Tips for Beginners at the Gym

We’ve all been there; trying to figure out where and how to get started. Not forgetting that finding motivation to get to the gym can almost feel like your setting yourself up for failure. That’s why most of us find it hard to keep it in our schedule or fail to go in the first place. New things can feel uncomfortable; your first day of school, your first job, your first kiss or your first time at the gym. This is completely normal, but don’t let this stop you, because going out of your comfort zone can, in most cases, help you succeed.

Today, I wanted to touch base on this subject because I haven’t always been comfortable at the gym and I have figured out a few tricks to help me get there.

Tip #1

This is going to sound harsh, but no one cares about you or what you look like at the gym. If someone is looking at you, they either find you attractive or they're wondering where you got your lulu’s. So get it in your head before heading to the gym, that no body is looking at you or what you’re doing. Remind yourself that you are doing this for you and no one else.

Tip #2

Keep some headphones with you wherever you go. I always have an extra pair of head phones in my purse, so if I decide to go to the gym or to go out for a run, I have music to listen to. For me, music makes all the difference in a workout. Music helps with concentration and can even help for motivation at the gym.

Tip #3

Wear something you feel comfortable in. If I don't feel comfortable in what I'm wearing chances are I'll end up leaving early and not finish the full workout I intended to. Bring an extra sweater to the gym so you can wrap it around you’re waist. This is somewhat comforting when you are doing squats and want to make sure no one is looking at what’s featured (although they’re probably not). But, if it makes you feel better, just do it. 

Tip #4

Prepare your gym bag right. I always have a water bottle, sneakers, extra socks, headphones, resistance bands and hair elastics (because there is nothing more annoying than not having a hair tie at the gym). When I get to the gym, I feel well prepared - and have no excuses not to complete a workout. Sometimes I even store a little snack in there in case I get hungry before or after a workout. 

Tip #5

Plan your workouts in advance. The gym can seem intimidating - it can seem even more if you get there and have no clue of what you’re going to do. Write exercises down - on a piece a paper or in your phone. And don’t be afraid to look up exercises or youtube videos while your at the gym (I’ve done this so many times). Better yet, have a custom fitness plan done by a certified trainer - trust me, it'll be worth the investment. This will make you feel more confident in what you’re doing. 

Tip #6

Start simple. You don’t need to jump in the weight’s section right away. Grab a few dumbbells and head to a corner at the gym to complete your workout. I used to do this all the time. Once I felt like I had a good handle on the basics, I started going in different sections of the gym and challenging myself with different types of exercises.

Tip #7

Start slow - you don’t need to know everything right away. Don’t forget that small steps can take you a long way. Don’t be so hard on yourself, we all have to start somewhere. I’ve said this before, but getting “fit” is your own journey, no rush to get there. Make sure you are mindful of the steps you take and take care of yourself, both mentally and physically, along the way.

These are just a few things that helped me get into the gym routine. Believe me when I say that it’s much more motivating when you invest in a bit of organization before heading to the gym. You will feel better prepared and much more confident if you do so.

Until next time my lovelies,

Kelissa, X