My Experience as a Beginner in the Gym
3 Lessons Learned and Tips for Success
Like many of you, my fitness journey began at home, dabbling in Zumba and HIIT workouts with minimal equipment. However, after a breakup in 2021, I decided it was time to take my fitness journey to the next level and explore the world of gym workouts.
Entering the gym for the first time was intimidating, to say the least. I had minimal knowledge about gym equipment and routines, but I was determined to make a change. Little did I know, this decision would lead me to some sore muscles and, ultimately, a life-changing encounter.
I met a gym trainer who was not my personal trainer, but a general trainer for the gym I was going to. He asked me about my fitness goal and at the time, I wanted to gain weight. He then took me through a series of exercises on different machines, pushing me to do many sets with weights that he chose. The result was that my body was extremely sore and I couldn't move for three days. It was not the good kind of soreness, but the kind that prevented me from even lifting my arm to grab a cup of coffee.
On my next visit to the gym, as I was about to leave, I found my saving grace. An older man approached me and asked about my fitness goals in detail. The more we talked, the more evident it became that he had a lot of knowledge about fitness and muscle building. After our conversation, I decided to trust him and take a chance on him. I will forever be grateful to him for changing my life.
I had the pleasure of meeting him 3 to 4 times a week for several months and it was pure bliss. Although each workout session should have lasted between 30-40 minutes, we ended up staying longer, almost an hour, because he took the time to explain to me the purpose of each exercise, how it would help me achieve my fitness goals, and the science behind it all. I found it incredibly fascinating.
Within 4 to 6 weeks, I’d made visible progress and had learned so much. Unfortunately, I had to let him go after a few months because I moved to a different city. Nevertheless, the training and knowledge he imparted will enable me to achieve any fitness goal I desire.
Here are a few things I learned from this journey:
1. Invest In Expert Guidance
If you’re new to the gym, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from knowledgeable professionals. While online resources can be helpful, nothing beats the personalized attention and expertise of a qualified trainer. Investing in expert guidance can expedite your progress and prevent injuries.
2. Track and Schedule Your Workouts
Consistency is key to achieving your fitness goals. By scheduling and tracking your workouts, you can ensure that you’re staying on track and making progress over time. Utilize tools like my Digital Fitness Planner (this link takes you outside Medium to my shop) to streamline your routine and monitor your progress effectively. Use the code FIT30 for 30% off and thank me later.
3. Monitor Your Nutrition
I'm not a big fan of counting calories and keeping track of everything I eat, but I have to admit that it's the most effective way to achieve your fitness goals. I wasn't able to see significant progress in the gym until I started to align my macros with my workouts and increased my protein intake. Everyone has different goals, so once you know what you want to achieve, do some research to find out what you should be eating, how much, and how often. It's important to track your meals, but don't get too carried away. The planner I mentioned earlier has a meal tracker that you can use.
Take the time to track your meals and ensure that the nutrition you're consuming aligns with your fitness goals. Remember, it's not about counting calories, but rather fueling your body with the right nutrients to support your workouts and recovery.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been hitting the gym for years, remember that fitness is a journey of constant growth and self-improvement. Embrace the process, stay consistent, and never hesitate to seek guidance when needed.
Are you new to the gym? Share your experiences and what you’ve learned so far. Are you a gym veteran? Offer your advice and guidance to newcomers — it’s always appreciated!
Disclaimer: Some links may lead to products in my online store. I want to provide resources that make your journey easier. Your trust and happiness mean a lot to me, and I promise to offer content and suggestions that align with your needs.
