Gym?

[Typhlosion]

I've recently been planning to start going to gym, I have LOADS of free time in my hands. Problem is, I've never even been in one, let alone know what to do there :lol: I haven't done much exercise in my life beyond walking, so it's definitely a good idea. Just to stay healthy.

What should I be expecting? Any useful tips for a beginner? How's your experience at gym?

[James Dean]

You just pay a monthly fee to use their equipment and the rest is up to you. They do have classes and stuff that might be included in the membership. I don't know you.

Some have swimming pools and other stuff too.

Just bring water and a towel with you.

I been to a gym once with my older brother. Sometimes they let you bring guests with you on some days.

[ksdnfkfr]

Never been, but I think there's attendants or whatever there to advise you. I know when it comes to weights gym at school, they made sure we took it slow and easy so we didn't get sore or hurt.

[Horatio Nelson]

I've recently been planning to start going to gym, I have LOADS of free time in my hands. Problem is, I've never even been in one, let alone know what to do there :lol: I haven't done much exercise in my life beyond walking, so it's definitely a good idea. Just to stay healthy.

What should I be expecting? Any useful tips for a beginner? How's your experience at gym?

Awesome! :D I personally love the gym, it's a great stress reliever.

One thing that is super important, is to have a game plan. If you just show up and try to scramble some sort of workout together, it probably won't work. Try and set a goal and do your best to finish it. I hope you enjoy it.

[mrmee]

When i went to the gym, i got assigned a personal trainer and she set up a workout program for me. If you can, go to a place that does that.

[Leon03]

When i went to the gym, i got assigned a personal trainer and she set up a workout program for me. If you can, go to a place that does that.
Same here. My membership includes an hour with a personal trainer per month. There you discuss your personal progress and a new training plan is set up. Just tell him that you are a beginner :)

[Karkat]

I guess it's have to depend on if you get a trainer or not. My suggestion: take a pen and pad of paper with you the first time, write down every kind of machine you see. Try to include what it is technically called, and what its use is. Observe people using said machines for a bit if possible.

When you go home, research the machines you aren't comfortable with, and maybe write out a gameplan.

I also definitely agree with the water and towel bit. Music is good as well if you want it. Maybe a light, healthy snack.

I need to get to the gym too, but I feel so self-conscious every time I go. :P

[Broken Toy]

I got a program when i joined, but i dont really follow it.
If there's an induction to show you what to do, then goto that the. Just do whatever you want to train and don't over do it. As long as you are aware of your limits you can do anything rhere

[JamesSuperBoy]

I've recently been planning to start going to gym, I have LOADS of free time in my hands. Problem is, I've never even been in one, let alone know what to do there :lol: I haven't done much exercise in my life beyond walking, so it's definitely a good idea. Just to stay healthy.

What should I be expecting? Any useful tips for a beginner? How's your experience at gym?


If you have a choice of gyms then best to get round a few - some will charge membership - some might have deals just allowing access at certain times. If its anything like the UK then facilities like pool. sauna etc will vary. Look round for the deals maybe some will allow a free visit - induction etc.

[mrmee]

I guess it's have to depend on if you get a trainer or not. My suggestion: take a pen and pad of paper with you the first time, write down every kind of machine you see. Try to include what it is technically called, and what its use is. Observe people using said machines for a bit if possible.

When you go home, research the machines you aren't comfortable with, and maybe write out a gameplan.

I also definitely agree with the water and towel bit. Music is good as well if you want it. Maybe a light, healthy snack.

I need to get to the gym too, but I feel so self-conscious every time I go. :P

Do what i did and just start buying the equipment for yourself. It comes fairly cheap if you get it used.

