After thinking about it for a long time, you have decided: you are going to take out a subscription to a fitness club. If you’ve already done the hard part of the road (i.e. finding the motivation), you don’t feel very comfortable about walking through the doors of a club and going to the gym for the first time. Which activities to choose? How to resume activity after a long period of stoppage? What equipment to use? We will explain everything to you.
A FEW TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST STEPS
SET ASIDE TIME DEDICATED TO PRACTICE
Are you the type with a busy schedule? What you need is to adopt a new rhythm to fit your sports sessions into your schedule. We can only advise you to start slowly. It’s important not to rush your body, especially if you’re just starting out. Do not force yourself to go to the gym every day but rather prefer a session every other day or 2 to 3 times a week for longer sessions.
Be sure to alternate the training of muscle groups so as not to traumatize them. When registering for the gym, remember to ask if your membership gives you free access. This will make your life easier if you have too tight of a schedule.
GAIN SELF-CONFIDENCE AND FORGET ABOUT YOUR COMPLEXES
Sports halls are often the source of some apprehension, even fear for some. Nothing wrong with that if you’re not used to it. Going to the gym for the first time can be overwhelming, especially if you have a string of fitness girls or fitness boys in front of you performing pecs in front of the mirror. But by making your decision, you have already taken quite a step and you can be proud of it.
Try to trust yourself and not focus on the difficulties or complexes you have with your body. Set goals (lose so many pounds of weight, improve a running time, etc.). If you are still not comfortable then find a gym that only caters to beginners, these are gyms that encourage beginners and everyday gym goes and discourages muscle heads through things like lunk alarm.
CHOOSE YOUR ACTIVITY
Beyond reaching your goals, going to the gym should be fun. To do this, focus on activities that you enjoy. Group lessons are a good alternative for starting indoor practice. Zumba, boxing, CrossFit but also step, yoga classes. The possibilities are numerous. It will also be necessary to make sure to use the equipment according to your level. Start with light loads to begin bodybuilding in order to grasp the movements and work efficiently. For cardio, start in fundamental endurance without forcing too much. Men, women, beginners, or experienced, do not hesitate to ask your coach for advice
PUT ON YOUR BEST OUTFIT (ESPECIALLY THE MOST COMFORTABLE)
No need to have the fanciest pair of sneakers on the market for your first time at the gym. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable in your clothes and that they allow you freedom of movement for your exercises. On the shoe side, you can go for running sneakers at first. You will then see after a few months of practice in your gym what suits you best for your training.
AND AFTER?
MEASURE YOUR PROGRESS
Now that you have your gym membership and are used to cardio and weight training, you have to stay the course! And for that, motivation is the key. Measuring your progress over the weeks will allow you to stay focused on your goals (mass gain, fitness, etc.) while rejoicing at the progress you have already made. On your smartphone or in a small notebook, write down your performance each month: time spent on a treadmill, maximum number of repetitions on a bodybuilding exercise, etc. By writing down your evolution in black and white, you will become more aware of it!
CHANGE YOUR HABITS
That’s it, you know all the machines in your gym at your fingertips. It is possible that after some time, a certain weariness wins you. If, in addition, the results take a long time to feel, it is completely normal to become demotivated. To combat this, do not hesitate to think outside the box and try your hand at new activities. No discomfort taking part in a step class for the first time! This is an excellent session to strengthen your endurance in an atmosphere that is completely different from the cardio plateau.
WATCH YOUR DIET
Needless to say, playing sports will not be enough to draw you a toned silhouette and have sculpted muscles. To achieve your fitness goals, whatever they may be, and continue on your way, forget about fast food 3 times a week, avoid industrial products and take care of your diet. Prefer more balanced meals with a portion of vegetables, starchy foods, and a source of protein. Also, make your own meals as much as possible and be careful not to eat too much in the evening.
