I know this is the exact opposite of some you’ve been getting but every time I go to the gym I get SO discouraged. My therapist was hoping it would help me feel better but it just makes me feel worse because it shows how little I can do and how little I’ve improved since I started. Do you have any tips for an actual true novice who is scared she’s just going to give up?
My first advice is this: stop focusing on what you can’t do, and view those things as goals to work towards by doing the beginner stuff first. If you can’t do a full push up, start on your knees or on the wall or more elevated. If you can’t do a certain yoga move ask for a less advanced version to do until you build the strength, balance, and coordination to do the advanced version.
I’ll use my experience training in Martial Arts (specifically Capoeira) as examples. In Capoeira there are a lot of very acrobatic moves that take years to learn how to do; such as doing a handstand and walking on your hands, or cartwheels with no hands, flying kicks, that sort of thing. It’s amazing to see the more experienced Capoeiristas do these moves because I know it took them years of dedicated training to do them; I view it as a peak into my future, but one I will only earn if I stick to training Capoeira and practice the less advanced versions of the moves I want to do someday.
It’s the same thing with any exercise. You EARN doing the advanced stuff by putting in the work and time and effort on the less advanced/beginner versions of the stuff that is more commonly seen in exercise.
What also might help you is to sign up for beginner fitness classes that can help teach you proper form and how to use the equipment, as well as allowing you to experiment and see what you do and don’t like. You might also try different Martial Arts styles or dance styles by trying out their beginner courses. It’s about finding what you like and what works for you in terms of your lifestyle.
@warriormale any more advice?
-FemaleWarrior, She/They
