Starting your fitness journey at the gym can be both exciting and overwhelming. As a first-time gym user, it’s important to approach your workouts with a plan that is tailored to you. LA Fitness welcomes first-time gym-goers with beginner workouts designed to build confidence and establish a strong fitness foundation.
Before you hit the weights or jump on the treadmill, it’s crucial to understand the basics of gym etiquette and the equipment available to you. LA Fitness offers a variety of machines and free weights that can cater to all of your workout needs. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the gym layout and the functions of different equipment. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for a tour or explanations on how to use the machines.
Your initial workouts should be about learning proper form and building a foundation of strength and endurance. Start with a simple routine that includes a mix of cardiovascular exercises and strength training. Here’s a sample workout plan for your first week:
Day 1: Full Body Circuit
Day 2: Rest or Light Activity
Take a day off from the gym to allow your muscles to recover. Engage in light activities like walking or stretching if you feel up to it.
Day 3: Cardio and Core
As you become more comfortable with the exercises and your fitness level improves, gradually increase the intensity and complexity of your workouts. Add more weight, reps, or sets to your strength exercises and challenge yourself with higher intensity or longer durations on the cardio machines.
Remember, exercise is just one part of the equation. Proper nutrition and staying hydrated are key to supporting your new workout routine. Drink plenty of water and fuel your body with balanced meals that include a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
Starting at the gym can be a transformative experience. With the right approach, you can build a solid foundation for a healthier lifestyle. Remember to listen to your body, progress at your own pace, and most importantly, enjoy the journey to fitness at LA Fitness.
Note: This blog post is a general guide and should not replace professional advice. Always consult with a fitness professional or personal trainer at LA Fitness for personalized guidance and support. This blog post should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.
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JANUARY
Make a plan – You’re more likely to get things done if you know how, when, and where you’ll do them. Just saying you’ll do something isn’t enough. Identify the days, times and location of the activity. Make a contingency plan for when you’re short on time or money.
FEBRUARY
Go back to basics – Rely on the tried-and-true changes that make for success. Use what’s worked in the past rather than reinventing the wheel. Ask experts and professionals for their advice and read up on how most people accomplished the same goal.
MARCH
Make a list – Write out all the benefits to accomplishing your goal. Focus on the “pros” instead of the “cons.” Use these to push you when you don’t feel up to the task. Knowing what you’ll get out of it helps draw you to action.
APRIL
Track your progress – Log, chart or graph to keep the quantitative (intake, reps, weight, etc.) measures of your journey visual. Reference it daily as motivation and a reminder of your achievements. Remember that most advancements aren’t linear, so look at overall progress.
MAY
Get happy – Focus on the positive by identifying a small accomplishment each day. Believing in yourself may be the most important factor to success.* Recognizing small feats can give you the drive to accomplish larger ones.
JUNE
Recommit yourself – Pick yourself back up after a fall. Not everything goes according to plan (sigh). Having the resilience to get back to routine after a misstep is more important than not making any mistakes to begin with.
JULY
Avoid temptations – Be sure you’re not in a situation that could lead you astray. Ahem, not next to the buffet or on a comfy sofa. Choose environments in line with your goals so you can avoid the “Should I or shouldn’t I?” internal battle.
AUGUST
Reward yourself – When you hit a milestone, celebrate! (But not with something that will lead you to go in reverse ?) Give yourself a pat on the back and something tangible, too. Perhaps make smaller weekly goals for a small pay-out, such as a magazine or video game.
SEPTEMBER
Reflect on your journey – How great did it feel to overcome the last challenge? Look at how far you’ve improved since starting. Like autumn, you are in a season of change that doesn’t happen all at once. Enjoy each step along your path.
OCTOBER
Call on friends for support – There is truly strength in numbers! Enlist a workout buddy or lunch pal to keep you on track. Even the verbal support of those close to you who aren’t physically nearby can lift you up and spur you to continue onward.
NOVEMBER
Try something new – Now is the time to break up your routine and keep things interesting. Let your curiosity get the better of you. Attempt a new class, sample a different product, taste a new cuisine or give an innovative method a shot, providing it’s in line with your goals.
DECEMBER
Remember why you started – Bring those reasons to the forefront of your priorities. Think of this month as the last sprint to the finish line! If you’re behind don’t throw in the towel but double-down on your efforts to surge ahead.
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Starting your fitness journey at the gym can be both exciting and overwhelming. As a first-time gym user, it's important to approach your workouts with a plan that is tailored to you. LA Fitness welcomes first-time gym-goers with beginner workouts designed to build...
Check out our list of how to hold yourself accountable to your resolutions all year long! Our monthly list is designed to help you focus on one topic for long-term success.
Setting a fitness goal is easy, achieving that goal takes time and dedication. Commit to Fit is a section for motivation to stay focused on your goal!
The LA Fitness Living Healthy blog has a new feel and look to it these days, and while you continue to explore the site, you may run into a section called “Commit to Fit.” What is Commit to Fit and how does it pertain to you? Commit to Fit is a place where people, just like yourself, can submit their fitness goals and show commitment to them by writing or typing their goals out.
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Did you know? Those with written goals tend to achieve more goals than individuals who do not write down their goals! We want to see you succeed in your fitness journey. Try taking that first step and write your goal down or type it out.*
There are no limits on what your fitness goals may be, check out some examples below:
The list could go on and on and we want to help you stay committed to these goals! Ready to get started? Submit your fitness goal today to help stay accountable and for a chance to be featured on Living Healthy. All you need to do is enter your name & fitness goal, when you want to achieve your goal, and your home LA Fitness. From there, continue working hard towards your goal.
As you reach your goals, let us know! Feel free to check in with our community & share your fitness success along the way. Good luck and continue to make fitness your lifestyle!
Photos depict a typical facility. Services and amenities vary and may not be available at every location. Certain amenities may be available for an additional fee. LA Fitness is registered in the State of Texas as a health spa operator, number 080543. LA Fitness is registered in the State of Florida as a health studio under numbers HS4516, HS5217, HS7516, HS7853, HS9511; for the registration number of any specific Florida LA Fitness location, visit www.lafitness.com. ©2016 Fitness International, LLC. All rights reserved.
*Dominican. Study focuses on strategies for achieving goals, resolutions — Dominican university of California. Retrieved December 2, 2016, from http://www.dominican.edu/dominicannews/study-highlights-strategies-for-achieving-goals
I am a 69 year-old woman, 5’6″ and weigh about 160 pounds. I have been trying to lose 10 pounds for about three months with no noticeable change. I work out about 4 times a week and I eat about 1500 calories a day. What should I change? I keep track of my food intake with an online fitness tracker.
Thanks for your help! – Helen
If the “calories in versus calories out method” is not working for you, consider the content and timing of your meals. 1500 calories of processed starch and saturated fat may keep the weight on, compared with 1500 calories from whole grains, lean protein, plenty of produce and healthy fats. Not only do the latter foods satisfy better, they take longer to digest thus keeping blood sugar and insulin levels down. The net effect is more calories burned in order to process and metabolize the food and greater ability to release fat for burning.
Supporting your workouts with meals and snacks at the right times can pay off two-fold. First, pre-loading with a small supply of carbohydrates, such as from a piece of fruit, a half hour before may give you more endurance for cardio and a stronger finish to weight training. Second, eating a main meal within an hour after exercise capitalizes on your increased metabolic rate to burn more fuel.
– Debbie J., MS, RD
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