Gym Workout Tips for the Best Workout Experience
Going to the gym can be an overwhelming and intimidating experience, especially for beginners. It’s important to have a plan and the right mindset to make the most out of your gym workout. In this blog post, I will share some of the best gym workout tips to help you prepare for your workout, optimize your time at the gym, and be courteous to other gym-goers. Follow these tips to become a pro at the gym and make the most of your workout!
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The Best Tips for Beginners Working Out at the Gym
Don’t let starting a new healthy habit of going to the gym intimidate you!
I mean, I get it. You’ve got a ton of gym rats that are in peak physical condition and totally aware of how to use all those machines and contraptions.
Then you probably also have personal fitness trainers circling around who are also super fit and familiar with this environment.
You might be out of shape. You might be afraid of being judged. Or you might just be self conscious because you don’t know how to use the machines, what moves to do with the free weights, or because you aren’t too familiar with proper gym etiquite.
But don’t worry!
I’ve got you covered. Here are some gym workout tips to help get you started on a more confident foot.
Gym Workout Tips for Beginners
First Be Prepared:
The key to a successful gym workout is preparation. Before heading to the gym, make sure you have a designated gym bag and pack it with essential items such as a towel, water bottle, headphones, and workout clothes (or a change for after if you are already wearing your workout clothes).
Don’t forget to pack your gym shoes and any necessary gear, such as weightlifting gloves or a lifting belt. It’s also a good idea to have an idea of your workout routine before arriving at the gym. This will save you time and help you stay focused during your workout.
Plan Your Workout Length:
A common question people have is, “How long should I work out at the gym?” The answer really depends on your fitness goals and schedule. It used to be thought that you should aim for at least 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of strength training per session. But this info is a bit outdated and also deters a lot of people from working out. Who really can devote that time most days?
While exercising that long is really a great goal for weight loss and strength gains, for a lot of us that isn’t realistically sustainable. Considering you need to add in drive0-time to and from the gym as well as time for your shower and change after, that makes going to the gym over a 2 hour venture.
When you should be going 3-5 days per week, that just doesn’t work for most of us.
But have no fear, you can still get in a quick and effective workout by doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or circuit training! In a crunch, a highly effective 20-minute workout can be very effective! You will simply want to be exercising more days and might want a trainer’s guidance.
Be sure to allot time to warm up before your workout and stretch afterward to prevent injury and soreness.
Be Courteous at the Gym:
One of the most important gym workout tips is to be mindful and courteous to other gym-goers. Always wipe down equipment after use and re-rack weights in their appropriate places.
Avoid hogging equipment or taking long breaks between sets. If someone asks to use a piece of equipment, be polite and either let them know how many sets you have left.
Or better yet, offer to share the machine with them and switch off between sets. Who knows, you might even find a new workout partner that way!
Stay Hydrated and Fueled:
Fueling your body properly for working out will drastically improve your gains. But that doesn’t mean guzzling a ton of water during your workout or eating a ton after when you are starving.
Instead focus on drinking water before, during, and after your workout. That’s crucial for staying hydrated and energized. But oftentimes just drinking a ton of water isn’t enough, you need to also be replenishing electrolytes.
And please don’t misguidedly think that means you should run out and grab a Gatorade for your workout. Those are so full of bad ingredients. They WILL replenish electrolytes but they are NOT good for you.
Consider using Hydrate or these Electrolyte Drops. (These are the two I use that actually have really great ingredients!)
Eating a nutritious snack or meal before your workout can also help fuel your body and provide more energy for you to expend during your workout. Avoid heavy or greasy foods that may cause stomach discomfort during your workout.
Think of complex carbs and protein or healthy fats and protein before your workout. Don’t forget a postworkout recovery shake is a really good idea too.
Mix Up Your Routine:
Finally, to keep your workouts fresh and exciting, consider mixing up your routine.
Try new exercises or classes to challenge your body and prevent boredom. Set realistic fitness goals and track your progress to stay motivated. Most importantly, don’t give up! Consistency and dedication are key to achieving your fitness goals.
Learn How to Use the Equipment
There are a few ways you can learn how to use the equipment.
-Ask for a tour of the gym and some basic instructions at the front desk.
-Pick a piece of cardio equipment you can do a bit leisurely for a day and watch other gymgoers (without staring and being generally creepy) to get ideas for ways to try using different pieces of equipment.
-Plan to spend your first day walking around reading instructions on and trying out all the different machines before scheduling in a real workout.
-Hire a personal fitness trainer at the gym for a handful of times and soak up all their knowledge and help.
Wrapping Up Gym Workout Tips for Beginners
Overall, these gym workout tips can help you prepare, optimize your time, and be courteous to others at the gym.
Remember to pack essential items, plan your workout, and be mindful of others while working out.
Stay hydrated, fueled, and mix up your routine to keep your workouts fresh and exciting. By following these tips, you’ll become a pro at the gym and achieve your fitness goals in no time!
