Hey wow! 20% of Finns are already actively going to gyms and developing muscle fitness. Some surveys show that it is, even one of the most interesting forms of exercise. However, the fact is that 80% of Finns do not choose to go to the gym. 50% of people even find the gym scary.
And let's admit, they are exciting. A big space full of all kinds of equipment and people. Certainly people in better shape than me and they are obviously still training effectively judging by all the chatter. It's exciting that there may be a little resistance. Now you might be wondering what to even wear there, will a t-shirt from twenty years ago work?
All credit to the 20 percent who are already on board. You're there and on track. The rest of us want to find our own inspiration for building muscle. So, keep reading.
Thoughts behind the founding of MyHub and on developing muscular fitness
When we founded MyHub, we met a lot of people. And of course, we talked about our plan. “It will be a kiosk-like, in-and-out place focused on muscle training, with smart gym equipment.” A hollow answer, perhaps not the most polished elevator pitch.
And we continued: “You know, you don't have to think too much about how and what you're doing, let alone adjust the equipment or count the repetitions. A solid workout of less than 30 minutes twice a week could work, according to the recommendations. Not much more now, when you don't have time (or energy).”
Quite a few people's expressions brightened after this vague explanation. Many also laconically stated: Yes, you should work on your muscle tone, but the gym is just not my thing or "I've been meaning to start, but I 'd like to ease up a bit so I could try it."
This is how emotional it can be to present ideas if you're really excited about it! 😇
Muscle Fitness - Reasons and Obstacles Behind Developing or Going to the Gym
There are many reasons and obstacles to developing muscle fitness, and all of them are true to those who have experienced them. It is probably pointless to list them here, you will surely recognize your own reasons. These reasons cannot be proven by others, but we can discuss the importance of muscle fitness for health (a boring but chilling reality) and try to offer 80% of Finns ways to practice muscle fitness without fear of the pitfalls or horrors. If only those reasons would gradually disappear.
It is often thought that muscle fitness does not really affect my everyday life . In practice, it affects all movement and safety. Who was surprised?
Does everyone really know about the importance of muscle condition for health? Here in our own bubble, it's easy to think that everyone knows it now. They just don't like going to the gym. Let's just try to motivate them. Does this picture of oiled abs work, what do you think? Or are they just sweaty?
YES! 😍 I want to test EGYM >>
Why is muscle fitness important then?
Muscular fitness refers to how well the body produces force using muscles. It's not just a matter for athletes. Good muscular fitness brings tangible benefits to all of us, yes, even to me and you.
We are not different or eccentric in this large mass.
I just have to swallow this bitter pill of truth.
It affects all of these:
Prevention of chronic diseases – strong muscles reduce the risk of developing diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis (Duodecim, 2021).
Support for bones and joints – muscles protect joints, strengthen bones and support posture (UKK Institute, 2023).
Better everyday functioning – moving around is easier and the risk of falling is reduced.
During menopause, a drop in estrogen levels reduces muscle mass and strength, but regular muscle training can prevent this development and also support weight management, bone health, and overall well-being.
Mind and well-being – strength training improves mood, reduces stress and supports sleep (Hyvä Terveys, 2022).
Longer lifespan – according to studies, muscle strength predicts lifespan even better than endurance fitness alone.
How is that muscle condition defined?
Often when we talk about fitness, we think of running, heart rate, or endurance fitness. The traditional Cooper test.
Without muscle strength, moving feels heavier, body control weakens, and the risk of injury increases.
Muscle fitness supports all other forms of exercise and forms the foundation of physical fitness. So yes, that evening walk with your dog or a friend requires muscle fitness, even if the stairs aren't on your route today.
To sum up, muscle fitness is one of the best indicators of how fit you really are.
The number one stumbling block for many in developing muscle fitness is training too long and starting too hard.
I went to the gym and for three days I gritted my teeth trying to get to the toilet and up. Peer support? MyHub doesn't eliminate that, so that the workout doesn't feel like something or that it's always so nice. But it maximizes the use of time.
It is often believed that muscle training takes a lot of time. Or at least it is not effective if you do not spend at least an hour at a time and three times a week on it. How is it possible to do sets and recoveries in less than half an hour, someone might wonder. Of course, it all depends on your own goals and background, but...
However, according to research, two workouts of less than 30 minutes a week can maintain and develop muscle fitness.
Many of us beginners or those returning to the sport fall into old beliefs and start too hard and get tired right away. Moderate and regular exercise is enough (read the previous sentence again.)
This has been our number one priority when building MyHub. You can just come to MyHub and leave in no time. We understand that you also want to go for a run, swim, paddle or just live your life. We don't want to steal your time, but rather offer a workout that is worth your time.
Good to know!
According to studies, muscle conditioning training done twice a week:
• Improves posture and reduces back and neck problems
• Increases metabolic activity, helping with weight management
• Supports bone health and muscle balance
• Prevents falls and injuries as you age
• Increases energy, focus and overall well-being
Age is not a barrier to developing muscle fitness
Muscle mass begins to decrease around the age of 30, and without exercise, muscle strength weakens with age.
The good news is that you can develop muscle fitness at any age. So you're never too old to start, if you're even thinking about it.
Even two training sessions a week can achieve clear results. When you do it regularly but moderately, progress happens quickly, even if you start from scratch. Often, those of us who start from “zero fitness” can get the fastest results. Yes, no more eternal fourth place in school ski competitions. My own belief is that you can’t do well or know how, when the school ski competitions already show it.
So, is it time to throw away those beliefs and trust that everyone can do muscle training correctly and safely with MyHub?
MyHub makes training clear - thought-saving
Sometimes it's hard to know where to start. MyHub offers solutions:
Individual program – training is designed according to your starting level, so it is safe and effective.
Smart devices and strength testing – MyHub's EGYM devices automatically adjust resistance and perform strength testing at regular intervals. This way, your development progresses in a suitable challenge, and the results are visible in a tangible way. In addition, a body composition measurement is also included!
A short but effective workout – a 29-minute workout is enough to develop full-body muscle tone.
Tracking and motivation – progress is closely monitored, which helps us stay on track and see what we have achieved.
MyHub makes strength training easy, safe and accessible. Everyone can find a stronger version of themselves.
And yes, you can see us as “just another gym among others” if you want, but I believe you will change your mind pretty quickly if you decide to book a free trial.
Where you can get pretty comprehensive information about your situation and how we can help you get started.
YES!😍 I want to test EGYM >>
This is how we get started
If you want to measure and develop your fitness in a truly meaningful way, focus on muscular fitness.
Start with 2 training sessions per week.
Do multi-joint movements that involve the whole body.
Increase the load gradually as your strength increases.
Take advantage of expert guidance and safe equipment, such as MyHub's EGYM technology. You might be surprised, even if you're an experienced gym goer!
Written by Eevi
A realist in his thirties, who is struggling with muscle training and hopes that MyHub will someday be outside the ring three.