62: The New Gym Slump - Revive Your Motivation

In the world of fitness, there's a unique challenge that many of us have faced at one point or another—the dreaded new gym slump. It's that feeling you get when you have to bid farewell to the gym where you've built your lifting buddies, achieved personal records (PRs), and navigated your workouts blindfolded. Perhaps you've moved to a new city, faced a problem that your old gym couldn't solve, or even worse, your ex has become a regular there, making each visit an exercise in awkwardness. No matter the cause, this challenge can seem Herculean in nature. Yet, fear not; there's a way to conquer it and emerge victorious.

The Quest for the Perfect Gym:
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find a new gym that not only scratches all the itches your old one did but also eliminates or minimizes its drawbacks. Thankfully, you're in luck because Andrew, our guide through this fitness odyssey, has spent a whole year mastering this art after relocating to a new city. He's ready to share this wisdom with you, just as a mother bird feeds her young. So, let's embark on the journey of overcoming the new gym slump.

The Unique Nature of the New Gym Slump:
First, let's make it clear that the new gym slump is not your typical fitness motivation dip. Those can usually be solved with a change of scenery or workout routine. The new gym slump, however, is a beast of its own. It uproots all your established training patterns. Your drive is different, the parking spot you always found available has vanished, and the familiar chit-chat with the front desk staff is no more. Even the gym's flow—when equipment is available—feels foreign. It's as if everything you once knew has been turned upside down.

Learning from POWs:
To tackle this unique challenge, we can draw inspiration from an unlikely source—prisoners of war (POWs). Now, you might wonder how the experiences of POWs can help you overcome a gym slump. The key is simplicity and the focus on one day at a time. While few people can predict what they'll be doing in seven months, almost everyone knows what's on the agenda for tomorrow, or at least tomorrow morning.

Consider the story of Bill Robinson, the longest-held enlisted POW who survived seven grueling years in Vietnam. His secret? The "3-day plan." He didn't dwell on long-range goals; instead, he focused on the immediate: yesterday he was shot down, today and tomorrow, he's going home. Apply this mindset to your gym journey—today, you're hitting the gym, and tomorrow, you'll be back in the swing of things. Repeat this cycle, building on small victories, until you're back to peak performance. Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" is a recommended read for those seeking inspiration in mindset and goals.

Now, let's get practical with the steps to conquer the new gym slump:

1. Start by catching up on sleep and maintaining a balanced diet to regain your energy and strength.
2. Next, search for gyms near you using Google.
3. Identify three gyms that roughly fit your needs and are within a 15-20 minute drive.
4. Read reviews and schedule visits to these gyms, allocating at least a day for each.
5. Try out these gyms at your typical exercise time.
6. If you're uncertain after trying them, remember the associate who assisted you initially and give yourself one week to decide. Don't forget to schedule a follow-up if needed.
7. Create a support system, whether through a gym buddy in better shape than you or by hiring a trainer who's a fitness role model.
8. Announce your return to the fitness scene on social media and grant your friends permission to hold you accountable.
9. Embrace POW Bill Richardson's 3-day method: focus on completing today's workout, then look forward to tomorrow.