Your first time at the gym

03 January 2018
You’ve finally made the decision; it might have taken you a while, but you’re determined. You are going to start going to the gym!
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Your first time at the gym - photo 1.1

You’ve finally made the decision; it might have taken you a while, but you’re determined. You are going to start going to the gym! Going to the gym for the first time might seem a bit daunting. You are entering an unfamiliar environment. A world of training schedules and fitness equipment. How does it all work?

It's easy.
Going to the gym for the first time isn't as daunting as you might think. Not everyone in the gym is in peak condition. So you're certainly not the only one who gets out of breath, or doesn't know how to use a certain piece of equipment or what exercise to do. So there's nothing to worry about. Everyone who goes to the gym goes there for a reason. Whether it is to improve their fitness, build up their strength or to lose weight. The gym is not full of people with perfect bodies and everyone remembers the first time they came to the gym.

Help with planning your first training schedule
When you get to the gym for the first time, it's helpful to have an effective training schedule. Every Basic-Fit club has a free Virtual Coach, a device that can show you all kinds of training schedules and exercises per muscle group. You can choose your own training schedule and get started. You can also ask for a kickstart session. This means that a personal trainer will show you all the different zones in the club and explain how the equipment works. Of course you can also start by using a personal trainer, who will really help you to achieve your goals. This way you can be sure that you will make a great start!

Let’s get started!
After you have explored the gym and chosen a training schedule, you are basically ready for your first workout. Something to consider: wear comfortable clothing and make sure you are wearing suitable shoes that are clean. Don’t forget your towel and a water bottle as you will need both, because you’ll work up a sweat!

You can start working out using the equipment or by using free weights, or maybe you prefer group exercise classes? It’s entirely up to you! And please don't feel embarrassed if you have to step back if a particular exercise is too hard. Starting out at a level that is too hard for you will only cause injuries and is not enjoyable at all. It’s important that you keep enjoying your workout. And it’s true what they say: practice makes perfect. As long as you keep going, you will improve.

Are you still feeling a bit lost? Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Our staff and personal trainers - and even your fellow gym users - are more than happy to help you. We were all beginners once.