We're back with another gym workout article because we truly believe that health is wealth. After all the festive feasting, it's time to get back to exercising! If you haven't started your 'new year, new me' routine of exercising or dieting yet, consider this a reminder to begin now. As we enter the month of March, let's march in with positive energy and good vibes!
In this article, we’re sharing tips to make gym life less intimidating and challenging. Exercising can be tough, and many people give up quickly because they feel they can’t master certain moves right away. However, there are plenty of ways to simplify movements and make them easier for beginners! Keep reading to discover 5 simple hacks that will make exercising and gym time less stressful and more motivating!
Resistant Bands
If you can’t do certain moves, like pull-ups, try using resistance bands! Most gyms should provide these bands; if not, you can easily find them on e-commerce platforms like Shopee or Amazon. Not only do they serve as excellent workout tools for strength and flexibility exercises, but they also provide an extra boost to help you achieve a full pull-up.
Simply tie the band to the bar and step one foot into it for assisted pull-ups! Alternatively, hook both ends of the band just above knee height on the sides of the equipment, then step on it as you pull yourself up. You’ll find you can complete a pull-up without struggling. As you progress, switch to a lighter resistance band and continue with the assistance until you no longer need it!
Hair Bun (Barbell Squat)
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, bun up your hair, especially if you have long hair and plan to do barbell squats. This is one of the more dangerous exercises, particularly since you'll be carrying heavy weight on your shoulders. Why should you tie your hair in a bun instead of leaving it in a ponytail?
Many times, when you're carrying very heavy weight and squatting, you may reach a point where you need to drop the bar behind you to avoid injuring your back. Often, the bar rolls back quickly and can get tangled in your hair—even if it’s tied in a ponytail or braid. This entanglement can pull your hair with immense force, causing a painful whiplash effect, and even ripping hair from your scalp (everyone's nightmare!). So, the next time you're doing barbell squats or carrying anything on your shoulders, make sure your hair is out of the way!
TV Show on Treadmill
Alright, here’s another gym hack to help you actually take that first step out the door and into the gym. If you're getting in your daily cardio but often feel unmotivated to hit the gym, we don’t blame you! Walking or running on the treadmill can be pretty boring and exhausting, but that doesn’t mean we can't make it fun! To motivate yourself to stick with your workout routine—or at least get back on the treadmill—try this: find a long-running TV show like Grey's Anatomy, Suits, or Modern Family and only watch it while you're on the treadmill. You can also pick the latest Korean drama with cliffhangers and watch an entire episode only while on the treadmill! Once you're off, no cheating—you can't watch the show anywhere else except at the gym! The cliffhangers will "torture" you, but they'll also keep you motivated to head back to the gym and continue your workouts!
Box Push Up
If you're struggling with full push-ups and refuse to do knee-assisted push-ups, try box push-ups instead. These are elevated push-ups that are easier and won’t make you feel like an amateur at the gym. Most gyms have large soft or hard boxes typically used for box jumps or triceps dips. However, if you place these boxes against a wall and adjust them to your preferred height for push-ups, you might find that push-ups become much easier. This will allow you to gradually build strength and work your way up to performing full push-ups on the ground.
Unloading Weights with Plates
Unloading weights from the barbell can be difficult, especially when using heavy plates. Since the barbell is often on the ground, it can be tedious to pull the weights off by yourself, especially after a tough workout. To make it easier, simply slip another plate underneath to elevate the barbell, allowing you to easily remove the plates. Since most gym floors are matted, don’t worry about gently lowering the weights—feel free to let them go to avoid crushing or injuring your fingers. If it’s still too tough, the best option is to ask for help, either from a gym trainer or a fellow member!
To be honest, the ultimate gym hack is to ask for help if you're unsure. While many people in the gym may look intense with their strained faces after pushing themselves, rest assured that most are helpful. Above all, prioritise safety. You know your body best, so if something feels off, stop and ask for assistance. Your body is more important than anything else.
Alternatively, hiring a personal trainer to help you achieve your fitness goals is highly recommended. They can ensure you’re performing all movements safely, simplify certain exercises, and provide constant motivation as you progress.
If you’re not ready to sign up for a gym, start small by visiting a nearby exercise park or joining an activity class.
Read More about Activity Classes You Can Join Here!
Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.