Tips For The Gym Newb

So you've made the decision to stop being lazy. You bought some new gym gear & are ready to kill a sweat sesh, maybe you followed a few instagram accounts to get some motivation and inspiration. But you still feel scared, nervous, intimidated, or confused on how this whole gym thing works. I'm going to list a few things I wish I knew when I started, cause lord knows I could have used these tips. LOL!

1. Make sure your gym clothes aren't too tight. Nothing is worse than feeling uncomfortable and restricted while sweating. Ew. When you're out shopping do the squat test with your pants/leggings, if you can squat all the way down without any rips or inabilities to get down they are approved.

2. Eat something before you go. It can be skittles, a piece of toast, a banana, anything to fuel your body and focus.

3. Choose what you're going to do BEFORE you get in the gym. A lot of times I found myself walking around the gym more than I was actually you know, working out. It helps to have a workout ready to go so you don't waste time staring at everyone else. A lot of programs are free to follow, Pinterest has some really good ones! And psssst... so do I! :D

4. Research or ask someone what proper form is for whatever exercise you want to do. Most exercises with dumbbells, barbells and cable attachments require certain position(s) depending on what's being worked. For example: when doing dumbbell bicep curls you want to engage the core and keep the elbows tucked into your sides, try not to swing the body. If you find your body swinging forward just to lift the weight, go down a few pounds. You want to focus on working the bicep, not your calves. Lol.

5. You might look around and see guys or girls lifting more weight then you. IT'S OKAY! Not everyone is on the same page, your chapter 1 could be someones chapter 20. Remember to focus on what you're doing and what you want to accomplish.

6. Be mindful of other gym-goers. Don't hold up 3 machines and a squat rack and rotate them all at once. Complete 3-4 sets of one exercise at a time then move on.

7. Don't starve yourself. FOOD IS YOUR FRIEND. No matter what your goal is, food will refuel your body and rebuild the muscles your breaking down.

8. Make sure you take rest days!!!! It is crucial you listen to your body and it's cues. It's normal to be sore 2-3 days after a workout. But if you sense you need more time, don't be afraid to do so. The body is constantly working, so be kind to yourself.

9. Take pictures! You may feel you aren't making progress because you're constantly looking in the mirror. People notice the change in your body before you do. Taking progress pictures can show just what you've been working so hard for! Try wearing the same clothes in each one, posing both relaxed and flexed. I take pictures every 2-3 weeks and try to take them in the morning after I use the potty.

10. Have fun and love yourself no matter what.