Whether or not you hate the gym, physical activity is important for your long-term health. According to the World Health Organization the benefits of physical activity include:

  1. Reducing the risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, breast and colon cancer, depression and the risk of falls
  2. Improving bone and functional health
  3. Helping with energy balance and weight control

Although physical activity consists of bodily movements of everyday life ranging from house chores to recreational activities, many individuals choose the gym as their physical activity setting. However, some individuals straight up hate the gym. Here’s some common reasons for loathing the gym, and suggestions on how to tackle these dilemmas:

1. Exercise is boring

  1. Exercise is classically defined as a planned, structured and repetitive movements designed to maintain or improve one’s physical fitness (WHO). However, doing the same routine every time can be boring. To avoid this, try some of the following options:
    • Try out a fitness class (ex. yoga, aerobics, strength, spin). The choreographed or designed workouts usually vary week to week or class to class to keep you both interested and challenged.
    • Work with a personal trainer who can provide you with structured variety in your routine and provide you with different options that still work to meet your goals.
    • Make a workout playlist that gets you moving and grooving, thereby taking your mind off the movements or amount of repetitions you are doing.
    • Think about getting a workout buddy who can help you to stay motivated and encouraged.
  2. If doing repetitive exercise movements are not for you, think about other activities that can get your body moving.
    • Do seasonal activities outside (ex. winter – snowshoeing, skating, skiing).
    • Think about other spaces in the facility you go to that can be utilized for physical activity options (ex. gymnasium, pool, or fitness studios).
    • Join a recreational sports league.

2. It takes too long to get to the gym and work out

  1. Figure out what amount of time you can commit to being active. It doesn’t have to be 60 minutes at a time.
    • The Canadian guidelines suggest Adults aged 18-64 years should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity per week, in bouts of 10 minutes or more.
    • Remember being active doesn’t mean you have to be a gym setting. Use the spaces you have around you (stairs, backyards, playgrounds) in the time you have allotted (break times at work, commercial breaks, commuting).

3. The gym is intimidating

  1. “So many pieces of equipment – what do I use, and how do I use it?”
    • Don’t be afraid to ask staff. They are around for your questions and are more than happy to provide you with advice, or suggestions.
    • Consider hiring a personal trainer to help you build your confidence in knowing what to use and how to move. They can also set you up with a program to get you started.
  2. “I’m very self-conscious of how I look, and worry that I will be stared at.”
    • Try to remember:
      • Everyone is at the gym for the similar reason of improving their health.
      • All gyms are full of different kinds of body shapes, sizes and age groups – you are not alone.
      • Consider going at a non-peak hour so it is less busy, and you don’t feel as overwhelmed or crowded.
    • Choose the gym that has the right environment for you
      • There are many different gyms around these days that cater to different wants and needs (women’s only, private gyms, public gyms, yoga studios, etc.). Consider what setting and activities you may be looking for and try it out as a drop-in participant.

Most importantly focus on finding a setting that works for you, an activity you enjoy, and have fun. Remember by choosing physical activity you are investing in your future health!

by Jessica-Anne Imppola, Exercise Specialist

Jessica is a Bachelor of Kinesiology graduate from the University of Alberta. She is a CSEP-CEP certified Exercise Specialist with the MacEwan University Sport and Wellness fitness team.