10 rules for gym newbies

Getting into the fitness zone? Here are 10 rules for gym newbies. As that daunting moment of stepping foot into the gym for the first time – feeling like a fish in open water among all the pumped-up sharks lurking about – can be quite nerve-wracking for a gym newbie.  So before you dart to the nearest exit, keep your feet on the sand by following these 10 super simple gym rules.

1) The treadmill break-up

It’s easy for someone to want to stay put on the treadmill for 20 minutes and call it a day. The problem with this is that your body will soon become used to working out at this level, therefore your heart rate will remain the same and weight loss won’t be as noticeable. So ditch the treadmill and venture to other forms of exercise. Make the gym your playground!

2) Assistance

If you are unsure about the equipment, or literally don’t have a scooby on where to start, a helping hand is always there; all you have to do is ask!

3) Try everything

Sweating it out on the cross trainer may be great for one person, but doesn’t mean it’s going to work for you. Finding a form of exercise you actually love will not only make going to the gym that bit more enjoyable, but also give you a mighty boost of confidence!

4) Don’t be embarrassed to sweat

It may feel like all eyes are on you, but the truth is everyone in the gym is too self-conscious of how they look themselves to even notice you. So what if there’s a little sweat here and there? It means you are working hard, right? But remember to ALWAYS wipe down equipment after usage.

5) Keep tidy

After wiping down, re-racking your weights and putting equipment back to where you originally found it is crucial. Not only is it polite to do so, but also prevents any safety hazards that could hurt you or someone else in the gym.

6) Dress for the gym

Nothing screams ‘newbie’ out more than dressing like you are going out to hit the bars (no not the gym bars) instead of working out. We’re talking the full slap of make-up, hair perfectly styled and Barbie-sized crop tops. You’re at the gym for a reason. Leave the glamour at home and go get ‘em tiger!

7) No text zone

Electronic devices are a massive distraction when it comes to smashing out your super sets. If you can text or call while exercising then you obviously aren’t working hard enough! Your time at the gym is valuable, a place where you can unplug from outdoor surroundings, not a place where you are constantly checking your phone.

8) Sharing is caring

Don’t be one of those who sit on the bench trying to find that killer selfie filter! You will just annoy your fellow gym-goers who also want to use that machine.

9) Be punctual

You wouldn’t turn up to your meeting late, so why do the same for your fitness class? Being on time is well mannered. Best not to get on your fitness instructor’s bad side…

10) Say hi

The gym can be quite daunting, but don’t forget that everyone at some point was once in your shoes. Smiling and introducing yourself to others will improve your confidence and make you feel more at home.