Fitness Tips for Beginners

by Michelle Sutton-Kerchner

You decided to invest in your health at the start of this year. Overcome beginner’s anxiety …

A Man Walks into a Gym and Says …

Nothing.

Man, woman, teacher, physician, stay-at-home parent. It does not matter who you are or what you do, being new to the fitness scene can sometimes trigger our inner mute button. When new to fitness, it is common to feel apprehensive and even shy. Everyone has experienced a first day on the Exercise Floor, an initial visit to the Center. New challenges naturally may feel overwhelming or intimidating. With preparation and information, you can overcome fitness fears, without feeling foolish.

Redefine Warm-up

Do a little warm-up of your own. Walk around. Investigate your surroundings at the Center. (Wear your workout attire, look “the part,” but the goal of this visit is observation.) If you don’t feel comfortable yet with random socializing, feel free to do some self-talk. Note to yourself which classes seem interesting, any fitness equipment you’d like to try, and where essentials are located like the locker room, aquatic center, and childcare.

Introduce yourself to staff members. The Reception Desk team strives to start off each visit with a warm welcome. Share questions, concerns, or an update on the weather. The more familiar you become with surroundings and faces, the easier it is to start and commit to fitness.

Personal Training

Working with a personal trainer has become increasingly popular these past several years. Once a luxury, in today’s fast-paced, yet often sedentary world, we need to make the most of our workout time. And, as a newbie, you may struggle to determine the difference between one exercise machine and the next. Then, there is the challenge of how to properly use them!

Personal trainers are approachable, professional, and happy to help. Many have overcome physical obstacles of their own, including weight loss and rehabilitation. As a Center member, you are entitled to fitness evaluations every six to eight weeks. Take advantage, especially as you begin. If possible, invest in a few sessions of personal training. Learn correct form and proper technique.

Confidence will follow; fear of the unknown will subside. You will be “in the know.” Soon, you’ll be a fitness veteran showing others how to operate the equipment.

Before you schedule your initial evaluation with a trainer, check the Center’s website for the biographies of these fitness experts. Find one that specializes in your fitness needs, and maybe even shares your interests. (From the website’s home page, click on Services, Personal Training, then Staff.)

Join the Crowd

Become an instant part of the fitness community. Join a Group Fitness class! Awaken the dancer within and try a Zumba® class, work on your core in the Pilates studio, start with an inner calmness in a Gentle Yoga class. Experiment with the many classes and discover more about yourself. One member surprisingly learned he could belly dance. What will you learn?

Meet with a Group Fitness instructor prior to joining a class. S/he can provide insight about the class and be a familiar face to combat first-day jitters. As much as you’d like to hide in the corner, encourage yourself to stand near the instructor. You will be able to follow the moves easier. Knowing you’re a beginner, the instructor also can interject ways to adapt moves for your level.

Self-Time Not Showtime

Others are working hard to create their own healthier life. Center time means self-time. People focus on their own routines, not how many sit-ups their neighbor can do. And, they do not notice if you’re wearing the latest workout styles or the t-shirt and shorts you wore to bed.

Note the realness of it. Real people, struggling and accomplishing, often simultaneously. People of all sizes, shapes, weaknesses, and strengths are doing their personal best. Be motivated to start your journey along side them in your own direction, at your own pace.

Image Credits

Sneakers without a face: flickr.com/photos/instantvantage/5315495935/

Related Articles:

• What Next?
• Get In with a Group
• Go Confidently Forth in Pursuit of Fitness
• A Family Fitness Affair
• New Year, New Workout