Getting started in the gym

My tips for getting into fitness, including weight training and correct use of equipment.

(eBook coming soon!)

1. Set yourself a goal.

This could be to lose a certain amount of weight, gain a certain amount of muscle, gain a six pack, run a marathon etc. It will be easier to motivate yourself if you have a set goal. Then try to track your progress over time, this is where the reward comes in! This could be through increasing the amount your are lifting, increasing the number of reps per exercise, increasing the distance you are running etc. Knowing you are making progress is the best feeling and will give you that push to keep going!

2. Understand that progress takes time.

Progress doesn't happen over night. You have to be patient in understanding that progress comes from maintenance, this incudes sticking to your workout plan and continuing to push yourself.

3. Don't push yourself too hard

You have to remember to take things at your own pace. Start with some gentle workouts maybe 2 or 3 times a week, before increasing to 4 or 5 once you feel you are ready. You will know when you are ready because you won't feel as tired and your body will be recovering quicker. When I first went back to the gym after lockdown, I made the mistake of pushing myself too hard, I was lifting too heavy and I made myself ill from fatigue the following day.

4. Get over being self conscious

I know that this is a hard one, particularly if you're new to the gym. But I can promise you that most of the time, people are way too busy worrying about themselves to care what you're doing. You will probably look more strange if you appear self conscious doing an exercise, than you would if you went at it with full confidence. Even if you're doing the exercise wrong, if you look confident, I can guarantee no one will notice! Also regular gym goers have probably see all kinds of strange behavior so don't worry!