Disclaimer: To develop an exercise program that best suits your needs, please consult your physician.
You know that adequate exercise is a crucial component to weight management, but how do you go about it? For many, the first thought that pops up is a visit to the gym.
On the other hand, the gym can seem like an intimidating place if you’re not used to visiting frequently. With all of the different staff members, programs, exercise equipment and more, how do you really know what to choose from? How do you know what’s best for your own goals for weight and health?
What Can I Find at the Gym?
First, let’s take a look at the what’s available to you if you choose to visit a gym or fitness center. Most facilities have a wide range of diverse machines, programs and services, including:
- Group fitness classes
- Personal trainers
- Games/courts/practice areas – Swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, indoor track, etc.
- Fitness equipment – Treadmills, chest press, bench press, yoga balls, bicycles, etc.
- Fitness programs – Off-site classes, training, competitions and leisure sports
What Do I Need to Know before Going to the Gym?
Visiting the gym blindly can be frustrating, overwhelming and unproductive to your weight management goals. Here are a few important things to consider before taking your workout to a designated fitness facility.
- Your Workout Plan – What types of exercises fit into your specific workout plan? (Don’t have one? CLICK HERE for tips on designing your own program) On any given day, are you looking to improve your cardio-respiratory health? Build strength? Increase your mobility? Have answers to these questions before hitting the gym.
- Affordability – What kinds of programs and activities are important to you? Knowing what you want out of the gym can help you pick a membership plan and gain access to other special perks.
- Type of Training – While some prefer to exercise and train individually, others prefer group exercise or seeking the help of a certified personal trainer. Your specific goals, comfort level and affordability needs can help you determine what type of training is best for you.
- Scheduling – Consistency is a great contributor to effective exercise. Is there a time of day, or a specific day(s) of the week that are best for you? Having a schedule you can stick may make visiting the gym a lot more feasible.
- Your Exercise Personality – Is there even such a thing? You bet! Finding the FUN in fitness can boost your workouts, so try to identify what classes, exercises and programs appeal the most to you.
Want More Information about Navigating the Gym?
You can read the full article from Your Weight Matters Magazine by CLICKING HERE.
