[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.7″ custom_margin=”-65px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.7″ custom_padding=”|||5px||” inline_fonts=”Euclid Circular B Medium” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Ready to start your fitness journey? Your local gym has everything you need to make the first step – encouraging atmosphere, equipment, and advice.<\/span><\/p>\n We dream of a world where everyone feels confident about stepping into a gym for the first time. If that sounds like a bit of you, read our best-ever beginner\u2019s guide to your first gym<\/a> session!<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Amazing \u2013 you\u2019re about to do something really positive for your health and fitness. Gym training can help you build strong muscles and bones<\/a><\/strong>, lose body fat, develop better cardiovascular fitness (that\u2019s \u201cheart fitness\u201d in real talk) and increase your sense of self-confidence. Sounds pretty good to us!<\/span><\/p>\n There are so many great reasons to head to the gym as a beginner. First up, you\u2019ve got all the fitness equipment you need to make meaningful changes to your body<\/a> and mind. Then you\u2019ve got a motivating atmosphere and none of the distractions of home, so you can finally focus on yourself. Lastly, you\u2019ll be able to tap into the expert support of Personal Trainers and class instructors who really want to help you become your best self.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Love cardio? Cool, you\u2019ll be able to sweat it out on smart bits of cardio equipment that you simply can\u2019t have at home<\/a>. Want to start lifting weights<\/a><\/strong>? There\u2019s no better place to do that than at a gym, where you\u2019ll be able to safely use machines and free weights<\/a>. Or perhaps you fancy doing functional fitness training, HIIT workouts, or group exercise classes. It\u2019s all there at your local gym, just waiting for you to find your favourite workout.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Don\u2019t head to the gym before ticking off this top-5 checklist.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n We get it \u2013 thinking about your first gym visit can be daunting. The best way to minimise the overwhelm is to plan ahead. It\u2019s a really great idea to book a gym induction, so a friendly member of gym staff can show you around, set you up on the machines, and answer your questions. They want the best for everyone who goes to the gym and will be happy to help.<\/span><\/p>\n Keep it simple and low-impact for your first few visits. Warm up on a piece of cardio equipment (hint: this is also the perfect opportunity to look around and get your bearings!) Try the treadmill for an incline walk, the cross trainer<\/a><\/strong>, or the rowing machine to get your heart-rate up to start your session.<\/p>\n From there, move to the stretch or functional fitness area where you\u2019ll find mats, medicine balls and kettlebells. This is a simple and versatile way to introduce some resistance work into your session. Try bodyweight movements like squats, lunges, press ups and sit ups, or incorporate extra weight with a light<\/a> kettlebell.<\/p>\n If you want to add a bit more weight to your workouts, try the resistance machines<\/a> for your first few visits. It\u2019s easier to learn good weight training technique on a machine and the workouts will build your confidence with weights. When you feel ready to move over to the free weights (barbells, plates, dumbbells) ask a member of staff to show you how to pick the right weight and do exercises with good form.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Not everyone knows what to do in the gym, and that\u2019s just fine! If you\u2019re a newbie to the gym scene, how can you be expected to know what to do? Thankfully every gym has qualified staff members who know exactly how to explain the equipment and machines<\/a> without making things more confusing.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t know where to start, head to reception and ask to speak to a Personal Trainer<\/a> or gym manager. They will chat with you to understand your background and goals, before showing you around the gym and helping you get to grips with the equipment<\/a>. If you want, they will even give you a simple workout programme to follow on your phone, or show you how to access on-demand workouts and classes using a virtual platform.<\/p>\n Really like the look of a workout class but don\u2019t know what to expect? Ask reception to put you in touch with the instructor. He or she will be delighted to explain their class, show you any equipment, and tell you which class times are most popular. Added bonus of speaking to the instructor before you book a class \u2013 they\u2019ll already know you when you turn up to work out!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n What you\u2019re wearing<\/span><\/p>\n As long as you are comfortable and supported in all the right areas (ladies, you know what we mean\u2026) you can wear any sports kit. You don\u2019t need labels or brands unless that\u2019s your thing. Shorts or leggings plus a t-shirt or vest top and away you go.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Here\u2019s a secret about people in the gym \u2013 they are all more concerned about themselves than they are about you. And they were a newbie once! Be confident and enjoy your workout.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The great thing about the gym is that it\u2019s a controlled environment that is purpose-built for working out. You can\u2019t go wrong – and if you make a beginner mistake, so what! Most people in the gym will be happy to give you some pointers. An even better idea is to a trainer for advice (or maybe book a one-to-one session) to learn the basics.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You\u2019ll be glad to hear that the days of mega-long gym workouts<\/a> are in the past! As a gym newbie, keep your training sessions simple, short, and stress-free. The goal is to get your mind and body used to your new hobby \u2013 and leave you wanting more.<\/p>\n 30-45 minutes is the optimal amount of time to be in the gym when you\u2019re starting out. This gives enough time for a 5 minute warm up, 20 minutes workout, and time left over for core work and a bit of stretching \u2013 perfect!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n You made it to the gym \u2013 go you! We hope you feel proud of yourself for stepping outside of your comfort zone. Hopefully you enjoyed the feeling of working up a sweat and getting your muscles moving. Here\u2019s what to do next:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The most important part of your post-workout plan is giving yourself a massive pat on the back. You\u2019ve just done something really significant for your mind, body, and future self!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Simple recovery tips<\/span><\/p>\n Make sure you hydrate and eat a healthy snack after your first gym visit. There\u2019s no need to replace the calories you\u2019ve burned, but it\u2019s a good idea to nourish your body with a bit of protein and some healthy carbohydrates. If you feel achy the next day, keep your body moving (get outside for a walk) and do some simple stretches for your legs, back, hips and upper body<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Plan your next visit<\/span><\/p>\n Keep the momentum up by planning your second gym visit. Do you want to go back to the same gym, or try something new? Has your enthusiasm rubbed off on a friend who will come along with you? Get the next training session in the diary and build on your new healthy habit<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n There are dozens of gyms in your local area, all offering different classes and equipment. Try a few to find somewhere you feel at home in. Hussle<\/a> has the best selection of local gyms and leisure facilities.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Got the workout bug? Don\u2019t limit yourself to gym training. There are loads of different forms of exercise out there just waiting to be enjoyed. Why not try an exercise class, swimming, or even a taster session of a new sport. There\u2019s no right or wrong way to get fit and stay<\/a> in shape. The best workout is the one you enjoy! What would you like to try next?<\/p>\nGoing to the gym for the first time?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
5 things to do before you go to the gym<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Things to try on your first gym visit<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How to get help in the gym<\/span><\/h2>\n
3 things not to worry about at the gym<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What other people are thinking<\/span>\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Getting it wrong<\/h3>\n
How long should your gym workouts be?<\/h3>\n
What\u2019s next after your first gym visit<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/h3>\n
Congratulate yourself!<\/h3>\n
Try a different gym<\/h3>\n
Explore different activities<\/span><\/h3>\n