Gyms don’t have to be intimidating. If you want to know how to lose weight at the gym, it’s a lot more straightforward than you think. Choosing to work out at the gym is a big step in taking control of your fitness and health. You can have access to equipment and gym machines that you certainly won’t find in the average household. Gyms also have classes and other fun activities to help you get into shape! Here are some quick tips on how you can utilize your local gym to reach your best potential.
Get Sweaty with Cardio
Some of the best cardio equipment can be found in a gym. Cardio is essential when it comes to shedding fat. Gym cardio machines include:
These are just a few of the most widely used cardio equipment, but there are many others to choose from. Cardio machines are very versatile and work your whole body for max calorie burn. They are also beginner friendly and you have the ability to set the pace to suit your fitness level. You can choose to do low impact cardio or turn up the intensity with high impact.
Not everyone has the budget of physical space to house a cardio machine at home. Therefore, using these machines at a gym is an affordable option for many gym goers. Gyms also have a lot of space available so that you can perform other methods of cardio exercise such as skipping rope, sprinting and bodyweight cardio moves like burpees and jumping jacks. If you live in small apartment or don’t have a big area to perform these exercises comfortably at home, you can get it done at the gym as part of your routine.
Get Coached
Apart from state-of-the-art fitness equipment, you can also find qualified personal trainers at the gym. If you are new to fitness and have no clue of how to use the equipment or plan a workout, trainers are there to help. You can access the coaching you need to get yourself acquainted with the gym equipment, how to perform exercises and put them together to create a workout that is suitable for you. Personal trainers can also assist you with nutrition guidance and other tools to help you on your fitness journey. Being coached will also prevent you from injuring yourself because you will be coached on proper form and how to use the gym equipment safely.
Don’t Be Afraid to Lift
When you think of a gym, you most likely think of pumping iron. Gyms have the best strength and resistance training for every level of fitness. You can find a wide variety of strength training equipment options such as:
- Dumb bells
- Squat rack
- Bench press
- Kettle bells
- Resistance bands
- Bar bells
- Medicine balls
- Sandbags
Strength or resistance training helps you to build muscle and definition across all muscle groups. If you want top get bigger biceps, build your glutes or attain lean muscular legs, you need to incorporate resistance training into your routine. Combined with cardio, which targets fat burning, you can achieve a lean and shredded physique.
Lifting heavy weights isn’t just for body builders and power lifters. You won’t bulk up from using extra resistance unless you are on a specialized training program which requires a bulking diet and supplements to help you get buff. The average gym goer can build strength, endurance and tone up their body from using some form of regular resistance training in their workout routines.
Change Up Your Routine
Over time, your body gets stronger and more accustomed to the exercises you do frequently. This means that you will have to challenge yourself to keep progressing and avoid a plateau. At the gym, this can be as simple as switching up the machines you use, adding more resistance or adjusting your number of reps. Most gyms also host classes for various fitness activities such as Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts.
Add Gym Time to Your Weekly Schedule
You can lose weight at the gym if you are consistent with your workouts. Signing up for a gym membership is one way to secure your dedication to working out and losing weight. To keep on the right track, aim to work out at the gym at least 3-4 times a week and get at least 30-45 minutes of gym exercises done.
Give it Your All
When you start working out at the gym, you will find yourself amongst a community of like-minded individuals. Most people go to the gym to improve their physique, destress and achieve fitness goals. Your results and progress solely depend on how much effort you put in. Someone who is new to working out at the gym may struggle to keep motivated and stay on track. Getting coached by a personal trainer at the gym is recommended for first timers and beginners. A coach provides guidance, structure and helps you to keep your head in the game.
Tips to Help You Stay Motivated at The Gym
- Listen to music while you work out (wireless earphones are perfect for this!)
- Stick to gym protocol during the pandemic such as sanitizing gym machines after you use them, wearing masks and social distancing
- Work out with a friend or get coached by a gym trainer
- Eat healthy so that you don’t offset your progress. Exercise and good nutrition work hand in hand to help you lose excess weight and keep it off
Why Should You Choose Fitness NC?
Fitness NC gyms provide professional fitness training programs both in person at our locations and online. Our trainers are professionally qualified and experienced in all aspects of fitness, nutrition and mentoring. If you are clueless about ho to get started at the gym, we can help you to devise the right plan to suit your goals and achieve optimal results. Contact us today to start your fitness journey and healthy lifestyle!
