Spring into the gym

By Torcia Velthuizen.

After a few cold months of comfort food, hibernation is over and many are finding themselves anxious for the upcoming beach season.

Kelly Reed, manager at World Gym in Windsor, said people usually join the gym to develop their summer bodies around Christmas time, but many people get a late start, usually around April and May.

When people stop going to the gym from lack of results, Reed says motivation is the key reason.

“People find it difficult to stay motivated. Another problem is not being educated. If you are not doing the right things you won’t get the right results,” said Reed.

If someone was considering giving up on the gym, Reed tries to set them up with a trainer or even a free session to help re-motivate them, get them on the right track and get them comfortable at the gym.

Windsor resident Leo Chevalier said he finds it hard to stay motivated.

“I unfortunately am very lazy unless I’m being compensated immediately. I have a hard time working for the long haul,” said Chevalier.

Chevalier joined the gym last August but said he has only gone three times since joining.

“I just started again this week. I went Monday and Wednesday. I plan on going three times a week for the remainder of my capable days but we will see how long that lasts.”

Although Chevalier did not start his fitness journey in December, he believes it is never too late to get into shape.

Rich Fleming, a personal trainer at Brady’s Fitness in Tecumseh, said the main factor that keeps people from going to a gym is lack of accountability.

“Usually having a workout partner or trainer keeps people committed because they are accountable to someone to show up, even when they don’t want to go,” said Fleming.

Fleming said it is okay to not feel motivated and even high level athletes suffer from the same mindset at times. He said he believes it is important to understand and weigh the fitness choices we make.

“Exercising three to four times a week for at least 30 minutes will greatly improve your quality of life,” said Fleming. “Do you want to be able to still enjoy life in your sixties, pain free and mobile?”

Whether you want to look good at the beach this summer or just improve your overall health, it is never too late to get in the gym.