
Exercising is one of the best ways to boost your physical and mental health. A gym is truly one of the best places to exercise because of the wide variety of equipment and facilities (spa, swimming pool, yoga classes, etc.) that are offered.
However, going to the gym for the first time can be intimidating. Gyms are large and may have lots of intricate gym equipment, and some gyms have their own subculture thatβs intimidating in its own right. Furthermore, you might feel uncomfortable working out in front of other people.
But anyone can go from being a gym beginner to a gym pro. Here are 7 gym tips for beginners to help you get there.
Develop a Routine
The hardest part about going to the gym is to keep making yourself go after the first couple weeks. Thatβs why itβs important you develop a gym routine. When you make the gym a routine part of your schedule, itβll slowly but surely become a part of your lifestyle. And when itβs become a part of your lifestyle, itβll get easier and easier to get yourself to go. Try going to the gym at the same time every day, and on the same days each weekβfor example, maybe youβll go on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:00 PM.
Additionally, you should get a fitness app so you can track your workouts and set fitness goals for yourself. Fitness goals will motivate you to keep showing up. I think this is one of the most important gym tips for beginners!

Sport the Right Attire
Make sure you wear the right workout gear for the gym. Wear something that youβll be comfortable working out in, and only work out in smooth clothing materials so they donβt harshly rub against your skin. Great workout attire for women include womenβs tanks/tees, womenβs leggings, running/walking shoes, and sports bras. Don’t forget you’ll need special products to get the stink out of your workout clothing!
Practice Perfect Form
If you want to prevent injury and get the best possible workout, be sure to practice good form, whether youβre running on the treadmill or lifting weights. It might seem obvious but these are gym tips for beginners you don’t want to miss. You can look up workout tutorials online that will teach you how to exercise safely and efficiently. Or, you could hire a personal trainer for a month or two to give you hands-on training and show you the ropes.

Donβt Advance Too Quickly
You may start to feel your body getting stronger and more energetic after just a couple weeks going to the gym. You might feel ultra-motivated to work out harder and faster and reach your fitness goals far sooner than you expected. Just be careful not to push yourself too far, too quickly. Youβre more likely to get injured or feel unhealthy aches and pains if youβre over-exercisingβwhich could keep you from going to the gym. Remember that slow and steady wins the race. So don’t jump from yoga class into Crossfit.
Learn Gym Etiquette
Gym etiquette is worthy of its own article. But here are a few gym tips for beginners that you need to know:
- Respect other peopleβs workouts: Try not to disturb people while theyβre working out. Remember that most people go to the gym for fitness and not for socializing.
- Share your equipment: On busy days, someone may ask you if they can share your medicine ball, yoga mat, bench, or other piece of equipment. Sharing is courteous when the gym is overcrowded. But donβt be afraid to say noβon some occasions, it might be faster for you to just finish your workout rather than having to alternate with someone.
- Put equipment back on their racks: Always put equipment back in their appropriate spots, even if you found it lying on the floor when you started your workout.
- Keep your music to yourself: Donβt be that person that walks around the gym with their portable speaker! Listen to music in your earphones only.
- Bring and use a sweat rag: Always have a sweat rag so you can wipe down any equipment that you get wet. Some gyms require you to bring a sweat rag to work out.

Make a Playlist
There arenβt a whole lot of people who donβt enjoy working out while listening to music. Throw together a workout playlist thatβll get your adrenaline pumping so you can workout longer and harder.
Have a Good Diet
There are so many health benefits to having a good diet, but having a good diet is also a necessity if youβre trying to lose weight or build muscle. If you go home after the gym and eat nothing but junk food, then youβre going to waste the time and effort you put into your workouts. Get in the habit of eating plenty of healthy foods, and make sure you eat a lot of protein-rich foods (protein shakes are healthy and delicious).
If you follow these 7 gym tips for beginners, youβll become a βgym ratβ in no time!