Are you new to exercise and looking to get started in the gym but don’t know where to start? After spending more than a decade helping people reach their goals, I’ve seen every kind of approach possible, from exercise selection, duration, and technique to equipment use, training gear, and gym navigation. I’ve also seen more failed approaches than I can count and I want to help you avoid that from happening. The initial start to your fitness journey can be intimidating. The fitness industry is all around us and can be distracting at times, but there are a few small yet key ingredients that many people overlook. Let’s take a look at the most valuable and realistic approach you could take to develop the right perspective and plan for you, as well as the best steps you could take so you can set yourself up for success right from the get go!
The Right Mindset
One of the most important things to remember when starting out is not the ‘how’ or the ‘what’ but to develop the needed mindset to succeed.Understand that everyone starts from nothing. It’s easy to compare yourself to others who may be more experienced or way fitter than you, but remember that we all have our own unique fitness journey.Managing your expectations is key. Keep the end result in mind, but quickly shift your focus to taking small, achievable steps every single day.
Setting Actionable Goals
Setting realistic goals is important, but our goals are more emotionally driven than we think.
We anticipate how we will feel when we achieve our goals because of how we currently look
or feel, which drives our desire to feel different or just “better” than we currently are feeling.
By breaking down your goals into smaller actionable milestones, such as workouts per week,
steps per day, or your overall activity per week, you’ll have a constant sense of progress and
accomplishment.
This will help you not worry too much about the outcome but shift your focus to getting done
what will be required to reach your goals.
Make it easy
Find a gym that makes it easier to go than to not go. Based on your schedule, location, or
route to or from work, decide which gym has the best location for you to fit training into your
day without having to put too much effort or thought into it.
The hardest part for most people is just getting to the gym. Once you get there, the rest
becomes much easier.
Enjoy the process of learning and discovering what works best for you. Take the time to try
different exercises, classes, or machines to find what you enjoy the most.
Remember, there is no best exercise or routine. There is only the best kind for you that allows
you to do it consistently while having fun and enjoying the process.
Your overall enjoyment will dictate how easy you make it for yourself.
6 Tips to Help You Get Started
1. Have a Plan
Having a clear plan is the first step to make taking action so much easier. Decide how many days you will train per week, plan out your sessions and start with compound movements spread out over the week that target larger groups of muscles to work together.These will be more important at first to build an initial base of strength and coordination.
2. Start Slow and Keep It Simple
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your fitness level. Avoid getting distracted by complicated workout routines and focus on simple and easy-to-stick-to exercises that you can perform safely.
You can then gradually increase the difficulty and intensity over several weeks.
3. Seek Guidance
If you’re unsure about how to use the equipment or perform certain exercises, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Gyms can seem scary at first but they are filled with supportive like minded people that are more than willing to lend a hand and share their knowledge. Most gyms have trainers or staff members who can assist you. They can provide guidance on proper form and technique, ensuring you get the most out of your workouts while minimizing the risk of injury.
4. Make Yourself The Priority
So often our lives revolve around making other people happy and we tend to forget about ourselves. Prioritizing your own life and well-being is essential to achieve your goals but also to add value to those important to you. You will have to adopt a mindset that allows you to say no to things that don’t align with the path required to achieve your goals. Take the time to schedule your workouts and treat them as important appointments with yourself. By making yourself the priority, you’ll be more likely to stick to your fitness routine and see real progress while setting a good example for those who are important to you.
5. Surround Yourself with Supportive People
Surrounding yourself with people who support your goals and celebrate your achievements
can make a big difference when starting your fitness journey. Find a workout buddy or seek out communities where you can find support, motivation, and accountability. Having a support system can greatly help you stay disciplined and keep you accountable.
6. Trust the Process
Consistency is key when it comes to seeing progress. Making exercise a part of your daily
routine means trusting that consistent action will get you to your goals. It’s important to
understand that results take time and effort. So put more time into daily action and less time worrying about what you are lacking because we all know where that has gotten us. Trust the process and have faith in your ability to make positive changes in your health and fitness.
Conclusion
Remember, getting started in the gym is about creating a healthy and sustainable habit that
will last a lifetime. Developing the skills needed to shut out the noise and prioritize your own happiness takes time and has its challenges, but it is a remarkable journey worth taking on!
Embrace the process, learn from the obstacles, remain focused on your own journey, and you
will enjoy the rewards that come with taking care of your body and mind.
Happy exercising!
