Last issue, we gave you some tips on using the gym to reach your New Year’s resolutions. Maybe you’ve tried a few of the suggestions but couldn’t get over the awkwardness of being a total beginner. If you’ve never been to the gym before, working out might make you feel uncomfortable. But with these five tips, you’ll be earning your gains (or losing the weight) in no time!
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- Get out your phone
Believe it or not but social media is not just for wasting time! Use social media sites like Instagram to follow fitness accounts. These accounts record parts of their workout sessions and will list their routine so that if you find a few workouts you specifically like, you can add it to your routine. I like to follow people like Briana Chandler, BrittneBabe, and Mackenzie Forbes (a vegan bootybuilder!) on Instagram for workout ideas.
- Write out your workout plan
Once you have a good list of moves, create your own workout routine. If you want to target a certain part of your body on a specific day, make a list for that day. When it comes to reps, you want to make sure you’re challenging yourself, but not overexerting.
Then, head over to YouTube to learn how to do these moves step by step. If you’re trying to build muscle, you’ll be hitting the weights a lot, so learning how to lift them appropriately will save you a few sprains and tears.
- Go with friends
Friends make everything less awkward! Get a few friends that may know what they’re doing but also want to get right. And don’t forget to bring your list with you. Friends might get you off task, but the list will put you all back on track!
- Use the restroom before you workout
There’s a muscle, the puborectalis muscle, in the colon that keeps our digested food inside until we’re ready to take out the trash. Squatting helps us relax that muscle entirely so that we can release easily. Therefore don’t be surprised if you feel the urge to let out some gas during your jump squats.
In short, some workouts might make you a little gassy. Relieve yourself before going to the gym in respect for others.
Gymtimidation is real, but it doesn’t have to last forever. Implement these tips the next time you want to get a workout in, and you’ll realize just how enjoyable and rewarding taking care of your body can be.
Additional tips:
- Don’t drop the weights
- Wear clothing that makes you feel good
- On Friday and Saturday nights, no one is at the gym
- Make Mondays or Wednesdays your off days (everybody and their momma will be there)
