Beginner in the gym?
Want to get into lifting but you’re scared of the weights section?
Trust me, we’ve all been there. It is intimidating when you don’t know what you’re doing. The thing is, in reality, no one cares what you are doing, and people will respect you for trying. Everyone has to start somewhere to get where they want to be.
Getting Started
- Research. Find a couple of exercises, look up the technique and try to do the movement with bodyweight at home. Read tips on doing the movement correctly and try to perfect it with no weight, so that when you go into the gym, even if you are doing it with a light weight, you know that you are nailing the technique. You will feel so much more confident if you have tried the movement before heading into the gym.
- Make a plan. Write down what you plan to do in the gym and how long you want to take. It’s so easy to go into the gym and sit around doing a few sets and taking long periods of rest. Make sure to take short rest periods and work your ass off to spike your heart rate.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. This is something that took me a while to get over. You have to remember that you don’t know everything, and personal trainers and gym reps are more than happy to help you! It’s good to be sociable and make friends in the gym, so be willing to ask for advice. It’ll be much better for you in the long run and help you avoid injuries.
- Be consistent. Nowadays, everyone expects to have a shredded six pack within a month. It’s not going to happen. Be consistent with what you do and you will gradually begin to see changes. Losing body fat, or gaining muscle is something that takes time when done healthily (and sustainably). Also remember, a balanced healthy diet filled with a balance of macro and micronutrients is what is going to boost your metabolism and get you burning fat, so don’t starve yourself!
- Have a goal. It’s important that you know what you want when you start training. This will keep you motivated and accountable. Your goal may be to lose fat, but ask yourself why? What’s your internal goal, why do you want to lose fat? Understanding this will really help you take your training seriously and be extra motivated.
Go out and do it!
The longer you put it off the scarier it becomes. In reality when you get there, you’ll wonder why you were ever scared! For tips and exercises I recommend you use bodybuilding.com as they have a wide range of exercises for each different part of the body.
