Getting Around a New Gym 101

Most people will say that their number one resolution for the new year is to start working out. What happens when you actually follow through on that goal and walk into a gym for the first time in 2017?

It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed. I don’t blame you one bit; after all, you are out of your comfort zone. This is the first step to getting in better shape, but you need to step back and wonder, “Am I really ready for this?”

Before step one, there are actually several steps you should take to prepare yourself for this new change. Think about it —do you go into an interview without studying the company first? No, so why go into a gym not knowing anything?

I’m not saying you have to go home, read 10 books on workouts and order three subscriptions to fitness magazines (although subscribing to one will get you a lot of great tips). You simply have to ask questions when you first go to the gym. Here are a few things I believe any gym rookie can do to become more comfortable:

1. Ask questions and do some research! Talk to a trainer or a friend who works out already. Do not ask your friend what they do for a workout, because their routine isn’t necessarily the routine you need. If you have no one to ask, then go online and check out what other rookie gym goers do. Everyone starts somewhere, so it’s nothing to be embarrassed about.

2. Scope out the gym and do some recon! I’m not going to lie—when you walk into the gym on January 1st at 6 a.m. or 5 p.m., you will feel really overwhelmed. There will be at least 50% more people in there than usual because everyone has the same mindset as you. I recommend going to the gym during the off hours and getting a feel for everything then. That may mean going in at 4 a.m. or 11 p.m., which isn’t ideal, but you will have a chance to walk around and try everything out. Get on the ellipticals and treadmills to make sure that you understand how they work. Try out a few machines, too. Whether you’ve toured the gym with a trainer or not, taking some time to try things out on your own will help you get caught up.

3. Start out easy and slow, especially if this is the first time you have been in a gym in five or more years. Do not think that your first workout needs to be two hours long; I suggest a 30-minute workout. Try about five different machines for three sets of 10 each for a total of 15 minutes. If you know what you're doing, try some ab work for five minutes. Then, finish up by walking on the elliptical or treadmill for 10 minutes. Your body will thank you for not overdoing it. If anything, hire a trainer for the first few sessions. It may cost more, but the trainer will help you understand how to work everything and give you a lot of great tips.

4. Slow and steady wins the race! Once you figure out how to do all of the machines, then you can go online and check out some easy beginner workouts to help keep you motivated. Do easy workouts for the first month or so, and then you can begin to increase the intensity or weight. After that first month, a lot of people will decide that working out is not their thing again this year, and the gym won’t be as busy, so you can go to the gym when you want to go.

5. Always continue to ask questions! Once you get into your routine, make sure you continue to ask questions. Find out the best way to do certain lifts and make your workouts more beneficial. Ask questions about nutrition because that will help you get into better shape. If you workout but continue to eat poorly, then you won’t see great results.

Getting into better shape always seems like a great idea when you’re stuffing yourself with holiday goodies, but many people do not follow through on it. If you are serious about getting into better shape, please take some time and get to know the facts before you get started. We are also here to help you get started so it won’t be nearly as intimidating.