Introduction – Gym Tips For Women

While I appreciate that many New Year’s resolutions have likely faltered by February, I felt compelled to write this article after a realization. For some reason, as someone who’s been working out in gyms since 16, I’d mistakenly assumed everyone shared my comfort level. This simply isn’t the case. This realization prompted me to consider all the things I’d want to know as a gym newcomer, along with some helpful hints and tips. While I’m focusing this article on women (as a woman myself, I feel best equipped to address this perspective), much of the advice will be relevant to all genders. Furthermore, I believe many of these points apply to various fitness environments, whether it’s a pool, gym, studio, or arena.

Disclaimer: I am not a qualified gym/fitness instructor, these tips are based purely on my own experiences after being on a fitness journey for a significant number of years.

Everyone Deserves a Space

While swimming laps at my local pool, I imagined how intimidating it must feel for someone new to the experience. Everything from the minimal attire and choosing the right lane speed to navigating taking turns without disrupting others can be daunting. Despite being generally comfortable in pools, I still found myself worrying about getting in people’s way, even while swimming normally and being mindful of space. This reminded me of an incident at the gym. Every time I needed to swap barbells; another person was also using the rack. To put it mildly, they weren’t very considerate of others. By the third time I changed my weights, they were again unloading a barbell and knocked it into me, without an apology. I moved on, but for a newcomer, this could be a worrying experience.

This incident led me to a crucial conclusion: in any public fitness space, everyone deserves to feel welcome and have their own space. If someone makes you feel like you shouldn’t be there, and you’ve done nothing wrong, then it’s their problem, not yours. Moreover, while I’ve never personally needed to do this, I would never judge anyone for reporting someone else’s behaviour. Gyms are public spaces, and if someone is creating an unsafe environment, it’s perfectly acceptable to inform a staff member.

On a slightly different note, I also feel its important to assess whether you feel comfortable in the environment you’ve chosen. For some, an extremely male-dominated gym isn’t for them and they’d feel more comfortable in a women-only space or a space that families might use (e.g. a local, family friendly leisure facility rather than say, a CrossFit gym). If you’re not sure a space is suiting your personality type or comfort zones, don’t be afraid to try somewhere else.

If You Don’t Know, Ask

I’ve often seen online videos of people struggling with gym equipment. In the gyms I’ve frequented, most people seem comfortable, likely due to mandatory inductions. However, in cases where inductions aren’t offered, I felt it essential to include this point. Working out can be dangerous without proper knowledge – from the risk of injury during exercises to the potential for serious harm from incorrectly setting up a machine. Asking for help is vital.

Most gyms have staff members circulating – often instructors – who are happy to answer questions. In my experience, gym instructors are typically kind and non-judgmental. The few seconds of potential embarrassment from admitting you don’t know something (spoiler alert: not everyone knows everything about gym equipment, especially if you’ve transitioned from a basic gym to a high-tech one) is far preferable to months of rehabilitation from an injury.

Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

We’re all guilty of watching those “get abs in a week” videos and believing them. The same applies to seeing someone at the gym and thinking their physique is something you should already have. In reality, most people with impressive physiques have dedicated years to achieving them. While this is a brief point, it’s crucial: never compare your progress to someone you see at the gym. Your day one could be their year ten. You’ll reach your goals; it just requires realistic expectations about time and consistent effort.

You Don’t Need the Fancy Outfit

Every year, immediately after New Year’s Day, gyms are flooded with people wearing the latest fitness apparel. I simply want to emphasize that there’s no need to buy a brand-new, often expensive, outfit. As long as you have comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and that you feel confident wearing, no one should judge you for wearing older or less fashionable clothes while working out.

Find a Routine You Enjoy

I often see people trying to emulate someone else’s workout routine. While this can sometimes work, it’s often not the best approach. In my opinion, the most effective way to establish a fitness routine is to find something you genuinely enjoy. A less discussed aspect of this is choosing the right workout times for you. Not everyone can or wants to attend a 6 a.m. spin class, while others prefer to be in bed by 9 p.m. rather than doing a late-night weight session. Fitness is individual; discover what works best for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, embarking on a fitness journey can be both exciting and challenging. Prioritize feeling safe in the gym, ask for guidance when needed, and concentrate on your own individual progress. Choose comfortable workout attire and, above all, enjoy the journey! If you have additional tips to share, please leave them in the comments below!