Horsham-based female personal trainer, Becky, works one to one at an independent gym to help her clients gain strength and confidence. With many people choosing to get started this month, and lots of conflicting advice overcomplicating what you need to do so, she shares the only three things you need…
Welcome to the gym, whether you’re a seasoned attendee who’s back from a break, or it’s your first time joining us. I’m pleased to see you either way.
One of the big barriers for those getting started – I do remember it well – is thinking that you need lots of kit of a fancy quality in order to be worthy of setting foot on the gym floor, and putting in an effective showing.
I’m here to tell you that’s just not true, and share the three things you need for your gym session. Let’s go…
Gym essential number one: clothes
Given that you’re going to be in public, this may seem obvious. But I did also tell you that this list was budget-friendly essentials only, and clothes are one of those. All you need is to put comfy things on your body that you can move in. Please also do the socially-acceptable thing of ensuring that they’re clean first.
I promise it’s no deeper than that. Activewear can be expensive, and if you have cash to splash, go ahead. If you don’t, nobody cares. Vinted is full of bargains. At this time of year, so are the high streets and supermarkets. Put clothes on body. That’s it.
Gym essential number two: shoes
It sort of feels like we’ve already covered this, but we also haven’t. When you Google gym clothes or gym shoes or which ones should I get, there are opinions a-go-go about the optimal type of lifting or training or running footwear. And those things do exist. But practical trumps optimal, particularly when you’re new.
The most important thing about any exercise footwear is that they fit you, and are in reasonable enough condition that they protect your feet. That’s it, I promise.
Yes, you can go down the route of flatter soles and wider toe boxes if you’re going to be lifting heavy. And appropriate tread if you’ll be running out on a trail. But a very normal pair of trainers is enough for the gym. As with clothing, if they’ve been out on some sort of muddy walk, please knock the dry mud off before you enter the gym.
Gym essential number three: a plan
This is the only more complex and potentially costly element. However, there are ways around that too.
I wouldn’t be doing my job properly if I didn’t advocate for programming and planning that’s tailored to you, but I also know that this can be out of reach for some. I don’t recommend following online plans or ideas from unqualified friends long-term, but if all you want to do is get moving, start with a brief warm up, make sure you’re training full body in that one training session you’ve scheduled per week (six single exercises, or four pairs of exercises as super sets will easily get you a 45-60 minute session) and you’ll be fine.
It’s enough to help you get started, figure out if you like it, and budget for the kind of sessions you deserve with someone who understands your wants and needs.
The important part is that you decide what to do before you arrive. If you wing it with the idea of just using whichever machines are available, you’ll almost certainly over- and under-train various body parts, and wander around pretty aimlessly. If you’ve got a plan to follow, you’ll at least have something constructive to do. Again, don’t worry about it being “correct”, just move and try.
Now that you know what you need, get those things together, and give it a try. Look forward to seeing you there!