[ImCoolBeans]

I haven't gone in a while, but really should start going again. It's awesome to look and feel great about yourself. I always found that it's better for me to go to the gym with a friend, I find that it makes me enjoy the workout more, and some of my friends are really into fitness so it helps to be with somebody who really knows what he or she is doing. Go with a plan, bring a friend, and get big :P

[jordanhardy]

Make sure when you join up that you have an induction with a trainer. They show you how to use the equipment safely

[Horatio Nelson]

I haven't gone in a while, but really should start going again. It's awesome to look and feel great about yourself. I always found that it's better for me to go to the gym with a friend, I find that it makes me enjoy the workout more, and some of my friends are really into fitness so it helps to be with somebody who really knows what he or she is doing. Go with a plan, bring a friend, and get big :P


Agreed! Working out by yourself is super hard. When you have someone else telling you to keep pushing and not give up, it really does help. Plus spotters for the win.

[SethfromMI]

no sweat bro, we all have to start somewhere. a good place to start is cardio. they will/should have bikes, treadmills, and depending on the gyms some elliptical machines. They are all pretty easy to operate, but if you need help, you should not have trouble finding someone to weight.

weights, they will have machines and what is considered free weights. maybe as a beginner start with some of the more machines, they are usually very easy to change in between the weights and it is less dangerous to use. start small and work your way up.

just keep in mind it is a process. you are not going to get ripped in a month (lol I been going for a few years and I am not ripped, though I am very happy with the shape I am in). after a while you will not only find yourself in better shape, but if your like me, you will enjoy going to the gym.

best of luck to you!

Edit: as some people suggested when you first join, do ask if there is someone who can show you around to use the equipment. you can always ask later of course, but usually they will give new members a tour. also, do check about rates and stuff. depending on the gym you can get a very reasonable rate. I got to one which charges like $10 a month. it doesn't have a pool though. just depends what your looking for

[built chris]

I love going to the gym you just have to find the right one. most gyms will give you a few free sessions with a trainer you them to get yourself into a routine. And don't forget that diet is just as important as your workout.

[EvanJay]

I'm planning on going to the gym hopefully soon so i can just tone up and keep my weight balance

[president1234]

I hope to join a gym this winter for swimming and such. Not sure though..

[Hyper]

Avoid advice from other gym patrons.

Start working with a trainer so you learn to do things right from the beginning.

Nutrition is more than half the result.

[IAMWILL]

no sweat bro, we all have to start somewhere. a good place to start is cardio. they will/should have bikes, treadmills, and depending on the gyms some elliptical machines. They are all pretty easy to operate, but if you need help, you should not have trouble finding someone to weight.

weights, they will have machines and what is considered free weights. maybe as a beginner start with some of the more machines, they are usually very easy to change in between the weights and it is less dangerous to use. start small and work your way up.

just keep in mind it is a process. you are not going to get ripped in a month (lol I been going for a few years and I am not ripped, though I am very happy with the shape I am in). after a while you will not only find yourself in better shape, but if your like me, you will enjoy going to the gym.

best of luck to you!

Edit: as some people suggested when you first join, do ask if there is someone who can show you around to use the equipment. you can always ask later of course, but usually they will give new members a tour. also, do check about rates and stuff. depending on the gym you can get a very reasonable rate. I got to one which charges like $10 a month. it doesn't have a pool though. just depends what your looking for
This is the best advice in the thread so far.

Going to the gym the first time can be petty intimidating, I know the first time I went I had no idea what the fuck I was doing. If you can set up an appointment with a trainer they can setup and walk you through a good full body workout that you can repeat on your own until you're more knowledgeable about exercises and such. If you can't setup something with a trainer (in my experience it can be quite expenisve, like $60/session) then youtube is your friend. There are many good channels that will show and explain solid form for pretty much every exercise out there. If you plan on going consistently then stick to a program such as Stronglifts or Starting Strength. These are beginner oriented programs that are designed to build up a good strength base and get you familiar with the 4 major compound lifts. They very well, as long as your nutrition keeps up.

[RevendMartin]

Gym is best place for doing exercise. I have my own gym and there is lot of professional trainers so for getting fitness and for doing workout in a great atmosphere join my gym today.

[josh_9]

i usually try to go 3 to 4 times a week! I like going there because it just makes you feel great when you finish. I go to Planet Fitness personally and I usually start on the treadmill for 20 minutes and then do the 30 minute workout circle.

[athleticteen]

Just start educating yourself on technique and form. Do a lot of reading.