Entering a gym for the first time can be a very daunting and disheartening experience, regardless of your age or ability. But with these tips, you can prepare yourself before your first visit so that you could freely enjoy your time at the gym!
1 Don’t copy others
Other people at the gym may be doing certain exercises that are prescribed for an injury or health condition that wouldn’t benefit somebody else. Everyone is unique and what works for one person may not work for another. Also, there are many people out there who perform exercises with bad form and technique which may increase their risk of injury, so always ask a professional for advice if you’re at all unsure, and always make sure that what you are doing, benefits YOU!
2. Gradually build up the volume of training
It can be easy to throw yourself into training five days a week when you’re motivated and everything is new. This will lead to burning out and more often than not, injury. Start with twice a week and build up from there. To go from nothing to everything is not advised or sustainable for the future, as you might end up feeling tired or unmotivated very early on.
3. Be flexible with what can work for you
If you’ve never tried a class before, go to a beginners or lower intensity class as this helps to start you off slow. Also, if you’ve never followed a programme, you should get one written for you. That way you can structure your week. If you can’t get to a class you have a programme to follow and if you need a little extra motivation one day, try a class you think may suit you.
4. Be aware of other services a gym may provide
The gym isn’t just a place filled with equipment to work out on. More often than not, gyms have personal trainers that can help and guide you on your fitness journey. Other than that, gyms might offer other fitness-related services too, like physiotherapy sessions, a pool, or a spa, so make sure to always ask!
5. Find activities that you enjoy
The best training programme is the one you’ll enjoy and stick to, there is no “perfect programme”. With this in mind, don’t worry about what everybody else is doing, find the activities and exercises that you enjoy and help you enjoy the experience. Looking forward to your gym visits will go a long way to ensuring that you can maintain your new lifestyle long into the future.