Do you have a passion for fitness? If you haven’t caught up to your New Year’s resolutions in this direction yet, it might be time to join a gym. To avoid that feeling of dread that accompanies a new and unknown experience, you need to know a few essential aspects. In this article, we will focus on discussing them in depth.

Each and every one of us might have different fitness needs, goals and expectations. That is why you have to take into account a number of factors in order to make the while gym experience pleasant and productive.

What to Do on Your First Day at a Gym

1. Don’t Be Intimidated

Joining a new gym can be rather daunting, especially, when it’s your first time adopting a regular workout schedule. Every location has its own personnel, members, and culture, and adjusting to it might seem difficult at first. According to gym owner Cameron Lau, starting out can be as awkward as a blind date. If you’ve ever been on one, you know exactly what he means.

The main intimidation factor consists of your own fear of looking ridiculous while performing the exercises. However, you needn’t feel overwhelmed when faced with this new environment. After all, everyone there shares your passion for fitness. Walk in there with the confidence that you are going to achieve your goals, regardless of whether they entail losing weight or building muscle.

2. Find a Gym that Suits Your Needs and Budget

Joining a gym is easy, especially when you have friends who are already attending. Many locations allow members to bring a plus one. Thus, if you’ve just acquired your Planet Fitness guest pass, but are anxious about your first day, you needn’t worry.

If you are more interested in aerobics rather than fitness, find a gym that focuses on aerobics. All gyms have the necessary equipment for strength training, but not all of them have a variety of aerobics programs. If this is important to you and you want going to the gym to be a success, find the time to do enough research so as to find the best gym.

The guest pass price is also a very important part of every gym, so if you are unhappy with the price you have already paid, you will be making differences, criticize the staff, equipment and so on and going to the gym will become more like an obligation, than an activity you do with pleasure. So, in order to have an enjoyable relationship with any gym, think about what you want and need and try to meet those expectations.

3. Set Realistic Goals

While we’re on the topic of achieving goals, it’s important to keep yours realistic if you want to feel more self-assured and eventually succeed. There’s nothing worse than expecting to drop a considerable amount of weight on your first day or expecting to leave the gym ripped after just one workout session. That won’t happen no matter how hard you try.

Expecting unachievable things leads to loss of motivation and an overall state of dismay regarding your objectives. You will be much more tempted to quit if you become disillusioned, so you need to remember to keep your milestones accurate. Your first day at the gym is for getting used to the equipment and routines, so do just that.

In addition, pushing your limits too far over the edge since day one creates an accumulation of muscle fatigue that will be hard to shake off. This furthers the shortfall of your determination, so take it slow. Learn your way around the space and request the assistance of a trainer if the necessity for it arises. You are here to better yourself, not become an athlete in a week.

4. Bring the Proper Attire

The clothes you wear to the gym are essential to your comfort level. Thus, bringing the proper attire will ensure that your preliminary experience is a positive one. You can never go wrong with shorts and a tank top, but make sure to choose some that are fabricated with elastic and moisture wicking materials. After all, you will be moving around and sweating a lot.

Depending on the machines you aim to use, you need to select clothing items accordingly. Tight-fitting pieces are generally the ideal option, as loose-legged pants might get tangled up on the equipment. Thus, thin and stretchy is the way to go when you want to avoid any unpleasant situations. You can find these items in a variety of price ranges, so that won’t be an issue.

5. Respect Gym Etiquette

Finally, to fit in at the new location, always be polite, caring, and respect gym etiquette. Don’t spend more than 25 minutes on the cardio machine if the space is packed with customers, and always offer to share your workout with someone that is standing in line if it is possible. It’s rude to make others wait around for you, so don’t be that person.

After you’re done training on a particular machine, always wipe it down. Everyone comes to the gym to break a sweat, but don’t leave yours lying around. It’s not only disrespectful, but also tremendously unsanitary. Bring your own towel to do this, as the location is not obligated to provide you with one.

The Bottom Line

Attending the gym for the very first time in a new environment shouldn’t be a reason for concern. As long as you maintain your expectations realistic, sport the proper apparel, and behave in a considerate and respectful manner, the experience is bound to be a success. Soon enough, you’ll become a regular and going to the gym will become one of your favorite activities.