These tips can help you achieve your fitness goals and maintain confidence.
Mary Lambkin
Are you new to working out? Perhaps you are unsure where to begin. These seven tips will help you feel more powerful — mentally and physically — before and during your first gym session.
PROUD!
Before we get into the practical tips for beginners in the gym, let’s remember that confidence is the key to success. You should be proud that you show up to the gym, no matter how much weight you lift. Do not be afraid to ask for help or not be intimidated by others.
Remember that everyone in the gym was once in your shoes. Those first few sessions are often the hardest, no matter how easy or difficult the workouts may seem. Keep your confidence high, be proud and know that your fitness and gym skills will improve over time.
Stay Strong
Because these machines are accessible to all abilities and ages, beginners often gravitate towards stationary cycles and treadmills. You don’t have to get into a cardio routine; you can incorporate strength training at least twice a week. You don’t have to go to the weight room if you are not feeling up for it; bodyweight exercises can still be effective in building strength.
Are you unsure where to begin? You can try one of Planet Fitness’s unlimited, complimentary fitness training sessions available to all members through PE@PF. These sessions can be led by certified trainers who can help you learn basic weight-training techniques and other workout moves. Planet Fitness offers a 30-minute Express Circuit option to help you complete a full-body exercise program.
Work hard
You might not be sweating enough by the end of your workout. It would help if you aimed to be “out of breath” at least once per workout. This can be achieved using high-intensity movements such as sprinting, jumping, burpees, or squat hops.
ASK HOW
Ask a fellow gym-goer or employee for assistance rather than shying away from exercises and equipment you are unfamiliar with. You can use resources such as the ACE Fitness exercise library or the CDC workout videos for tips and techniques. Working with a certified trainer is another great idea to familiarise yourself with the gym layout and create a workout plan.
EAT UP
Working out won’t yield results if your diet isn’t in check. Reduce sugar intake and replace unhealthy food with healthier alternatives. It’s a good idea to follow the USDA recommends that you fill at least half your plate with fruits or vegetables.
High-protein snacks such as nuts, yogurt, deli meats, and cottage cheese are great to have on hand for pre-workouts or afterwards. While a balanced diet is important to meet your fitness goals, it is also possible to indulge occasionally!
