How to Ace Going to the Gym for the First Time

The gym is an intimidating place for many beginners. There are heaps of shiny equipment and fit, sweaty people. Chiselled men grunt while lifting heavy barbells. Women in head-to-toe Lycra are running in sync on rows of treadmills. It might be scary going to the gym for the first time, but walking in will be the hardest part.

What to Expect When Going to the Gym for the First Time

We offer a fitness assessment FREE with every new membership. During our free assessment, our qualified trainers will show you around the gym, show you the equipment, discuss your goals, and provide you with a basic workout. If you’re going to the gym for the first time, this walk-through will help get rid of those nerves you may be feeling.

The Locker Rooms

Once you’ve taken the tour, head towards our locker rooms and check out the floor plan. Our locker rooms have an area to change, shower, and use the toilet. Remember to bring a lock for your valuables while you workout.

Now it’s time to change into your workout clothes and hit the floor. Don’t be shy.

The Stretching Area

Now that you have your workout clothes on, let’s find the stretching area.

We have a designated stretching area with mats in an open space. Sit down and take a deep breath. The stretching area is where you can stretch before and after your workout. If you’re not sure what to do, just ask one of the trainers during your free fitness assessment.

Next, you’ll have the option of either heading to the cardio or strength area. Depending on your fitness goals, you might head to the strength area first, then the cardio, or just the cardio.

The Cardio Area

Our cardio area contains heaps of machines that are built to get your heart rate up and the blood pumping. We only have the best Integrity and Cybex machines, so you know you’ll get a good workout on a quality and safe piece of equipment.

The most popular machine you will see heaps of is the treadmill.  A treadmill allows you to walk or run at various speeds and you are able to adjust the incline.

If you’re looking for something easier on the knees, the elliptical trainer is another great option, as it is a no-impact workout. Step machines are popular with many people, but require good fitness so they may not be best for beginners.

Rounding out the most common cardio fitness machines are stationary bikes. Stationary bikes are a great low-impact cardio workout and a great way to start when going to the gym for the first time.

The Strength Area

Men often dominate the strength area of gyms but don’t be afraid! Strength training is the best thing you can do for your body. Just ask our personal trainers! Strength training burns the most kilojoules and builds muscle.

The strength training area has two sections. One contains resistance machines, which is a good place to start as a beginner. The second area contains all the free weights and cable machines. You’ll find machines for the chest, back, shoulders, biceps, and abs among others. Some body parts have multiple machines to work them. Just pick one machine per muscle group to start. Doing too much too early is a good way to injure yourself.

In our free weights section, you’ll find dumbbells, barbells and plates, benches, weight racks, and bench press stations. Here you’ll see people doing anything from simple biceps curls, Olympic lifting, plyometric and body-weight training.

The Fitness Studio

We offer a packed schedule of fitness classes in our two studios throughout the week. Fitness classes are a great place for those going to the gym for the first time to learn new exercises in a stress-free environment. We have classes ranging from yoga to boot camp to Zumba. When you take a class, just make sure you let our instructors know you’re a beginner. They will help you with exercise modifications and proper technique. If you’re not comfortable doing an exercise or have reached your limit, it’s okay to stop and take a break. Know your limits and stick to them.

And don’t forget to try one of our awesome new functional training classes!

Now That You’ve Aced Going to the Gym for the First Time…

Going to the gym for the first time doesn’t have to be a scary experience. Sure, there are really fit people wearing very little clothing, but they started at the beginning sometime too. The hardest part is getting yourself through the front door.

If you’re still unsure about what you’re doing at any point, then simple ask for help. The team at Fitbodz is here to help you reach your goals!