May
18
How to find a gym - The first week
Filed Under Exercise, Gyms, Motivation, Work Out
We’ve been talking about joining a gym this week. We’ve gone over what to look for and how to evaluate gyms once you find them. Today we’re going to go over your first week at the gym.
First, a shopping list
Yes, there are a few things you’re going to need and no, they don’t cost that much.
Shoes - You’re going to want comfortable running shoes. Don’t go overboard, you don’t need a shoe that comes equipped with flashing lights, an onboard computer and two training wheels. Personally, I use a pair of New Balance running shoes that cost me about $60 at the local Sport Mart.
Shorts - Exercise shorts are not quite the same as regular shorts. They have a greater range of movement. If you wear regular shorts and try to flex your legs in all directions, you’ll note that the shorts sometimes push back or resist certain movements. Exercise shorts won’t do that. Again, they’re pretty cheap. I got mine for about $20.
Shirts - No need to buy something here. Any old T shirt will do.
That’s about everything you need for the gym. For a rather amusing look at what NOT to get, take a look at the following article from our friends at Interactive Fitness - 10 things you don’t need at the gym
The First Week
Don’t try to set up a regular workout the first week. I know it’s tempting to dive right in and get all fit in two days, but that’s simply not realistic. If this is your first time at a gym, you’re much better off exploring than you are trying to set some kind of organized regime. So spent a few days wondering through the various machines. Ideally, you’ll try every single workout option in the place. That means spend a minute understanding each machine. Try out all the cardio options. You should definitely spend some time at the free weights section looking at what other people are doing and trying these things out yourself (at a lower weight).
Basically, what you’re trying to do is to familiarize yourself with the gym. You want to know where things are and how they’re used so that, when it does come time to build a workout, you have the information you need. For example, when you sit down to write what things you’ll do to work out your legs, you’re already going to know what options your gym offers you.
If possible, take a few classes just to see if you like them. The various aerobics classes are a great option for those who find themselves bored by standard cardio. There’s an endless variety of them and they’ll all get your pulse rate up and keep your interest rate high. Also, try to work out with a trainer. Most gyms will offer a few free training sessions for new members. So take advantage of this option. A trainer can show you around the gym and educate you about what works and what doesn’t. I’m not a big fan of using a personal trainer on an ongoing basis, but they can be invaluable when you’re first learning your way around a gym. Make sure the trainer understand what it is you’re looking for. You’re not looking for a standard workout, you’re looking for a gym education.
Don’t get discouraged
This is one of the most important things to remember when you first join a gym. You’re going to see people work out there and you’ll get discouraged when you compare yourself to them. Yes, there will be people running on the treadmill for an hour at race car speed while you can barely jog for more than 2 minutes. Yes, there will be people benching a bar with around 2 tons of steel on it while you can barely lift the bar itself. Yes, there will be people there whose bodies would make a Greek god weep in jealousy while you would make the Pillsbury dough boy giggle. So what? All those people, they all started where you are now.
In fact, strike up a conversation with these people. Talk to them about their workouts. Ask them for advice about how to lift weights and what’s the proper form for exercise. You’ll find that your fellow gym goers can be an incredible resource. I’ve always been surprised by how friendly and helpful people at the gym can be. They’ll spot you, they’ll spend time teaching you, they’ll even offer to work out with you and show you all their tips and tricks. You know why? Because they remember their own first time at the gym. They remember how awkward they felt and now they feel great about being asked for help. So don’t be shy, strike up a conversation by asking for help.
Speaking of which, if you have any questions for me, please don’t hesitate to send them in via the comments or email. My email is available on the contact me page. Next week we’re going to discuss how to build a gym workout. Until then.
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2 Responses to “How to find a gym - The first week”
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I just joined my first gym (ever!) two months ago - it took me nearly four weeks of trying the elliptical before I could last longer than 4 minutes. Each visit, I added 1 or two minutes as it was just so hard for me - I now do 30 - 35 minutes at a variety of settings. It’s still incredibly hard at times but each time gets smoother.
Early on, I worried about how it looked (me struggling so hard) but now - I don’t compare myself with anyone other than me the day before.
Very useful information for staying motivated at the gym.
Tam
Thanks for sharing that Tammy. I had the same experience with the treadmill. When I first tried it, I couldn’t do more than 5 minutes on a setting that was essentially walking pace. Was a bit discouraging but I kept adding minutes and increasing the pace. Slowly but surely, it got better.
Gal