It’s January and that means it’s resolution time! And for many of us, that also means trying to lose that same 10kg we’ve been trying to get rid of for years. Joining the gym is the easy part though, but what do you actually do once you’re there? Don’t worry, and don’t give up before you even start – we’re here to help!
Have a plan
Goals are easier to achieve if you have a plan in place first. So don’t just go to the gym vaguely looking to lose weight. Be more specific about what you want to accomplish. Do you want to be able to run for 30 minutes without stopping, deadlift 100kg, do real pushups, survive a whole class without passing out? Go in with a plan, and you’ll come out closer to achieving it.
Go slow
By far one of the biggest mistakes new or returning gym-goers make is doing too much too soon. Going straight from couch potato to gym bunny can lead to fatigue and even injury if you’re not careful. Avoid overexertion (and burnout) by committing to two to three sessions at first, and giving yourself enough time to rest between each. The stronger you become, the more you can add to your routine as you go.
Try everything once
No idea where to start? Then start everywhere! Most gyms will offer a range of different classes from low to high intensity, so try out the ones that look interesting to you. Let the instructor know that you’re a first-timer, and if you can’t do a certain exercise, then ask them to modify it for you. Once you find a class or two you like, you can start going regularly – and you’ll be able to see your fitness improve over time, too.
Get professional help
And by that we mean a personal trainer. If you can afford even just a few sessions, it’s a great way to get help with your form, and to learn how to perform certain exercises – particularly when it comes to the weights section (which is fab for burning fat!). Many gyms will have affordable introductory personal training plans, and often trainers will charge less per person if you and a friend train at the same time. Take a look at the options available to you, and see if your budget can swing it.
Stay motivated
It’s hard going to gym for the first time in forever, but don’t let that get you down. Consistency is the key to achieving anything, so the more often you exercise, the fitter and stronger you’ll become, and the closer you’ll be to achieving your health goals.
No more excuses: It’s time to start your health journey (for reals). Find the tips you need, here.
