So You Just Joined a Gym...Now What?

Dear Fitness Coach,

I just plunked down $250, signed a 12-month contract, and joined a gym. The initial elation of finally deciding to get into shape after all these years has worn off - it took all of one week! Now I am faced with the harsh reality that I have absolutely no idea what I should be doing.... Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Gym Newbie

Dear Newbie,

I like to use the analogy that buying a gym membership is a lot like buying a season’s ski pass. It’s great if you know how to ski but, if you don't know how, you are not going to be able to utilize it without instruction. The same applies to working out. Most reputable fitness facilities offer a fitness assessment or orientation for new members.

Depending on the gym, the orientation could involve a quick tour of the equipment, a PAR-Q (physical activity readiness questionnaire), or an actual training session with a trainer. Understand, though, that you cannot possibly learn everything you need to learn to exercise safely and effectively in just one session.

Using the ski analogy again, one lesson is not going to teach you how to maneuver down the slopes. It’s going to take more than a few lessons for you to be proficient and confident on your own. The same applies to working out: there are hundreds of different workout routines, depending on what you are looking to accomplish. Without proper instruction, you put yourself at risk for injury, and the likelihood of accomplishing your fitness goals are very low.

Look into the different training programs your gym offers and decide which one fits your budget. It’s money well spent on a skill set that I hope you will be using for many years to come.

Got a question for the fitness coach? E-mail her at eross@goldsgym.net.

Estee Murray Ross is a Chelmsford resident. She is a AFAA certified Personal Trainer and AFAA/ACE certified Group Fitness Instructor and is CPR/AED certified through Red Cross. Drawing from her 20 plus years of cardiovascular and strength training experience, she is expert at evaluating and assessing nutrition and exercise routines and making the necessary changes in order to maximize efficiency and expedite weight loss. She currently works at Gold's Gym in Tewksbury.