I want to start going to gym for the first time, What are the things I should prepare?

[AlienDummy28]

I'm a 4'11 feet girl with a 60kg weight. YES. That's why I do get conscious about my self and get insecured. I've been considering to go to gym, but the problem is I don't know where to start, what to do, and what are the things I should buy (specifically) before I start going to gym.

The reason I want to get fit is I want to have a change for myself and be more confident about myself, learn how to love myself, and be trained about discipline. Please help mee

TT-TT

[TommyMountainFigure]

Go to the gym if you want to, but you don't need to lose more than around 15 lbs to be your ideal body weight.

You could lose the weight merely by going for daily walks and cutting out fried or starchy foods.

That said, If you are determined to go to the gym to lose it and are considering any high intensity cardio work outs in the near future. 1st thing is speak to your doctor to make sure you have no underlying health issues.

They are very rare for someone of your age, but they do still happen.

Next is to go wearing the appropriate attire. Something that isn't too loose which can get caught in the machines.

Then ask to speak to a trainer, just to get an idea of where you want to lose the weight from, and tone up as you lose it, otherwise you can build muscle up in areas that you may not want to overdo.

One last thing. and should be higher up on my list, and that is to phone around and try out lots of gyms in your area before making any decision. They all do a free 1st time to allow you to look around. I would base it on price, types (and amounts of different) machines and atmosphere. Also if you want to take classes as opposed to machines, do they offer workout classes such as Zumba?

The way to achieve your goal weight and look is to enjoy it, so make sure when you look around, that you're going to feel made welcome, or you will just be throwing your money away!

Good luck!

[TommyMountainFigure]

Thank you for picking my answer as MHO.

[Flatmanlewis]

Don’t overthink it. Gyms can be intimidating places to the uninitiated but once you push through the awkward newness of it, it’s a blast.


Get a decent gym bag, if you want. Otherwise you’ll need: Water bottle, towel (for wiping down machines you use) appropriate athletic attire, decent shoes, and that’s about it. A few nice pluses are a watch, and maybe phone & headphones for music (I find I perform far better cardio without music because I seem to unintentionally pace myself to the beat of the music!)


Maybe a change of clothing and basic shower goodies if you plan to clean up after. Maybe a bathing suit for the spa/sauna/pool. Also, go to a nutrition center and just invest in a few BASIC multivitamins. 80% of fitness is your food so make sure you start eating better too. It doesn’t have to be radical, just swap out sweets, drink more water, choose iced tea over soda, and pass on the junk food when it shows up at work. At 4’11” & 132lbs you have very little to do before you will see great results. Just stay consistent for several weeks and don’t let the lack of immediate results discourage you. It will take a month to start to really feel it.

[Flatmanlewis]

Thanks for the MHO!

[WindAtMyBack]

Even the best workout does no good if you don't keep up with it.

Try different things and find something you like. You are far more likely to stick with something you like, than something you do just because it's supposed to be a good exercise.

It will take more self-discipline at first. After a while it will become more habit. So if initially it feels like you are forcing yourself to go, it will get easier the longer you do it. After a while it might feel like something is missing if you don't go. If you reach that point, you will know you are making progress.

As for stuff to buy, you really don't need much. You just need something loose and comfortable to wear. And warm. You don't want to work out with cold muscles. So warm up by doing easy things.

Before joining a gym, you can do a lot at home. Just going for walks is a big improvement if you are not already doing it. There are also a lot of exercises you can do at home.

You don't need a lot of detail at this point. You don't need the perfect workout. You need to start and get in the habit. That is the most important thing by far.

A lot of people answering this will be the type who are athletic or really into working out. Not everyone is like that. So try not to compare yourself to the gym rats. That is not your goal. Your goal is for yourself, to get into a little better shape, not to be like them. It does you no good to compare yourself to others.

[Rei13]

That’s only 132 pounds right? That’s not too far off of being a healthy weight and nothing to be insecure over. We are our own worst critics. I think you hit the mark on being more confident and loving yourself. I’m the same height as you only heavier, if anything you’re around my goal weight so perspective is a bit different

As far as going to the gym goes just dress in clothes that you’re comfortable in and ease yourself into it. A t-shirt or hoodie and leggings/sweats are fine. You will see what other people wear and you can copy what looks best to you. Pick a schedule that you’re able to stick with. I go after work so I have a routine. When I first went to the gym I only did cardio but it built the habit of going consistently and that was what I was comfortable with. Later I started doing strength training/3 day split.

Diet is most important tho when it comes to losing or maintaining weight. If you’re in a deficit you’ll lose. I tend to go for foods low in calories and high in volume, or low calorie and high protein

[Cheapskate]

Start with a 5-minute warmup on the exercise bike or treadmill.

Then do exercises for each muscle group: back, stomach, pull (upper back/biceps), push (chest/triceps), and legs.

For each exercise, find out how heavy the weight has to be for you to be able to do only 1 repetition. This is you 1 Repetition Maximum (1 RM).

Then take ~70% of your 1 RM and do 8 repetitions with it. Make sure to do the correct movement, and to do it carefully. Don't hold your breath. Remember to breathe.

Gradually add repetitions over time, as you feel ready. Don't move too fast in the beginning. Patience. After you can do 12 repetitions no problem, increase the weigh one step, and go back to doing 8 repetitions.

Bring comfy workout clothes, water bottle, towel, maybe padlock for changing room locker, maybe workout earbuds and phone so you can listen to stuff while working out.

