Losing Your Gym Virginity

Picking a workout facility can be a scary task. You’ve made the decision to take your personal health and fitness seriously but you don’t know where to start. I remember walking into fitness centers flustered and confused.  There were so many machines, so many weights, so many fit and attractive men and women. I was self-conscious and out of place. Let me help make your gym experience more pleasant

1.  Choose a facility that addressed your needs.

Now, you can find fitness centers that offer a range of services. More discount gyms such as Planet Fitness and Workout World offer a lot of cardio machines and a medium selection of strength machines and free weights. More expensive gyms have a larger offering such as pools, tennis courts, saunas, etc.  I personally suggest investing in a more comprehensive gym because they usually offer group classes that range in activity. You can take a Zumba, Step Aerobics, Yoga, Cycling, Dance, or Strength training in the reassurance of a group. Research exactly what you need from a gym before making that decision.

2.  Ask for help

There is no shame in asking for help. My pride led me to sit on strength machines not knowing how to correctly operate them achieving no results and possibly injuring myself. Machines have instructions on use but optimal positioning, suggested repetitions, and appropriate weights are not explains. The gym has staff trained to assist patrons.

3.  You can never go wrong with cardio.

Depending on your fitness goals, you may want to start the gym with a cardio regiment. When I was over 400 lbs, I committed to walking on the treadmill and using the Arc Trainer. This was very effective. The first 200lbs after weight loss surgery can be attributed to heavy cardio regiments. I used machines and free weights but my program was 85% cardio work. Depending on your size, you may have trouble fitting into certain machines, bicycle seats maybe too small and many other factors that could impact your comfort

4.  Track your activities and your intake

Your work in the gym is futile if you don’t keep an active record of the calories you intake (the food that you eat) and your calorie expenditure (the calories you burn). Weight loss is about burning more calories than you consume.  A healthy diet and an active lifestyle WILL ensure weight loss.