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Starting a fitness journey can be daunting, especially for someone who is new to the gym or has been out of practice for a while. If you have a relative who wants to get fit but lacks the motivation or confidence to go to the gym alone, you can play a crucial role in supporting them. By accompanying them, you can not only provide encouragement for them but also reinforce your own fitness habits.
At a boutique independent gym, the atmosphere is often more personal, welcoming, and community-driven, making it the perfect place to embark on this journey together. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of working out with a relative, how to keep each other motivated, and how to balance encouragement with your personal fitness goals.
The Benefits of Bringing a Relative to the Gym
Accompanying a family member to the gym benefits both of you in many ways:
- Accountability – Having a gym partner increases consistency. When one of you feels unmotivated, the other can offer encouragement, ensuring neither of you skips a session.
- Emotional Support – A familiar face can ease gym-related anxiety, making the environment feel less intimidating.
- Shared Motivation – Working out together makes exercise more enjoyable, and friendly competition can push both of you to improve.
- Quality Time – In today’s fast-paced world, finding quality bonding time can be challenging. Exercising together allows you to strengthen your relationship while improving your health.
- Mutual Learning – Whether it’s learning new exercises, trying different classes or improving technique, working out together is a chance for both of you to grow.
If you’re eager to help a relative but aren’t sure how to begin, follow these simple steps:
Identifying Fitness Goals
Before stepping into the gym, discuss what you both hope to achieve. Do you want to lose weight, build strength, improve endurance or simply feel healthier? Understanding their goals will help you create an appropriate and enjoyable workout plan. Booking some sessions with a Personal Trainer can help you tailor your sessions to the both of you, ensuring each person gets what they want out of their gym sessions. Our Personal Trainers at Sound Mind and Body have lots of experience training groups of many different people as well as duo or trio Personal Training sessions, and can help you get the most out of each workout.
Choosing the Right Gym
A boutique independent gym like Sound Mind and Body often provides a more relaxed and personalised atmosphere, which can be ideal for newcomers. When selecting a gym, consider factors such as:
- A friendly and supportive community. Here at Sound Mind and Body, we have a friendly and welcoming staff and client community, where you can feel like part of a team.
- Staff who offer guidance and encouragement. You can feel free to ask for guidance or assistance from any of our staff working on the gym floor – whether you need help setting up a machine or need a quick spot, our team is always happy to help.
- A range of equipment suitable for all fitness levels. Our gym has all the necessary machines and more, as well as a studio space.
- Classes or Personal Training options for beginners. Sound Mind and Body has a packed weekly schedule with a wide range of classes such as circuit training, Barre, Yoga or Pilates. Or you can book a session with one of our experienced Personal Trainers.
Why Personal Training Can Be Useful
You might find that booking some sessions with one of our Personal Trainers helps you focus less on the plan of the workout and more on the exercises themselves, giving your brain a much-deserved rest.
It can also help you avoid the potentially awkward arrangement of telling your family member what to do, as I know from experience that often doesn’t work in anyone’s favour! Having a third-party instructing the sessions can keep everyone happy and avoid the pressure of having one person leading.
Final Thoughts
Bringing a relative to the gym is a rewarding experience that benefits both of you. You’ll not only help them build confidence and improve their health, but you’ll also strengthen your own commitment to fitness. With patience, encouragement and a balanced approach, the gym can become a shared space where you both thrive.
My first experience of a gym was when my parents joined Sound Mind and Body, and I started training with my father. Although back then we had very different fitness goals and interests, I soon found I thrived in the gym atmosphere, and as my strength and endurance developed, we quickly became very competitive! From my own experience, a training partner can be just what you need to get started, and booking some sessions with a Personal Trainer can help each of you find what you want to achieve in the gym, while keeping you both motivated and fostering some healthy competition. Now working as a trainer in the very same place I started my gym journey in, I find there’s no better feeling than seeing a client flourish in the gym environment like I did.
If you’re looking for a welcoming, community-driven environment to begin this journey, Sound Mind and Body is the perfect place. With personalised support and a friendly atmosphere, we’re here to help you and your loved ones make fitness a lifelong habit.
Ready to get started? Visit us today and take the first step together!
