resolutions turn into Instagram-ready bodies?
Follow these steps in an attempt to turn fitness dreams into a reality.
Make it convenient
Students often stop working out because they are either too busy or too broke. Some may not be able to afford an expensive gym membership and may be too swamped with schoolwork to leave campus. However, a gym located on campus that is included in tuition and available to students at no additional cost exists. The Student Recreation Center is available to any student enrolled in at least three hours of an on campus class.
Recreation Center Employee Eric Hopple, health and fitness management senior, said the Recreation Center is accommodating for beginners.
Along with offering helpful insights to equipment and machinery usage, the Recreation Center offers group fitness classes, which is a great way for beginners to learn and get started.
Hayden Matz, health and wellness senior, is an ACE certified personal trainer for the Student Recreation Center.
Matz said he recommends starting with a high intensity interval training class. Each class is 30 minutes long, which is good for those who need something short and sweet.
Group fitness classes are not a part of the standard student membership. However, they can be purchased individually or with a semester pass.
Semester passes are on sale for $40 from Jan. 22-27. After Jan. 27, passes will go up to $50. These passes will allow students to attend group fitness classes all semester long.
The Student Recreation Center will be utilizing the week of Jan. 22-27 as a “free week.” During these days, all extra fitness classes will be free. A schedule of all group fitness classes can be found online at the Texas State Campus Recreation website.
Consistency is key
“The biggest tip I can give you is just to be consistent (with your workouts),” Matz said.
Matz said although many people want quick results, they really do not exist. Working out must become a habit in order to yield desired outcomes.
Working out and eating right is not a quick fix, it’s a lifestyle change. He recommends beginners start by exercising 2-3 times a week. It is important to do something consistently, even if it is minimal.
“Make connections,” Hopple said. “Talk to as many people as you can. Find out what you like and dislike.”
This is how beginners will get the most out of their time and make hitting the gym a habit.
Avoid getting overwhelmed
Although it is good to be consistent, it may be easy to burn out. This is a common mistake made by fitness newbies.
Matz said results are not going to be instant. Find a steady pace you can maintain. Start slow if need be. Beginning too aggressively may lead to injury or create a feeling of being overwhelmed.
Matz said he recommends alternating muscle groups when working out. This will help beginners to keep things interesting and avoid injury.
Mind over matter
Hopple said he urges fitness beginners to remember it is normal to be discouraged.
In order to make a lasting change, he said to focus on personal goals and make decisive action towards those goals.
Bobcats have all the resources needed to achieve Instagram-ready body goals. With patience, hard-work and determination, 2019 will be the year sure to deliver results.