Whether you’re rejoining the gym after a long period of absence or you’ve enrolled in membership for the first time, you’re probably eager to get started. Before you lace up your sneakers and walk through the doors, however, keep a few tips in mind for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Schedule a Medical Appointment
Speaking with your doctor before starting an exercise routine is advisable. You want to ensure that you don’t have any medical conditions that would preclude you from participating in certain exercises. Also, discussing fitness goals with your doctor is advisable. For example, if your primary objective in working out is to lose weight, you can speak with your doctor about your optimal weight and some strategies for getting to that number. You can also better learn how to integrate healthy eating with your gym membership for the best results.
Workout Style
You might feel tempted to practically wear pajamas to the gym, especially if you’re planning to go early in the morning before the rest of the day’s activities commence. However, when you feel like a mess, you might not have the necessary confidence to get the most out of your gym experience. Before you start your workout program, purchase a couple of items that make you feel good. Also, you want to ensure that you have the right type of sneakers for the activities in which you are planning to participate at the gym.
Have a Consultation
When you walk into the gym for the first time, you might want to quickly get started on the treadmill and avoid any conversations. Still though, consider the benefits of getting a tour of the gym from someone who works there. On this tour, you can learn how to use different pieces of equipment so that you don’t get stuck doing the same exercises again and again. Also, you may decide to work with a personal trainer who can tailor a program specifically designed to your workout needs.
Switch Your Styles
As you’re thinking about your experiences at the gym, you may have your mind set on one type of exercise. For example, many people stick with the cardio machines, particularly the treadmill and the elliptical. However, varying your gym routine is important. Doing the same exercises again and again might actually stifle your progress. This issue is one reason why working with a trainer is so helpful. You can discover the right combination of exercises in which to engage.
Try Classes
If you’re still deciding what gym to register at, consider one that offers classes. Taking classes is an excellent way to integrate a new hobby into your life and to get into better shape. For example, some gyms offer a host of dance classes. Don’t be shy about trying out a class for the first time. Remember that all of the other people in the room were beginners in the first class too. In fact, many gym members are supportive and encouraging when they see new people come to the gym.
Set a Routine
You might think that you’ll just go to the gym when you have the time to do so. However, if this strategy is the one you’re planning to use, you probably aren’t actually going to go to the gym that often. With your doctor, discuss how many times per week you should go to the gym to achieve your goals. Then, put the dates and times that you will go to the gym into the planner. You want to make certain that going to the gym is a part of your schedule, not an appendage to it.
Time Your Visits
You may also wonder about the best time to go to the gym, and the answer really depends upon a few personal factors. When you’re scheduling your days at the gym, remember that you want to make sure that you have enough time when you go and that you aren’t rushing to get to your next task of the day. Also, take into account when the gym is crowded. For example, if you go at a peak time of the day, you may need to wait a while before getting on that treadmill.
Join with a Friend
Part of the problem with going to the gym is the lack of accountability. If you aren’t working with a trainer, no one is really going to check on whether or not you’re sticking with your schedule. However, joining with a friend gives you a greater sense of accountability. When you know that someone else is expecting you to meet up at the gym for a workout, you may very well feel more inclined to go as opposed to skipping once again and sitting on the couch with the remote in hand.
Ask Questions
Going to the gym is an intimidating experience for many people, especially for individuals who have never held a gym membership before in their lives. What you must know is that it is entirely fine to ask questions. In fact, the staff members, trainers and teachers at MuscleU are likely expecting that you will ask questions as answering these inquiries is a part of their job. Overall, don’t be afraid to inquire when you have a question.
Reward Yourself
Purchasing yourself a huge hot fudge sundae or a basket of fries after going to the gym is probably not the best idea in terms of your fitness goals. However, you can set up a system of rewards that has nothing to do with food. For example, if you go to the gym a certain number of times per month, you can reward yourself with a new pair of sneakers or a new workout outfit.
You should give yourself credit for joining a gym and making the decision to go regularly. Staying motivated and integrating these other suggestions play important roles in having a successful experience at the gym. Remember that you might not see results right now, but maintaining patience will bring rewards.