Tips for new gym starters
Gyms and health clubs typically see an influx of new members at the start of the year as many people try to kickstart their new year with resolutions for improving fitness levels and try to set new exercise goals for themselves.
A few months in and some of these new gym members may still be struggling to find their feet in the gym environment - particularly if it is the first time they have ever joined a gym or health club.
Here are some tips to help ensure your new gym journey is a successful one:
1. Find out what services your gym has on offer: personal trainers, a swimming pool, therapists – these are all things which you may not initially be interested in or feel you need but being aware of these options is still useful should your needs change in the future. There might also be some “new member” perks that you have yet to take advantage of such as the option of bringing a guest for free (every 12th of every month).
2. Try different things until you find something you enjoy: there will be no “one-size-fits-all” gym program – try to not worry about what everyone else might be doing but rather try different programs, different classes and activities until you find something you truly enjoy and that you will be motivated to stick to.
3. Keep track of your training: setting goals and writing them down as well as keeping track of your progress is a very useful tool to help you stay motivated and to see how far you have come from when you started. Try a simple training diary or keep a record on a spreadsheet - or download one of the many apps available for doing this. You can even try our TANITA measurements, to keep on top of your body measure changes.
4. Don’t worry about what others are doing: as mentioned in the previous point, the best tip to stay motivated is to find something that YOU truly enjoy – others at the gym may be working towards certain goals or targeting their training around their own injuries or health conditions which may not suit someone else – everyone is unique – if you are unsure, always ask a professional for advice.
5. Build up gradually: going from nothing to trying to train every day of the week could lead to burn out and injuries. Start slowly, for example twice a week and build up from there – consistency is by far the most important factor when it comes to achieving fitness goals – so rather stick with a sustainable plan than one that is difficult to maintain in the long run.
Disclaimer: The content of this page is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. References available on request.