Tips To Getting Started In The Gym & Beginning Your Daily Workout

Friday, September 13, 2024, 11:00 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Amanda Scarlata: Englebrook Independent News,

MORRISTOWN, NJ. For today’s article, I will discuss getting started in the gym and give you girls some tips to help you feel more comfortable while beginning your journey. For some of you who have never worked out in a gym setting, it might feel intimidating, especially when surrounded by people who have been in the gym for some time.

Do Not Get Discouraged

     Remember, “everybody starts somewhere,” So please do not get discouraged.

     I began my fitness journey in 2018, shortly after graduating high school and starting college. Growing up, I maintained an active schedule and played multiple sports, but I never ventured into a gym for weight lifting. I am quite the foodie, and being away at college meant I would have to stay active to keep myself healthy.

     While at college, I began working out at the gym in my dorm building and then at an actual gym whenever I came home on breaks. I was unfamiliar with the equipment and how to improve myself. I now look back and laugh that I was the “typical” stereotypical girl who would come into the gym, jump on a treadmill for a few minutes, and do a few simple leg and tummy workouts before leaving.

     Over the years, I began watching others in the gym to learn how the equipment works and to gain inspiration to work out. I also started researching techniques on the internet.

Cardio vs Weightlifting

     As crucial as cardio is for cardiovascular health, weight training is even better for helping you lose weight while maintaining your bone and muscle health. Many assume that cardio is the best way to burn calories and reduce fat; weight training helps your body continuously burn calories even after your workout, as your body will still burn calories as your muscles recover and repair.

     Many women often get nervous about weight training because they are afraid they may get too big or too “bulky,” but I am here to show you that this is not the case and how beneficial it will be for you.

Alternate Workout Days

     A great start to weight training is learning what exercises target which muscle groups. There are many different workout routines that one can follow, known as the workout “split.” The various muscle groups for training can simply be broken down into upper-body workouts and lower-body workouts. For those who are new to working out in a gym, I often recommend alternating upper-body days and lower-body days. Upper-body workouts should involve your back muscles, chest and shoulders, and arms, while lower-body days should be for all of your legs.

     As you progress in the gym, your workout split can become even more complex by breaking up your muscle groups. For example, you can begin training your back and biceps one day and your glutes and hamstrings the next day, your chest and triceps another day, glutes and quads, and then a day for shoulders. You must train all muscle groups so you do not develop muscle imbalance. Soon, I will begin posting workout videos to provide great beginner workouts for all your muscle groups.

     Never let the gym or others make you uncomfortable or intimidated. Feel free to ask me any questions you may have or any workout questions! amandaforyous@gmail.com. Don’t forget that the gym staff is always there to help you. Feel free to ask them if you are unfamiliar with equipment or how something works.