Getting Started At The Gym

The hardest part of getting in shape is getting started. But getting started at the gym is a bit rough but everyone has to start somewhere. It’s often intimating when you first start going to the gym. You see people who are in shape and confident in what they’re doing but, you have no idea of what you’re doing or where to start.

When I started going to the gym for strength workouts I didn’t know what to do or how to start. Because of that, I decided to offer some tips. These tips are for people who are just getting started in the gym. They’ll you get you in the fitness mindset and feel comfortable at the gym so you can reach your fitness goals.

In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this post contains affiliate links. Any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you).

Picking The Right Fitness Center

Find A fitness center that’s right for you. Look for a fitness center that fits your budget and isn’t too far of a commute from where you live. There are several types of fitness center so before choosing a fitness center give thought to the type of amenities needed to meet your fitness goals.

Schedule

When getting started at the gym you might want to set up gym days and times to build a gym routine. Pick days and times that are the best for you. Start slow with one or two days a week to keep your working out goal more attainable and build from there. Create a reminder on your phone so that you have no excuse for forgetting.

Set Achievable Goals

Decide what you want to do. Are you working towards losing weight, toning, or getting in shape? You have to decide what you want to do. Once you find out what your goals are the next step, and that’s choosing a workout plan.

Workout Plan

Start with a plan and decide what you want to do. That means that you have to make a workout program before you start going to the gym. Otherwise, you’ll be lost and confused with no direction. Determine the equipment you’ll need and the type of workouts you should do to meet your goals.

Find A Gym Buddy

There are a few benefits to having a gym buddy. They can help you stay motivated, accountable for your goals, and reduce intimidation. You can also encourage and push each other when things get rough. It’s great to have a buddy that can improve your workout experience.

Check Your Ego At The Door

Don’t compare yourself to others. People see others lifting heavier weights or using a certain technique. Rather than ask for help they try to copy them or compare themselves to them. The problem with that is they end up putting themselves down, unexpected results, or injury.

Warm-Up and Stretching

Before working out make sure that your warm-up before every workout for 5-10 minutes. You can warm up on a cardio machine like a treadmill or an elliptical. After the warm-up start, your workout and after your finish do 20-30 minutes of cardio. Don’t forget to stretch after. This is a routine that you should have not only as a beginner but in the future as well.

Start Small

Get your body used to working out start small and build. Don’t force it in the beginning if you are a beginner. It is risky to start aggressively because you might hurt yourself. Your first week is more of a warm-up with light cardio workouts. Be sure to also use light weights to work on your form to prevent injury. Start small and build on that each week.

Push Yourself

We all tend to get into a grove and repeat what’s comfortable for us. Change your workout routine every few weeks, otherwise, you get into a pattern and stop seeing results because you hit a plateau. Change your workout by mixing it up by adding cross-training or take a class.

Listen To Your Body

Know when to take a break. When people often start at the gym they are often overzealous and the need to go to the gym every and push themselves. But, not letting your body rest can do more hard than good. If your feeling pain and soreness after a workout don’t take a painkiller, instead take a break and let your body recover naturally.

Stay Positive

This is the most important part of all. Don’t let the gym become boring to the point it becomes a chore. Try new things and figure out what you like and don’t like. Fitness is something you should enjoy not something you dread. Find what’s fun for you and stick to it.

Check out How to Stay Motivated to Achieve Your Fitness Goals for a free fitness planner.

Pin me!