It’s never too late to start a new hobby, career or even a fitness goal. Getting started with a new fitness regime can be a daunting task for beginners. Here are ten things you need to keep in mind before hitting the gym for the first time:
1. Set A Realistic Goal
The first and foremost thing to consider is to set your goal. Setting a goal helps you plan your pace to stay on track without losing sight of your target. Whether you want to lose weight, build muscles, tone your upper or lower body and shed that extra belly fat, it is crucial to plan out things before hitting the gym.
2. Plan Your Day
Planning from the first day itself can help you ease up your beginner’s anxiety. Don’t just land right at the gym door unprepared, instead give your mind the time to process the change in body clock and schedule. Additionally, have a good night’s sleep to begin your day afresh and feel energetic before hitting the gym.
3. Stay Hydrated
It is essential to know the hydration rules before hitting the gym. One should hydrate before going to the gym for a workout with enough liquid and eat well. The amount of water to consume depends on factors like age, sex, weight and height. Fitness experts recommend drinking 590 ml of water half an hour before gymming. Also, make sure you don’t exceed the water quantity to avoid bloating.
Not only is hydration vital in pre-exercise sessions, but it is also crucial during and after exercise. A dehydrated body will not be able to perform well. You can also opt to drink black coffee as it is known to stimulate thermogenesis.
4. Meal Plan For Your Workouts
To be productive while exercising, fitness experts recommend eating a diet rich in protein, carbs and fat, at least two to three hours before exercising.
Foods To Eat: You can eat foods like lean protein, brown rice with chicken, and roasted vegetables three hours before exercise. You can also take Steadfast PlayStead, the game-changer pre-workout sports drink that boosts energy levels and improves cognitive alertness.
Milk-based protein smoothies with bananas or berries can also be included in the diet if you are about two hours away from your gym session.
Post-Workout Meal
It is equally important to optimise your nutrition after the workout. Here are some post-workout meals for you:
- Grilled chicken with roasted vegetables
- Cottage cheese and fruits
- Greek yoghurt, berries and granola
- Oatmeal, whey protein and banana
Make sure to include foods that help you supply the essential nutrients for muscle recovery to yield effective results. Go for easily digested foods to help promote faster nutrient absorption. Also, keep the electrolytes store balanced by drinking water.
5. Gym Apparels
Gym clothes are a must-have in your wardrobe as they not only supports exercise but help in staying motivated. Go for flexible and good fabric activewear. For an excellent range of sports/gym activewear, you can choose from the premium Steadfast Clothing collection.
6. Give Yourself A Break
Beginning your day with energy and enthusiasm is good. However, you must know when to take a break. If you are continuously working out without getting enough rest, it does more harm than good. Pain and muscle soreness after exercise is inevitable. Avoid taking painkillers as they will mask your pain and do more damage than good to your body.
7. Update Your Playlist
Updating your playlist may be the task you never want to miss. A new playlist will help you break the ground to keep grooving during your exercise session.
8. Believe in Your Mentor
Proper guidance is required and in case of support, always reach out to your gym instructor for the best output.
9. Try Different Exercises
Don’t stick to only machines. Go for a mix of body exercises such as crunches, push-ups or chin-ups.
10. Stay Consistent
The key to obtaining good results is consistency. Stay consistent and stick to your training as planned.
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