So, you have just signed up as a member to your local Club Vitae? Well done! You have officially made the first step to becoming a better version of yourself. Club Vitae trainers can help you reach your fitness goals…
5 Top Tips from Niall to get started in your new surroundings:
Make an appointment for gym assessment and familiarisation:
- Ask the instructors for help with how to work the equipment
- Wear the right trainers – good footwear will help prevent injury
- Know your limit, work out a plan to increase weights when you feel ready
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions our gym instructors are well trained and also have speciality fields including nutrition, …
Personal Trainer and Club Vitae Manager in Clayton Hotel Sligo
Walking into the gym that first day, first week, first month can be a daunting experience. It can be easy to self-doubt and talk ourselves out of the whole thing!
What not to do
- Don’t make excuses
We have all done it – made the excuse that we will start coming to the gym once we’ve “lost a bit of weight”.
- Don’t compare yourself to others
We can feel inadequate panting on the treadmill after a 5-minute jog when the person next to us is moving on to their 35th minute, going 11km per hour, with incline set to max! But everyone has to start somewhere right? So, don’t let your current fitness level determine the level of fitness you could have in one month’s time!
What to do
- Keep at it!
The gym is a long-term commitment in which you are constantly learning and constantly improving. It won’t happen overnight, so give it the time and energy and you’ll reap the rewards.
- Ask for help
In order to be able to improve in the gym you must not be afraid to ask for help – be that through the form of a few one on one sessions with a PT, joining an instructed class, or even simply asking one of the gym team members for a bit of advice.
- Set goals
Goals and planning are key to success in the gym. Setting goals will keep you motivated, focused and determined. Make sure that these goals are specific, and most importantly – realistic! In order to achieve your goals, you will need to set out a plan for yourself.
- Make a plan
It’s a good idea to have a workout plan laid out before you head into the gym. This ensures that the time you spend in the gym is focused and productive. If you have a list of exercises to get through it can be really satisfying to smash through them and you are guaranteed to leave the gym feel exhausted, bursting with endorphins, and feeling extremely proud of yourself.
- Push yourself
Keep updating your plan – as you feel yourself getting fitter and stronger, run on the treadmill for longer, increase the intensity, add more weights! It’s important to ensure your training doesn’t become stagnant.
And remember – you’re doing this for YOU, so make sure you’re enjoying the journey! Find the right type of exercise for you that makes you excited for each workout.