A Beginner's Guide to Beginning Gym

The gym can be a very intimidating place whether you’re a newbie to lifting or you’ve been doing it for years. Irrespective, gym anxiety is a real concept. Maybe you don’t know which machines or workouts to do, or how to workout the equipment in the gym. Or you’re conscious about what’s the “right form” for each exercise, or you’re not “social” enough of a person to ask someone to help you out, that’s totally NORMAL, and it’s okay!

You might find that this anxiety might be preventing you from being consistent at the gym. Sometimes it can be because one of the only machines you know is blocked, or there are just too many people. And sometimes despite there being no reason, the anxiety just kicks in saying “hi there!”.

But as someone’s who’s been through all these phases, I’ve come to you with 4 simple tips that can help you navigate your way around the gym!

1. Take a friend: Sign up for a class together, or take someone who’s already been in the gym sphere for a while! They can help navigate the space, answer your questions and help you figure out how to slowly do stuff — whether it’s exercise wise, or form wise!

2. Go at a time where there aren’t too many people: It takes time to familiarize yourself with a space, learning where what is! Once you know where which machine is, slowly start mentally mind-mapping the layout of your gym! (P.S: Trust me, it makes you feel a teeny-tiny bit more confident knowing that you’re not a scurrying mess)

3. Start off your workout with cardio: All of us have the ingrained fear of looking stupid. But there’s a way to lower the intensity of what you feel. For example, I found it very helpful starting out my workout sessions with cardio. I knew I'd be anxious (even after I got used to going), but 10-15 minutes on the treadmill listening to music helped me burn through that anxious energy and get used to the environment!

4. Start off by using the machines first: I think it’s very important to realize no one is immediately perfect. You are there to improve, to get better at it. If you find the free weights section intimidating (I used to, for a good two months at least), start off with the machine section of the gym!

Pro tip: Machines are alternatives for free weight workouts! It helps you isolate the target muscle group and give you more stability so it’s meant to be beginner friendly!

At the end of the day, just remember that it takes time and consistency to get comfortable, and that you’re not the only one going through this! Starting is always the hardest part — so even if you’re just stepping into the gym, it still is a leap. So no matter what, don’t stop, and keep rushing forward!

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New to the gym and don't know what workout to follow?

Try this Body Circuit Workout out!

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