Entering the gym for the first time can be a daunting experience, regardless of your age or ability. But help is at hand. Here are 5 tips on how to prepare yourself to get going…
1. Don’t copy others
Other gym goers may be doing certain exercises prescribed for an injury or health condition that wouldn’t suit somebody else. Everyone is unique and what works for one person may not work for another. Also, there are many people out there who perform exercises with bad form and technique which may increase their risk of injury, so always ask a professional for advice if you’re at all unsure.
2. Gradually build up the volume of training
It can be easy to throw yourself into training five days a week when you’re motivated and everything is new. This will lead to burning out and more often than not, injury. Start with twice a week and build up from there. To go from nothing to everything is not advised or sustainable for the future.
3. Be flexible with what can work for you
Never tried a class before? Go to a beginners or lower intensity class. Never followed a programme? Get one written for you. That way you can structure your week. If you can’t get to a class you have a programme to follow and if you need a little extra motivation one day, try a class you think may suit you.
4. Be aware of other services a gym may provide
You may not need physio now but you may in the future or if the gym has a relaxation spa use it as a reason to treat yourself for attending the gym on a regular basis.
5. Find activities that you enjoy
The best training programme is the one you’ll stick to, there is no “perfect programme”. With this in mind, don’t worry about what everybody else is doing, find the activities and exercises that you enjoy and help you enjoy the experience. Looking forward to your gym visits will go a long way to ensuring that you can maintain your new lifestyle long into the future.
