Have you toyed with the idea of going to the gym, but just never seem to get around to it? You know that a solid gym routine will work wonders, but there’s a niggle that’s holding you back.
As a gym newbie, that little niggle is normal. There’s always the fear of going into a crowded gym and not matching up to everyone else.
The good news is that routines at the gym don’t need to be intimidating. You can get yourself going with an easy gym routine that makes you feel good and confident.
Let’s take a look at how you can ease yourself into a new gym routine!
1. Get those running shoes on
Running is one of those forms of exercise that seems to fill people with dread. It really shouldn’t though!
It’s a great form of cardio and it can also work wonders for your leg muscles. As a gym newbie, the treadmill may be the last place that you want to start- but this easy routine can be started by anyone.
The key to getting going is to take inspiration from the likes of the Couch to 5K.
This combines walking and running while you build up your stamina. Maybe start by walking for one minute and then running for one. Initially, aim to do this 10 times.
2. Hit the bike
An exercise bike should form part of your gym routine.
It’s great cardio and targets different leg muscles to running. The great thing about an exercise bike is that there is less stress placed on your joints when compared to other forms of exercise.
An easy gym routine is to aim for five minutes at low intensity. Follow this with five minutes at medium intensity and then really push yourself for a minute or two.
Aim for another five minutes at medium intensity, another 1-2 minute burst then five minutes at a slower pace to end your new routine.
3. Time to start rowing
A rowing machine can be your best friend as a gym newbie. Again, there are some great cardio benefits here, but you’ll also find that you’re given a full-body workout.
A gym rowing routine could look something like this:
100m slow
50m fast
2-minute break
200m slow
Break 1 minute
100m slow
50 fast
2-minute break
300m slow
100m fast
500m slow
4. Pumping iron
While weights may fill you with fear, they’re a staple of gym routines. Start with weights that you can comfortably lift 10-15 times.
Aim to complete 1-2 sets of 10-15 reps. Over time, increase the number of sets to 3 or 4.
As the weights get easier to manage, look to increase them by 5-105%.
5. It’s not all about your body
Sure, your new gym routine is going to bring benefits for your body- but it’s going to help your mind too.
There’s plenty of research to show that exercise is great for our mental health, so much so that doctors are now prescribing this in place of anti-depressants.
Easing yourself into a new gym routine gives a great workout to your body and mind, as well as allowing you to meet new people and form some great friendships.
Love, Sarah xoxo
