“Where in the grand heck do I start?”
That’s a good question—we, as people in a bunch of situations, ask ourselves that question. It’s one that people new to the gym ask themselves all the time.
And it’s a good question.
For those that have never exercised in a gym setting before, it’s a weird environment to take in. There are different machines and equipment pieces to navigate. There’s trying to figure out exactly what to do without killing yourself. And there’s this whole idea of having a goal and doing something productive to accomplish it. It’s a lot.
Well, we have a few pointers to get you headed in the right direction if you’re new to the gym and you’re asking yourself, what should I do?
Take Small Steps, Build Momentum
When you’re first starting at the gym it seems like a good idea to jump in, full tilt—deciding that your entire life changes right now. It seems like a good idea, but in practice, it’s super hard to sustain.
Reality is, we handle change better in small doses. So, rather than a complete lifestyle overhaul that includes hitting the gym every other second that you’re breathing, let’s build a gym habit one small step at a time. Think, what’s realistic for your current schedule and what can I truly be consistent with? Then, nail that. (For example, at BSP NOVA we recommend that new gym comers start off training with us two days per week so that they aren’t overwhelmed by the change. Once they nail two days per week, we look to add more—if they want it.)
As you nail it with consistency, you’ll build momentum. That momentum is what carries your forward toward your goal(s). Speaking of goals, let’s have a chat about them.
Get A Really Good Handle on Why You’re There
So, what constitutes a good handle? It’s understanding more than just the outcome you’d like. For example, you might say that you’re going to the gym because you’d like to lose ten pounds…but there’s more to it than just those ten pounds. What’s the underlying motivation for losing those ten pounds? Do you want to be more active with your kids? Want to feel sexier for your spouse? Want to just move and feel better? All are valid, and all are more than just about losing ten pounds. If you take the time to think, and really connect with why you’re motivated to get moving, it can help you sustain all the hard work it’ll take to reach your goals.
Get Some Support
While each person must make their own transformation journey, people often do better if they don’t make the journey alone. Support and camaraderie keep us going and keep us accountable. Training in a community of people all seeking to improve takes it to the next level. That’s why we created Beyond Strength Performance NOVA, and we use the semi-private personal training model. We know that community is the fuel that feeds the fire of sustainable change. Surrounding yourself with positive people that are also seeking improvement will help you stay the course.
At the very least, tell a supportive person about the change you’d like to make so that they can check in on you and help you down the path.
Get Some Instruction
People often give up because they feel like they don’t know what they’re doing. Feelings of incompetence lead to feeling demotivated. Sometimes we need a Sherpa to guide us up the mountain of fitness so we feel like we know how to navigate it. That navigational guidance not only helps us to be in the best possible position to be successful, it keeps us going forward because we attain competence that gives us confidence. If you feel like you know what you’re doing, you’re more apt to stick with something and enjoy it. Solid instruction from good coaches can help you gain that competence.
Get in the Gym and Get to Doing!
Take small steps that shrink the change of getting to the gym, identify your true motivation for working on your fitness, get the support of positive people, and seek out people that can help you competently navigate the gym environment. If you take these four steps you’ll do well to know what you should be doing in the gym and you’ll be that much closer to being successful.