So, you’ve decided to make room in your schedule for the gym? That definitely warrants a celebratory pair of gym shoes!
However, now that you’ve actually gotten there, you’re beginning to feel overwhelmed by how much there is to learn about establishing a proper workout regimen. As you familiarize yourself with the diverse machinery at your local gym, you’ll grow into an exercise routine that works for you. However, there are a few mistakes you’ll want to avoid to ensure you start off on the healthy path:
Going Too Hard
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Your sudden ambition to get results may tempt you into using weights that are too heavy or running yourself into a paralysis on the treadmill. While it’s natural to "feel the burn" a bit after getting started, pushing yourself to a breaking point will ultimately only lead to suffering without any results to show for it. Sure, it may feel a bit embarrassing reaching for those five-pound dumbbells, but if you dive headfirst into the 20-pounders you’ll more than likely end up tiring yourself out before you can even finish a proper set. Worst case scenario, you could get seriously injured.
That being said, you’ll also want to make sure to avoid …
Going Too Soft
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While some suggest working with a lighter weight and doing more reps to build endurance, this shouldn’t become your excuse to slack off. If you can comfortably do 40 reps without breaking a sweat then you aren’t properly exercising your muscles and you won’t get the results you’re hoping for. To build muscle, you’re going to have to push yourself. And by the time you’ve finished a set, you should be feeling a little resistance from your body. Besides, wouldn’t you agree the satisfaction of exercising comes from the hard work you’ve put into getting results?
Ignoring Your Body
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You’ll grow well-acquainted with your body the more you make a habit out of exercising. However, in the beginning, it may be hard to tell the difference between a natural ache in your muscles and an injury that should be well-rested, or checked out by a professional. It sounds contradictory, but you should make time for rest days in your workout regimen. As you test the limits of your muscles, it’s recommended you allow them a day to rejuvenate so you don’t wear them out.
Not Asking for Help
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Your first few trips to the gym can be intimidating and for some these may even be the most challenging workouts to stay motivated for. The uneasiness that comes with experimenting with unfamiliar machinery and techniques is often excruciating. Especially when you’re seemingly surrounded by experts. Regardless of how cheesy it sounds, however, you should keep in mind that at some point we all started from the bottom. Ask any of your avid workout buddies what it felt like to walk into a crowded weight room for the first time with no prior knowledge of where to begin. No one has ever tried something new already knowing exactly how it’s done.
So, if your head is swimming with all of the worst-case scenarios, you may benefit from asking for help. Perhaps you’re lucky enough to have a friend who knows their way around the leg press, but even if you don’t there’s always personal trainers who are happy to help you meet your fitness goals.
In the end, remind yourself that you’re making time for the gym to improve your self-image, so don’t let it wind up becoming what holds you back!
What do you wish you knew when you first started working out? Let us know in the comments!
