first time going to the gym

[Jem310]

I'm getting a gym membership to a gym most likely t 24 Hour Fitness. What should I expect at the gym? Any advice or anything is really appreciated. :P

[lkc413]

If you haven't been before, go with a friend! The encouragement is great and will help you get more down than by yourself.

Also, if you don't know what a machine does, ask someone. I can promise you will be laughed at if you are using something wrong, but everyone will be willing to help out.

If you are self-conciess of yourself, then go during off hours. Pretty much anyone there between 7am and 5pm is more than likely retired or in school. 5pm to 10pm is probably mostly people after work or students. Between 10pm and 5am are either students or people who work nightshifts. Between 5am and 7am are usually people working out before work. Each gym is different, but most workout buffs will be there between 5pm and midnight. Other times you're probably good.

And remember, it's a gym and everyone is there for the same reason as you so don't feel embarrassed and be confident and have fun!

Best wishes.

[Just JT]

If you haven't been before, go with a friend! The encouragement is great and will help you get more down than by yourself.

Also, if you don't know what a machine does, ask someone. I can promise you will be laughed at if you are using something wrong, but everyone will be willing to help out.

If you are self-conciess of yourself, then go during off hours. Pretty much anyone there between 7am and 5pm is more than likely retired or in school. 5pm to 10pm is probably mostly people after work or students. Between 10pm and 5am are either students or people who work nightshifts. Between 5am and 7am are usually people working out before work. Each gym is different, but most workout buffs will be there between 5pm and midnight. Other times you're probably good.

And remember, it's a gym and everyone is there for the same reason as you so don't feel embarrassed and be confident and have fun!

Best wishes.

That's some real good strong advice
A lota gyms have trainers to who can evaluate you and set you up on a work out that is geared for you and your goals and body

Good luck, let us know how you do!!

[Jem310]

If you haven't been before, go with a friend! The encouragement is great and will help you get more down than by yourself.

Also, if you don't know what a machine does, ask someone. I can promise you will be laughed at if you are using something wrong, but everyone will be willing to help out.

If you are self-conciess of yourself, then go during off hours. Pretty much anyone there between 7am and 5pm is more than likely retired or in school. 5pm to 10pm is probably mostly people after work or students. Between 10pm and 5am are either students or people who work nightshifts. Between 5am and 7am are usually people working out before work. Each gym is different, but most workout buffs will be there between 5pm and midnight. Other times you're probably good.

And remember, it's a gym and everyone is there for the same reason as you so don't feel embarrassed and be confident and have fun!

Best wishes.
Thanks dude. That's a big help. :D I won't be able to have friend join me since you have to pay to go to the gym (i maybe wrong tho) and also they go straight home after school. I'll have my music tho. At a gym, would I be able to ask some to spot me or help me out when it comes to working out?

[ImCoolBeans]

You should be able to take a quick tour of the gym with someone who works there, who will be able to show you what machines do and how to use them. Most gyms offer this for newcomers. In my experience, people at the gym are usually very nice and willing to help you out if you ask. If someone has their head phones in and looks like they're in the zone lifting, maybe you shouldn't interrupt them, but if someone doesn't look like he/she doing much or is resting in between sets they're willing to spot you most of the time.

Do a little research before you go -- there are tons of websites that offer good workout routines that you can either use or base one off of. That's how I got started, I found a few good routines so I had an idea of what I wanted to do when I got there rather than wandering around trying to figure out what to do. Some good sites are: http://www.muscleandfitness.com/workouts/ and bodybuilding.com (don't be fooled by the name, it's not just about body building, they have a lot of good workout plans too).

You'll get the hang of it pretty quickly, but you want to make sure that you know what muscles you're working out and how to properly lift/use the machines, otherwise you could injure yourself. Also, don't over-do it in the beginning, take it easy and get comfortable first. Good luck!

[lkc413]

Thanks dude. That's a big help. :D I won't be able to have friend join me since you have to pay to go to the gym (i maybe wrong tho) and also they go straight home after school. I'll have my music tho. At a gym, would I be able to ask some to spot me or help me out when it comes to working out?

You're welcome, and it just depends. If someone looks really into their on work out, I would leave them be. But if someone is kind of lulling between machines, then go for it. It is also a good idea to make sure the person you are asking to spot will be on the same level as you.

Rather than starting the convo like that, maybe do this. Get in a routine and start going around the same times. See who is usually there when you are and of those, who seems to be a good fit for you. Then, try and casually strike a conversation on something and become friends. After that, then it will be more of a work out buddy then a one time spotter. Until then, you can just do some cardio and get in shape and trim some fat so that way when you do start to lift, it will show more, and it will make you want it even more when you can see results!

[SethfromMI]

You should be able to take a quick tour of the gym with someone who works there, who will be able to show you what machines do and how to use them. Most gyms offer this for newcomers. In my experience, people at the gym are usually very nice and willing to help you out if you ask. If someone has their head phones in and looks like they're in the zone lifting, maybe you shouldn't interrupt them, but if someone doesn't look like he/she doing much or is resting in between sets they're willing to spot you most of the time.

Do a little research before you go -- there are tons of websites that offer good workout routines that you can either use or base one off of. That's how I got started, I found a few good routines so I had an idea of what I wanted to do when I got there rather than wandering around trying to figure out what to do. Some good sites are: http://www.muscleandfitness.com/workouts/ and bodybuilding.com (don't be fooled by the name, it's not just about body building, they have a lot of good workout plans too).

You'll get the hang of it pretty quickly, but you want to make sure that you know what muscles you're working out and how to properly lift/use the machines, otherwise you could injure yourself. Also, don't over-do it in the beginning, take it easy and get comfortable first. Good luck!

Very solid advice. and as Mike said, take it easy at first and understand, results take time. I don't know what type of results you are expecting, but it is not going to happen over night, the first week, or probably not the first month (again depending what your results are). still, good for you for making healthier choices!