You can learn many aspects of life at the gym. The most important lesson I learnt is that there is no shortcut to success. Those who take substances like steroids just because they want to build muscles fast end up regretting. Building muscles the natural way is the way to go. You have to work hard to get the results.
Apart from looking at yourself in the mirror, another way you would know that you are getting the result is when people make remarks like “Wetin u wan carry all these muscles do?” meaning “What are you planning to do with your muscles?” When you hear such remarks, don’t get discouraged. That is when you should realize that you have transformed your body.
Some people have asked me why the sudden interest in keeping fit? They wonder why a journalist/writer would be this interested in his body. Someone recently asked “do you need muscles to write?” Lol. Well, i like to try my hands at things. It was part of my 2020 goals to get fit. Now that i have achieved my aim in just a month, i only thought it would be wise to share a few tips with people who are interested in fitness.
In just one month I feel great. My personal trainer said “people hardly transform their body in one month.” That’s true. I am not trying to brag. There are people who have been going to the gym for many months and haven’t been able to get what they are looking for. When people saw me after one month, they didn’t believe that it was just one month. They said I must have been working out before I registered at the gym.
Yusuf Mohammed (one month at the gym)
Going to the gym is like going to school. Your teachers or lecturers can’t teach you everything. They are just there to guide you and give you tips. Most of the learning is done by you. If you fail to study outside class, then you may be setting yourself up for failure. The same way you shouldn’t be afraid of your teacher at school is the same way you shouldn’t be afraid of your gym instructor. Although some of them may be intimidating, make sure you stand your ground. You are the one paying for their service so you are the boss. You understand?
I love to read and watch documentaries on YouTube. The first thing I did was to pay attention to Arnold Schwarzenegger who won Mr. Oympia for seven straight years before he became a Hollywood actor. When it comes to body building, they don’t come bigger than Arnold. Not that I’m trying to have his kind of body. No! I just decided to learn from the best. I also get some tips from my friend, Tobi Bakre (@TobiBakre on Instagram).
Arnold said, “As a beginner, three sets of 10 reps” for all types of exercise at the gym. He also talked about “doing crunches and planks for your abs in the morning.” It stuck with me. When the instructor tells me to do more than what I am capable of doing, I say “No!”
Yusuf with his personal trainer, Kingsley
Learn to say no at the gym. Learn to say “I am tired.” Know when to quit for the day. You are in competition with no one but yourself. Peer pressure is real. You see people who give up after a few days because of they are trying to do what others are doing at the gym. Not knowing that these people they are trying to copy have been doing it for some time. You may even see someone smaller than you lifting weight that you may find difficult to lift. Don’t be bothered. With time, you will get to lift something heavier. It takes skills and time. As for me, I have fallen in love with the gym because I took it each day at a time. It is a gradual process.
You will make progress with time. You know your body better than your gym instructor does. Some people have chronic back pain but refuse to say.
Your diet is very important. Make sure you eat the right food at the right time. If you want to build muscles, make sure you eat high-protein foods like egg, fish and oat meals. Vegetables, especially green ones are also good for the muscles. Make sure you get enough rest. If you work out a lot without taking breaks, trust me, you aren’t going to build muscles as quickly as you want. One of the things that have worked for me apart from the kinds of food I eat is that I rest very well. I go to the gym every evening five times a week. If you decide to go every day, make sure you aren’t doing too much. If you go lets’ say three times a week, make sure you do a lot of work.
To be honest, I only went to the gym to work on my stomach. I didn’t know that I would be working on my biceps, triceps, chest and legs. You know, there is something infectious about seeing others workout. I was like since I’m here with the gym equipment available, why don’t I just go the long haul?
This story will be concluded next week. I will also talk about how having a great body makes you feel. You can follow me on Instagram @Yusuf_Writes. Have a healthy weekend. Cheers!
