Beginner's Guide: How to Start Your Fitness Journey and Stay Accountable
I provide information to help new gym goers become self-sufficient in the gym. Through education and sharing my own experiences, I’ve helped many individuals become comfortable developing and sticking to their workout journey.
My workout journey was originally started as a means of self-preservation. I had just gotten married, lived on a military base, and spent my time working or alone with my dog. I needed to retrain my brain and form better habits - so I began working out.
I had only ever worked out in a gym with a class on one other occasion and frequented a treadmill, but I had no idea where to start when it came to the rest of the loud, clanging gym. Having a bold streak, I decided to go to the gym on the military base and write down everything I saw to go home then gameplan how to attack a workout plan. I walked around with a pen and notepad (a little embarrassing). Turns out the gym attendants thought I was auditing them
After many years of successfully navigating the gym scene, I wanted to cut the learning curve for those looking to plan an effective workout and get started on their fitness journey! Let’s get started
Make a Commitment
Set a day to start
Timeline
How it benefits you
Example: I will start this Wednesday by investing in myself 3 days a week for 4 weeks to feel stronger.
Have a Plan
The biggest thing in getting started is to have a plan. This lowers anxiety and ensures the task at hand is not just put off until next Monday. You can see how to best make a plan here.
Know the Gym (If you choose to go to the gym)
Gyms have organization. Take advantage of a gym walk-through if that’s offered! There are usually the following areas:
Machine section (typically grouped by the part of the body that is targeted)
Barbell area (the long bar)
Dumbbell area
Open area for ab work
Stretching area
Group lesson area
Cardio Machines
Know your Equipment
What do you have on hand? A yoga mat? Any weights? You can use just about anything (even your body) to get an effective workout! A sturdy chair for tricep dips or step-ups, a heavy water bottle as added weights during ab exercises, a table for incline pushups, etc,. Depending on what equipment is available. Go explore some of the topics on Workout Help to see some examples!
Interacting with People
I have very few interactions at the gym as each individual is there with a goal in mind and often stays in their own lane. There is a massive gym community, however, and many options to get plugged into group classes, social media accountability, and find gym buddies to frequent with. Many people come at a consistent time in the day and you’ll see the same people again and again!
In the many years I’ve been working out, there have only been a handful of negative interactions that I’ve had at a gym. 99% of those working out at the gym have the same goal that you do and are happy to help rather than belittle or shame newcomers. Be confident in what you’re doing and be reasonable in your approach at the gym. On the rare occasion, that someone offers advice, it’s usually because they’ve had to correct it themselves and are eager to help you along in your journey.
If there’s ever a time when you feel uncomfortable, immediately speak with someone who works at the gym. If someone has made you feel uncomfortable, they have likely made others feel the same way. It’s important to become your own advocate in these types of situations. The gym should be a safe space for you to operate in accomplishing your goals.
Accountability
Taking a friend on your workout journey helps motivate and encourage, both you and your workout partner. It also makes the gym less intimidating to have a friend to help navigate the floor! If you don’t have a workout buddy, there are a variety of different strategies to help hold yourself accountable!
Do your own thing
This is self-care time. It is about you accomplishing the goals that you set up for yourself. It is a time for a positive mindset and to be grateful to your body, which has gotten you through life, and grateful that you are on a road to better yourself, no matter the motivation. The hardest part is showing up for yourself and by reading this, you’re already doing that.
Conclusion
First, let yourself know this is possible and set goals. Create a gameplan and find what will keep you locked into that plan (accountability, goals, timeline). Allow yourself to be uncomfortable in the change and allow yourself to grow as you make this new habit your own!
I want to provide the information to help you become self-sufficient in the gym as well so let me know what other topics are scary/confusing so I can address and support you through that!
