The Beginner's Guide to Working Out

Are you feeling like an exercise newbie? Working out can be intimidating, especially when we don't know what we're doing. Here's a guide to how to start and keep working out.

Find Something You Like

Some people can spend two hours at the gym and not get bored. For others, the thought of standing at a weight machine for ten minutes is enough to keep them home on the couch. If you want to start working out and really get the most out of it, look for something that you like. This might mean you have to try a few different things before you discover what works best for you. You could love going to a dance studio in Montclair, NJ once a week and exercising your heart and legs that way. You might love a daily yoga session or a group weightlifting class.

If you're not sure what you might like, pick a place and try a group class. Many studios offer beginners' classes, no matter what type of fitness they specialize in (some studios even offer this class for free). Don't be intimidated by the other students when you get there. Go up to the instructor and introduce yourself. He or she will tell you what you need to know for the class, set you up with equipment if needed, and check on you throughout the class. If you want to stay in the back, get there early.

Get The Equipment

When you're first trying to figure out what you like, you might not need to buy any equipment. As long as you have a pair of sneakers and comfortable clothes, you're set to try out any exercise you want. But once you get more comfortable, you'll want to invest in the right equipment. Most yoga studios have mats you can borrow or rent, so you wouldn't need to buy one for your first class, but if you decide you love it, you'll want to pick one up (you don't want to use a borrowed mat every class). You might also want to purchase a bag for your mat or a yoga towel if you're going to hot yoga classes. If you decide you love spin class, you might want to invest in a pair of cycling shoes and a padded seat.

For the weightlifting fanatic, the right shoes are a must. Whatever sport you decide you love, there is always plenty of items you could purchase (but most likely don't have to). If you want to graduate from newbie to expert, talk with your class's instructor or your gym's owner and see what you can get to exercise smarter.

See If Your Insurance Will Cover The Cost

Health funds can often be used to cover the costs of exercising. Your health insurance company wants you to stay healthy so they don't have to pay for part of any exorbitant services you might need, like bypass surgery. To encourage you to exercise, some health funds offer discounts on gym memberships. Find the best health fund with iSelect.

Gym memberships can be costly, especially if you're into a niche activity like yoga or cycling, so any little bit towards the cost could make a huge difference. Look into your health insurance and see if they'll contribute towards your gym costs.

When starting any new activity, you have to start slow and try not to get discouraged. There will be people in the gym or your fitness classes who are intimidating. Remind yourself that these people have more experience and that with consistency, you can also reach where they are. Try a few activities, buy the right gear, and defer the costs if you can. As you gain experience, you'll go from nervous newbie to confident rock star.

Fri. Feb 21, 4:24am

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