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Takedown Blog March 2022
Title: THE INTIMIDATION FACTOR: 5 Tips to Soothe your Fears about Joining a Gym
Everybody has their “first day” at a new gym. Whether they’re a high school athlete, an ex-professional baseball player, a teacher of twenty-four years, or a stay-at-home mother of four—everybody has their first day in the gym, and it can be intimidating. There are loud machines, people looking all jacked and in shape, and not to mention they look like they know what they’re doing. At Takedown Gym, we’re aware that everybody has their first day or return day, and we’re here to help you find your place. If the wall-to-wall mirrors and sets of free weights have you a little nervous, here are five things to help soothe your fears.
1. It’s Not Just in Your Head.
Gym intimidation is real. People are coming into a common space to push themselves, and what if they sweat and others see them? What if you use a machine that you actually don’t know how to use? What if you try to lift something and discover halfway through that you can’t lift it? Everybody feels this way and gets somewhat anxious about pushing themselves while others are in the same space, worried about how they will appear. Remind yourself that everybody feels this way.
2. Nobody is Watching You.
Think about it: if everyone is concerned that others are watching them, there’s a high probability that they’re all just thinking of themselves—not everybody else. This part is all in your head. If you walk up to a new machine to see how it works, the whole gym will not stop what they’re doing to pause and laugh at you. They’re worried about their own #gainz, so remember that—everybody else thinks about themselves, too.
3. Come with a Plan.
Plenty of pre-made workouts exists online. If you aren’t sure what to do in the gym, just research one online tailored to your goals and bring it with you. Or, if you want personal assistance, ask a personal trainer to do a practice session with you. Either way, you’ll feel much less anxiety while scanning from the free weights back to the lat-pulldown machine if you enter with a written-out plan.
4. Skip the Rush Hour.
There’s no doubt about it—the after-work rush hour between 4:30-7:00 p.m. is our busiest time. If the packed parking lot has you feeling extra anxious, maybe try less busy times such as early to mid-morning or after the rush hour in the evening.
5. Ask for Help.
Suppose you find yourself unsure how to use a machine, how to use the lockers (why isn’t it locking? I put the code in!), or lacking understanding of all the amenities available at the gym, just ask someone working at the front desk or running around the gym reppin’ our staff shirt. We are here for you, and we’re happy to help.
Those are our top five tips to help you step through the intimidation factor and toward a healthier, happier you. Our gym hours are as follows: Monday-Thursday 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Friday 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., and Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
As always, we’re here to build a culture around wellness, so let us know if it’s your first time to the gym or you’re returning after a little hiatus; we’re looking forward to meeting you.
Takedown Thanksgiving Blog Post 2021
TITLE: Eat the Pie, then come to Takedown
We’re entering the delicious season of pumpkin pies, Christmas cookies, baked breads, turkey for days, more baked breads, wine… all the things that we are so thankful exist. However, if consumed in too great of quantity can really set back your health goals. At Takedown, we encourage our members to stay fit, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some holiday treats. Here are a few tips to help you maintain weight while not sacrificing taste.
1. Wobble Before You Gobble – a special class is offered the morning of Thanksgiving with the one and only Jessica Longhurst (returning for a guest star appearance after a few months of maternity leave). It starts at 8:00 am and ends at 9:00, don’t miss out, call us at 218-454-1770 or show up! Cost is $20 for this specialty class.
2. Eat the Pie – is pie available at your house every day? If so, then maybe lay off the pumpkin and apple pie—but if not, then allow yourself to enjoy a treat! The holidays only come around once a year, and while we work hard—we also pie hard.
3. Keep your Routine – working out will make you feel better, as it always does. Maybe you miss one workout, but sticking to your typical schedule of when you go to the gym will help you maintain a routine. Health goals do better with routines.
4. Go Easy – there’s always a balance to optimal health, and allowing yourself to relax every once in a while, is a part of the balance. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you have a few too many treats. Just don’t make it a habit.
5. Homemade is best – if you eat out a lot, the holidays are an especially good time to try your hand in the kitchen baking, cooking, and whipping up some of that homemade cider. Homemade meals are healthier (most often) and can also be a great family bonding experience.
From all of us at Takedown, Happy Thanksgiving! We hope to see you at Jess’s “Wobble Before You Gobble,” and if you’re not there… we’ll assume you’re attending the local Turkey Trot that’s benefitting Shriners Children’s Hospital in Brainerd, Minnesota.
Link for the Turkey Trot (if you want to add it into the text): https://brainerdturkeyrun.com/
TD Blog – November 2021
Looking for a Community? Top 3 reasons to join ours
“One of the marvelous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn’t as individuals.” – Jean Vanier
As we’re headed into the winter season and bits of isolation still linger from the pandemic, Takedown Gym is here to create the only thing that can heal—community. “Walking into the gym is the best part of my day,” one Takedown employee said. “I know that I’ve always got a team that is here for me and ready to support me through anything.”
How could a strong, uplifting, healthy community benefit you in your life? We asked our trainers and staff just why they love working at Takedown. The answers weren’t all that different—so we boiled it down to our top 3 reasons why our community loves Takedown.
Here’s how joining our Takedown Community could benefit you:
1. The Atmosphere
It’s all about the energy here at Takedown, and therefore it attracts some of the most positive individuals. When you spend time in an environment that’s uplifting, naturally, it elevates your entire life.
2. The Encouragement
Getting fit isn’t an easy task. Therefore, we believe we should all support one another in our health goals. Whether your goal is to gain muscle, lose weight, increase flexibility, improve your mental health… whatever your goal, we’re here to cheer you on.
3. The Perks
Of course, working at a gym gets you gym perks. If a gym membership isn’t something you can work into your budget at this time or you’re nervous to step into our spacious facility, signing up to work daycare, front desk, or gym maintenance for a few hours a week could be all you need.
From our personal trainers to our daycare personnel, we have community members who have been with us from the beginning. Some have relocated specifically to join Takedown Gym, all for the environment that we provide. Don’t feel like you have to go at it alone any longer; we’re here to support you, your family, and your health.
Contact Takedown’s manager Joe Ciardelli by visiting Takedown or calling 218-454-1770 for current employment opportunities.