Going to the gym for the first time can be a very overwhelming experience. Trying to figure out the different machines, which workouts you should be doing for your body and how crowded the gyms are going to be are all concerns that people can have. Here are some tips and tricks to help your gym time go smoothly.

1. Wear the proper attire

Everyone wants to be comfortable when they go to the gym. Don’t wear clothes that are too tight or too baggy. Wear loose fitting clothing to help with your mobility when doing certain exercises. 

2. Ask questions

The gym has tons of different machines and sometimes you won’t know what a machine is meant for or how it works. Ask an attendant to find out what a machine does and how to properly use it. This will help you avoid getting injured or possibly breaking a machine. 

3. Be patient when waiting for machines or ask to work in

Gyms can be very crowded and their might be a wait for a machine. Trying to find other workouts/alternatives to do while you wait for a machine or squat rack can reduce your wait time. If you are wanting to stick to a certain agenda, asking to “work in” with somebody is another route you can go. This way you and the person who is on the machine can share the machine and both get your workout done. 

4. Take it slow

While working out can do great things for your body, going overboard and doing too much too fast can have the opposite effect. Lifting weights, if done improperly, can cut your gym time short because of injury and make it harder for you to reach your goals. Stick to a reasonable amount of weight for your body or ask a professional to assess where you are at. 

5. Write down your progress

The best way to measure your progress and your goals is by writing down in a journal what you are doing. Sometimes the progress you are making won’t show itself on a scale or in a mirror. By writing down your progress, you’ll have a better idea about how you’re progressing.