Gym Tips For Beginners

With my kids in pre-school I have the luxury of 2 morning per week to myself. So finally, after not really doing much exercise apart from the occasional long walk or bike ride, I have joined a GYM! 2 weeks in and I'm going almost every 2 days (admittedly the steam room and Jacuzzi are very tempting but I make sure i have a workout first).

Here are some tips for beginning the gym... things that I have learned during the past 2 weeks.

• Don't be embarrassed if you are not as fit as you thought you were. We all have to start somewhere. I have seen the stereo typical gym-rats - scantily clad women who manage to run for an hour on the treadmill without breaking sweat, as well as the massive men strutting around the 'Muscle Beach' weightlifting area who gasp for extra effect when lifting anything. I have also seen an equal number of 'normal' people - big, bigger, small, thin, wobbly, weak, elderly, knock kneed, bumpy elbowed and poisonous warts on the end of their nose... (or is that another story?) People join the gym for very different reasons and I think its great that such a diverse range of folk can work towards their goals in a kind of unlikely community.

• Take your own music. Listening to my favourite tunes increased my stamina and effort enormously. It really helps you zone out and get on with the job. 

• Use clothes or accessories that are specific to doing fitness activities. I have some Zaggora Hotpants which increase sweating by up to 80 per cent, making inch loss happen more rapidly. (I have taken some measurements around my thighs, hips and bottom... I will let you know how it goes). It doesn't have to be expensive either. For instance I recently purchased for about a fiver, a running belt to wear so i can put my iPod in it while exercising. It will help me feel more serious about going to the gym as every time I see it I will be reminded!

• Be prepared to see a lot of naked flesh in the changing room! Why not towel your privates vigorously while chatting to your friend about last night's telly? How about standing completely naked for 15 minutes while you send a text message or two? I am not ashamed of a naked body, but I don't think I could skip over to the hair-dryers with everything on show either. There are cubicles for the more self conscious of us.

I am enjoying my gym experience much more than I thought I would. I joined as they had a special offer on and the monthly fees are half that of other well known fitness centers  I am determined to get fit and finally tone up that post preggo belly that I 've had for a few years now. Wish me luck!