In today’s digital era, where information flows freely at our fingertips, it’s easy to assume that we have all the knowledge and resources we need to achieve our fitness goals. With countless workout videos, nutrition advice, and fitness apps readily available online, one might question the necessity of joining a gym. However, amidst this sea of virtual fitness guidance, there remains an irreplaceable allure to the brick-and-mortar establishments we call gyms.

Fitness instructor and founder of the newly launched private gym I Fit Nepal, Rajan Munikar, tells us why joining the gym continues to hold immense value, even in an age dominated by online fitness information.

When you first join a gym

If you want to succeed in your fitness journey, choose a gym that fits your goals and preferences. Opting for the gym can motivate you to achieve your goals. Neglecting your physical health can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, so prioritising exercise is essential.

Starting a new workout routine can be tough on your body, and you may initially experience soreness and discomfort. But, by selecting a newly opened gym or choosing a well-maintained gym, you can be confident that all equipment and facilities are sanitised and hygienic, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for your fitness journey. So, why wait? Give it a try and see the results for yourself!

Going to the gym is an individual experience, as everyone has unique goals and training preferences. For beginners, the two-three years of going to the gym can be transformative, with noticeable body changes. However, after this initial period, the body can plateau and stop responding to the same intensity exercises that were previously effective. This can make people overly fixated on the gym and need to remember their original goals. This is especially true for young people who can become obsessed with the gym after seeing the visible transformations in their bodies.

Training to-dos

While the gym is an essential part of your fitness practice, you shouldn’t depend on it completely to reach your fitness goals. You should also follow a diet that will complement your training.

I would suggest you to visit the gym at least two times a week. Try to focus on different muscle groups and not just a single part. Then consult with your trainer or a dietician/nutritionist and tweak your food intake slowly according to your bodily and fitness needs.

Air bikes are excellent for those looking to burn fat; they will improve your athletic performance and, most importantly, your cardiovascular health. These bikes go beyond the typical stationary bike, providing a full-body workout with variable resistance that will challenge your cardio and muscular endurance to the fullest, leading to real and noticeable gains in your fitness level. But keep in mind that this is a challenging exercise.

Similarly, a squat rack is strength equipment that can help improve your squats. Increase the weights as you get more used to the exercise. The squat rack can also help you better your back and front squats, barbell lunges, shelf pulls, and pressing movements.

The leg press is another one of my go-to machines. It is just as effective as squats to build your quads. It offers several benefits, one of them being, it allows you to add more weight than you can handle with squats. Additionally, because you're braced against a pad, you don’t have to worry about stabilising the load, so you can focus solely on pushing it for as many reps as possible without injuring yourself. The leg press is an excellent tool for anyone looking to push more weight than with squats and develop more control in their legs.

Why join the gym?

Going to the gym is a great way to improve your athletic performance, mental health and lose excess fat. Also, being healthy is not just about losing excess fat but also being mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially healthy. Joining the gym will teach you how to balance your life and stay active.

Joining the gym will help you stay consistent with your workouts. You’ve already paid for your subscription, so you’re more likely to show up to the workout sessions.

Also, it’s always good to have a professional overlook your movements to make sure you are not doing anything wrong and hurting yourself.

However, remember the added benefits of boosting confidence and having glowing skin that come with a regular gym routine. At my gym, I have a board where clients can track their progress and see how far they've come. Ultimately, the goal is to focus on being healthy and feeling your best.