Don't spend too long at the gym, 45 minutes - 1 hour is fine.

Take at least one day off between workouts so your muscles can recover.

Good luck!

Read more here:

https://exrx.net/Beginning

[Cheapskate]

I forgot you need indoor shoes.

[Cheapskate]

Also, make sure to include some healthy sources of protein in your diet, e. g. fish, chicken, beans, possibly dairy. TBH I'm pretty ignorant in this department. Just know that supplements are often expensive and contain loads of sugar and junk you don't need or more protein than your body can absorb anyway. So I would say go natural and just eat good whole foods and drink plenty of water.

[Cheapskate]

Also, I forgot, another muscle group you can work is the shoulders

[Levin]

tbh, if I was you I would just focus on general exercise and body awareness, which you can do at home. By all means, the gym is a cool thing, but being able to work out at home in my opinion should be your foundation and gives you more flexibility.

I mean, even if you do basic body weight exercises, say, 3 sets each, building to 20 reps.

20 squats. 20 lunches. 30s plank. 20 boiler jumps. 20 burpees. Kneeling or elevated pushups. 20 leg raises, etc.

in my opinion, walking and jogging should be your foundation. Obviously, you don't need to go to the gym for this.

Outside of that, there is fantastic follow along, no equipment, workout videos on youtube.

I also highly recommend yoga videos, too. Really great for body awareness, and you can use them for a workout, too.

[exitseven]

Okay- everybody starts somewhere. Just get some gym shorts or sweat pants , t shirts or sweatshirts. Wear a good pair of sneakers and if you have very long hair arrange it so it does not get in your way. You should choose a gym you think you will be comfortable in. A hard-core bodybuilding gym probably not a good fit for you. Gyms usually have instructors that can show you basic exercises and there is plenty of info online. DM me if you want I have been a gym rat for 40 years.

Do not be afraid that people will make fun of you. Everyone had to start sometime. Do not overdo it 3 or 4 times a week is plenty. Make sure you eat a good diet with extra protein and fruits and vegatables.

Make this a lifestyle choice and let it effect every part of your life.

[Anonymous]

Here for you! A janitor's a hard worker, and that's sexy! A job is a job, and what matters most is if he's happy and responsible. If he wants to move up, that's great, but you should support his dreams, whatever they are. Confidence is way more attractive than a job title!

[Phoenix98]

It really depends on what exactly your going for and what you want your results to be. In terms of buying stuff if you have a t-shirt and sweatpants that's good enough you might buy bottle so you have something to have your drink in.

Though I don't know why you feel like you should go your only a 132 pounds your smaller then I am lol.

[AlienDummy28]

I'm a bit overweight because of my height : ]

[Phoenix98]

I see well my advice would be just alter what you eat make an effort to eat healthy so try and stay away from junk food, soda, fast food. Make an effort to eat a balanced intake of vegetables, fruits, grains, fish and meat.

As for working out it'd depend how many days a week you want to go to the gym.

[AlienDummy28]

I'm planning to go to gym until I get my goal body.

[Phoenix98]

Well good luck to you !

[Iron_Man]

Go light there’s people that overdo it and quit you’re gonna get real sore if you overdo it the first day go easy for the first couple of weeks

[AlienDummy28]

Thank you

[Iron_Man]

You’re welcome

[Chelsdope0]

Nobody is really thinking about you or looking at you in the gym….. people are just focused on their own workout.

[AlienDummy28]

Thank you, I was actually nervous about my first day at the gym since it's my first time. This comment helped me ease my mind.

[Superreader]

I think a great place to start is the treadmill, elliptical, or stationary bike. Add in some simple weight training like with dumbbells exercises. Slow and steady wins the race. But definitely try to get 30 minutes of cardio!

[AlienDummy28]

Okay!

[TacosRAwesome]

In practice you don't need much but invest in a good sports bra and gym shoes. I like having headphones with me and a water bottle and usually it's best to bring a medium sized towel.

[Willoughby23]

It will be very hard at first but don’t let that discourage you. It gets easier with time and it will even get easier before a lot of weight comes off.

[laly520]

good luck with it

u gonna be needing comfy workout clothes, gym bag, towel, water bottle, personal hygiene items n whatever device to use if u wanna listen to music

[OtterMan68]

bring a towel, bring a refilable water bottle, have a music playlist and earbuds. Don't expect to transform overnight. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Don't be afraid to ask for help

[Pohjolan]

Really you just need some some clothes and indoors shoes you can work out in, a water bottle, a change of underwear, a towel and shower slippers.

Headphones are recommended but optional.

[Anonymous]

Be prepared to waste your money and meet a lot of douchebag men.

[AlienDummy28]

why? Are there many bad guys at the gym?

[Anonymous]

Don't listen to anyone telling you not to go to the gym.

[AlienDummy28]

okay ^_^

[Lokiion]

You don’t need a gym tbh you just need a calorie deficit and 10k steps or so although I would still go to the gym

[BoobMan]

Start with some goals. Then build a SIMPLE plan. And THEN hit the gym.

[Jennz6]

Stationary bike 🚴 for your warm up

[AlienDummy28]

Thank you

[Jennz6]

You’re welcome

[jahaims]

Plenty of youtube videos related to exercise. No need for a gym. Just do body weight exercises

[In_Trance]

Hire a personal trainer to get you started