Thinks I love Thursday #6 Training Buddy!

For the first few months of my gym life  I was a lone wolf.  I hated training with other people.  Mainly because I only had a small amount of knowledge on my workouts that I wasn't able to switch and change things up for training with other people.  I used to get annoyed when someone showed me a different way to do something because that is not how I had been taught.  I am a grumpy toddler at heart.  Even though deep down I am the same stubborn brat things have changed. 


Going to the gym with someone now is a totally different experience.  Its like being with another member of the pack ready to show the world how it should be done.  This has changed because I have learnt something very important.  Just because its different, doesn't mean its wrong.  When I started out at the gym I was a novice.  I had been taught how to do an action or motion in relation to the workout I was doing, for my body at that time and to help develop a serration area.  Over time building knowledge of my body and techniques I am beginning to understand the difference between bad form and variations.  This is something that is very important when training with someone.  For example the person I currently train with is male, tall and has been training for a few years now.  The variations he sometimes uses are different to mine.  We both might be training legs however he might be isolating one area whereas because I am not as far on I might be working on my legs as a whole.  As a result of this we may be doing things differently. 


Right now I am particularly enjoying working out with my friends who are new to or don't have much knowledge of training.  This allows me to share what I know, and in doing so develop myself.  As people are different I am coming up with plans that suite both of us and using different variations to suite our bodies and levels.  It has also helped me to develop my skills in supporting people within a gym environment. 


Going to the gym with someone and working out together is something I would recommend to everyone.  Give it a shot because it might not be as bad as you think!  Remember to be open to new workouts and styles but make sure you keep your form on point and stay safe!


Hope you enjoyed my Things I love Thursday #6!  See you soon!

Things I love Thursday #5 Supersets!

Everyone has their favourite thing to do in the gym.  Their go to workout when they can't be bothered walking to the gym let alone doing anything there.  Mine is something that is the baine of most peoples lives... I love supersets.  I can get bored quite easily when working out so supersets keeping things fast paced and interesting.  Mixing different workouts together and powering through them gets your heart rate up and your blood pumping.  I like to do a combination of body weight and weighted workouts.  This way just general cardio can be a little more interesting.  As time goes by you can see progress in your weights, skill and time.  When I first started I could do a double arm kettle bell swing at 8kg.  Now with good form I can do 16kg with one arm, double the weight, half the arms! 

It has also helped me build up my confidence and showed me that I can  do this.  Before starting I was so scared of hights I couldn't jump onto a box that was just above my knees.  Now I can smash out 15 box jumps and not miss one!

They have helped develop me in so many ways.  As much as I love them I am aware its not for everyone.  So many people are starting the gym this month and giving up not long after.  I bumped into an old friend of mine the other day at the gym.  It was her first time and she was worried it might also be her last.  She said to me that she was going to force herself to come in every week.  The second she said that I had to stop her.  This is one mistake that many people make when they join the gym.  They hit the tread mill, try to run for a bit, get a cramp and stop.  Nagging and nagging at themselves to go and repeat this every week.  This is not the way to do it!!  As much as the gym is for getting you fit it should be enjoyable.  Making yourself go when you don't want to will only make you hate it more.

I advised that she look at some classes, try out some stuff until she found something she likes.  I gave her a card for a PT that I know and also told her to check out stuff online to get ideas.  It is always good to start the gym with someone who has some experience and if you don't know anyone even two or three sessions with a PT can be a massive help.  I said she can give me a buzz if she wants a hand and I could put a plan together if she wants.  I love my supersets but finding what you love is key.

Hope you enjoyed my mini rant and keep strong!  See you all next Thursday!