The end of 2015 is getting closer, which means everyone gets a chance to start over next year. For many people, this means making a list of resolutions for the new year. According to Statistics Brain, in 2015, staying fit and healthy was the fifth most popular resolution made, and 38% of people who made resolutions made at least one weight-related one (Source).
Is joining a gym in your plans for the new year? It’s never too early think about getting on the path toward a healthier lifestyle, and if you’re not quite sure where to begin the fitness journey, we’ve got some great tips!
Getting Started on Your Fitness Journey
So, you’ve settled on your gym of choice and have paid for your membership. You’ve even gone out and bought a bunch of new workout gear, and you’ve got yourself convinced this getting healthy and fit thing is finally going to happen.
Now what?
Many people just stroll into the gym, and get to it. While that’s good and all, it may not be the approach you want to take on your first day there.
Hitting the gym and starting on a fitness journey for the first time can seem pretty daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Take a look at the following list of tips and things to remember while start on your fitness journey in the new year!
5 Tips for New Fitness Journeys
1. Keep your self-esteem and confidence levels as high as possible. Walking into a gym and seeing everyone else—especially the bodybuilders—can sometimes make you feel awful about yourself. Don’t. Steve from NerdFitness.com had this to say:
“If you’re afraid that people are judging you because you’re out of shape – the majority of people I’ve talked to actually have told me they love seeing someone out of weight trying their hardest – because they know how hard it is to get started (Source).
You’re not at the gym to impress anyone but yourself. Always remember that the only person you have to answer to is yourself.
2. Free weights can be your friends, too. Many people regard the free weights area of the gym with a mix of dread, horror, and outright loathing. The thing is, those weights are for everyone—even you—to use. You don’t have to feel scared and you don’t have to wonder whether you should use them or not.
Sure, the big guys who live at the gym may use them, but free weights will give you free reign in determining your muscle gains and toning. Learn to love free weights, and you’ll get further on your new fitness journey.
3. Always practice good gym etiquette. This might seem like an obvious one, but it does slip the minds of some people. Respect your fellow fitness fanatics. When you use machines, wipe them down when you’re done. When everyone respects each other, the gym can be a much friendlier place!
4. Remember to do what you enjoy. Going to the gym and working out should never feel like, well, work (especially if you’re just starting out). Do the things you enjoy. If you like to run, use the treadmill. Like biking? Head to the different stationary bikes. When you do the exercises you enjoy, you’re much more likely to stick with a daily gym routine.
5. Keep in mind that progress comes slowly. Five days at the gym isn’t going to give you the bulk you want. It takes longer than that for results to begin to show, especially if you have some fat to get rid of first. Don’t be disheartened when you don’t see results right away. They’ll come. Patience is always key.
Do you have any tips to offer gym newbies? Feel free to leave us a comment below!
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