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 that’s 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. That’s why it’s important you develop a gym routine. When you make the gym a routine part of your schedule, it’ll slowly but surely become a part of your lifestyle. And when it’s become a part of your lifestyle, it’ll 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 week—for example, maybe you’ll 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 you’ll be comfortable working out in, and only work out in smooth clothing materials so they don’t harshly rub against your skin. Great workout attire for women include women’s tanks/tees, women’s 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 you’re 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.
Don’t 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. You’re more likely to get injured or feel unhealthy aches and pains if you’re over-exercising—which 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 people’s workouts: Try not to disturb people while they’re 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 don’t be afraid to say no—on 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: Don’t 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 aren’t a whole lot of people who don’t enjoy working out while listening to music. Throw together a workout playlist that’ll 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 you’re trying to lose weight or build muscle. If you go home after the gym and eat nothing but junk food, then you’re 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, you’ll become a “gym rat” in no time!
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