How to start going to the gym for beginners? Getting in shape often feels like a daunting task, and for many, heading to the gym feels especially intimidating.
How to start going to the gym for beginners
A gym membership can be a great way to incorporate regular exercise into an otherwise sedentary lifestyle, yet the prospect of going for the first time can be a bit overwhelming. If you’re a beginner and are looking for a way to get started, here’s a complete guide of how to start going to the gym.
Step One: Set a Goal
Before you buy a gym membership, it’s important to establish goals for yourself. What do you hope to achieve by joining the gym? Do you want to build muscle, improve posture, or simply maintain overall health? Setting a goal helps to keep you motivated and provides a benchmark for evaluating progress.
Step Two: Make a Plan
Now that you’ve set your goal, you’re ready to devise a plan. Talk to a qualified fitness expert or do some research online and create a plan that works best for you. Depending on what your goals are, include strength training, cardiovascular exercise, rest, and flexibility exercises.
Step Three: Choose a Gym
There are so many gyms out there, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Consider things like location, cost, equipment, and classes.
If you’re unsure, try visiting gyms to get a feel of the atmosphere. Some also offer trial classes so you can check out the facilities and classes before making a commitment.
Step Four: Educate Yourself
Before heading to the gym for the first time, it’s important to familiarize yourself with some basic gym etiquette and safety protocols. Do some research on different types of exercise machines and their functions. Watch fitness tutorials online, or even better, sign up for a training session with a personal trainer.
How to start going to the gym for beginners
A personal trainer can identify any bad habits you might be prone to, as well as teach you proper form and technique for each exercise.
Step Five: Get the Right Gear
Gym gear is essential for a safe and successful exercise session at the gym. Invest in quality workout clothes, comfortable shoes, and if desired, weights, elastics, and other fitness equipment. Cognitively, having the right gear can help up your confidence and motivation levels.
Step Six: Get Started
Now that you’ve done the groundwork, it’s time to take the plunge and join the gym. Make sure you know the gym’s schedule—the classes you plan to attend as well as the hours available for use. Be sure to bring a water bottle and a towel as these are essential for an effective workout session.
Step Seven: Remain Consistent
The most important step of all is to remain consistent. Set a schedule that you can commit to and stick to it. Allow yourself to take breaks once in a while but try to maintain the same routine on most days. Make sure that your workouts are challenging and rewarding at the same time.
FAQs
Q1: What should be my first step when starting to go to the gym?
The first step is to set a goal. Set a goal for yourself that will keep you motivated and provide a benchmark of success.
Q2: How can I devise a plan for my workouts?
Talk to a qualified fitness professional or do some research online and create a plan that works best for you. Depending on your goals, you should include strength training, cardiovascular exercise, rest, and flexibility exercises.
Q3: How can I find the right gym for me?
Consider different factors such as location, cost, equipment, and classes. Visit gyms to get a feel of the atmosphere and take advantage of trial classes so you can make sure the gym is the right fit before committing to a membership.
Q4: How can I make sure I’m doing exercises correctly?
Do some research on different types of exercise machines and their functions. Watch fitness tutorials online, or sign up for a training session with a personal trainer.
How to start going to the gym for beginners
A personal trainer can identify any bad habits you might be prone to, as well as teach you proper form and technique for each exercise.
Q5: What gear do I need before starting to go to the gym?
Invest in quality workout clothes, comfortable shoes, and if desired, weights, elastics, and other fitness equipment. Cognitively, having the right gear can help up your confidence and motivation levels.
Q6: What should I bring to the gym?
Be sure to bring a water bottle and a towel as these are essential for an effective workout session. Consider bringing headphones so you can focus your attention on the task at hand.
Q7: How do I remain motivated and consistent when going to the gym?
Set a schedule that you can commit to and stick to it. Allow yourself to take breaks once in a while but try to maintain the same routine on most days. Make sure that your workouts are challenging and rewarding at the same time. Celebrate small successes and reward yourself with something that motivates you.