First time Gym Goers

  Okay, it's 2 months in, out of the new gym goers out there, who's still going? Are you sticking with your New Year's resolution? If you are, great! If not, well there's always next year right? I'm kidding, that's the wrong why to think. there's 10 more months this years that you can use to pick away at. 
    
   As per every year, there are a lot of new people that are at the gym these first 2 months, which is awesome to see, although it makes things a lot more crowded. If your new to the gym, here's some friendly reminders,

1. get in the habit of wiping the equipment down especially cardio machines and benches. 
2. rack your weights after using it
3. busy gyms aren't for social time so don't go on your phones in between sets (unless your changing the song), keep chatting with friends to a minimal since people are most likely waiting to use your machine/weights.

   Before hitting the gym, I recommend doing research into exercises. Nowadays, googling exercise, or click on the hashtag #exercise or #fitness in social media will lead you to a boat load of articles or fitness enthusiasts with exercises, tips, routines, etc, that could help you out. Or you can do what I did at the age of 16 and just watch others at the gym. With all the new equipment and exercises out there, I still find myself doing that. 

   Most of you will start with cardio exercises because when it comes to cardio equipment, such as treadmills, bikes, and ellipticals, they are pretty much self explanatory and easy to use. But when it comes to weight training equipment, they come in all sort of varieties from dumbbells, cables, machines, kettles, suspension straps, etc,. Machines normally come with instructions on them with example to help. When you do move on weights, keep in mind some simple but important tips, 

   
1. core engaged - squeeze/flex your core while doing exercises, it's the foundation to your strength and stability
2. back straight/ neutral spine - helps reduce injuries, also adds stability
3. start with low weights - warm up your muscle before you start pushing hard to avoid strains
4. if it doesn't feel right, don't do it - chances are you're doing it wrong and could seriously injure yourself

   Stepping into a gym for the first time can be intimidating. Being prepared and/or going with a partner can lessen that. If you still feel nervous about it, asking a staff member or getting personal training would be beneficial. A personal trainer may be costly but  very effective because they will provide you with a lot of knowledge to exercises, technique, as well as nutritional tips. Personally, I have never used one but I know people who have and people have are/have been trainers themselves. 

   Honestly, exercising isn't easy. It's hard work. It's dedication. It's consistency. It's a lifestyle. You'll get what you put in to it, that's what I like. If it wasn't all these things, then everyone would be doing it. Just remember why you wanted to start in the first place and keep pushing through it. You'll benefit from it both mentally and physically. You will become addicted with the feeling you get after you had a good workout. Get going. Make it fit into your daily routine, thank me later. :)