Being active in college is great, especially when school and social life can sometimes bring stress. One of the best ways to do this is by visiting your campus rec center or gym, but this can sometimes be intimidating for fitness veterans and beginners alike. This article will give you 5 tips to conquer your fear and incorporate the gym into your everyday routine.
- Make a plan
Making a plan is probably one of the most key elements to feeling comfortable in the gym. Identify what your fitness goals are, and then I recommend doing research by watching youtube videos or looking at fitness influencer’s pages for their specific workouts. It can be as simple as deciding you want to walk on the treadmill for thirty minutes and then do some light stretching after. It is important to determine what days of the week you want to go and for how long to make sure you stay consistent, which is the only way you will see good results.
- Get familiar with equipment and different areas of the gym
Many campus gyms, for example Tulane’s gym, offer multiple areas for different purposes. There are often various cardio sections (first, second and third level of the Reily) and sections of both free weights and machines (first and second levels). The best thing anyone can do when they first arrive at a new gym is do some scouting of the different areas which will help you in planning an effective workout. It will also make you feel more confident when you walk into the gym the next day. When first starting the gym, seeing machines that look scary and complicated can be one reason many just stick to simple workouts. However, most machines have stickers that explain exactly how to use it and what muscle group it targets. Maybe make it a goal to become oriented with one new machine a day slowly making the gym feel less unfamiliar.
- Dress for success
Now this one is extremely important for feeling comfortable, and it looks different for everyone. Some might feel their best in a matching neon workout set and others might feel better in an oversized t-shirt and sweats. It all depends on practicality and how YOU feel. It is, however, important to invest in certain equipment like a good pair of running sneakers if you do a lot of cardio (I recommend Hokas) or flat shoes if you enjoy lifting (I recommend vans.)
- Focus on yourself
There will be people with muscles at a gym. They were all beginners once too and went through the same feelings of unease and uncertainty. You’re all there for similar reasons. Sometimes there will also be a lot of people, and even those who look unfriendly. The best advice I have is to just focus on bettering yourself and what you’re there for. In all honesty many still don’t know good form or all of the “gym secrets” even if they have been doing it for years. The majority of the individuals in college gyms are just starting out themselves, and don’t know what they’re doing either, so just try to enjoy it and feel confident that you are not alone.
- Have fun!
Grab a friend or use it as time to yourself to decompress. Seeing results can be so rewarding. Many people who start the gym fall in love with it, so don’t be surprised if that becomes you. My final tip that goes along with having fun is finding something that you enjoy. Whether its the stair master or leg day make it a staple in your routine!