A Beginner’s Guide To Joining The Gym

Joining the gym for the first time can be an exciting but daunting experience, as it can be quite hard to know what to expect. We’re here to reassure you that there’s nothing scary about joining the gym and to give you the confidence you need to turn up and achieve your goals.

Below, we have put together some of the most important things to consider when joining a gym, as well as answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we get about the gym.

We’re proud to offer a first class fitness centre with a fully equipped gym, 25 metre swimming pool and classes to suit everyone. If you’d like to find out more about our membership options, then get in touch with our team today.

What to consider when joining the gym

If you’re a beginner at the gym, then there are a few considerations worth thinking about before you jump in and do your first workout. These include:

  • What are your goals? Is there something in particular you want to achieve? Ensure the gym you’re considering joining aligns with your goals and has the right equipment to keep you motivated towards them.
  • Have an induction to the gym. This is one of the most important steps, our qualified Fitness Instructors will be able to show you around the equipment, give you demonstrations on how to safely use it and generally just put you at ease.
  • Get yourself a workout plan. Speak to one of our qualified Fitness Instructor’s who can put together a proper plan that will be completely tailored to you and what you’re trying to achieve.

Joining the gym is an excellent way to not only improve your physical fitness, but also your mental health. Ensure that you’re fully prepared and are ready to start your fitness journey by planning ahead and staying committed to your workout regime.

Frequently asked questions about the gym

Should I just go to the gym or attend classes too?

This depends on what is best for you. Attending classes is a great way to keep fit, as well as a good opportunity to become a part of a community with the other regular attendees. With so many different classes out there, they are perfect for switching up your routine to stop you getting bored and keep you motivated.

If you have specific goals that you want to achieve, such as build muscles in certain areas, you may be best working out in the gym and using equipment that is tailored to building those muscles up.

How many times a week should I go?

Again, this is entirely up to you and your schedule. If you can only fit in going once a week then this is perfectly OK. Just going once a week can make a huge difference and is of course better than not going at all.

Being consistent is key and don’t make yourself feel bad for not being able to go more often. If you’re stressed and rushing to squeeze a workout in, often you’re not able to get the most from your time at the gym as you’re distracted. This can lead to injuries occurring, as you’re pushing yourself when you shouldn’t be.

Should I use a personal trainer?

Personal Trainers are a great way to get a tailored workout that can help you achieve a specific goal, can help keep you motivated and can provide support for any injuries that need extra attention.

Think about your needs and whether you’d benefit from using a Personal Trainer, but by all means this is not something you have to do when you join a gym. If you need that extra confidence boost then speak to one of our qualified Personal Trainers today.

What equipment should I use?

Think about your goals and what you want to achieve, as this will dictate what equipment you should use. However, before using any equipment it’s important to get a member of staff to show you exactly how to use it, as you don’t want to get any injuries.

With over 70 stations in our state of the art gym, there is a wide range of equipment for you to try. From cardio machines to weight areas, we can help you achieve your goals.

What should I take with me to the gym?

The most important things to take to the gym with you are:

  • Appropriate gym wear
  • Sturdy gym shoes
  • A bottle of water
  • A positive attitude

Don’t forget to bring a post-workout snack to give you that extra boost.

Is it best to workout in the morning or the evening?

There isn’t a set best time to go to the gym – instead it’s whatever time is best for your schedule and fits in with your lifestyle. It makes no difference to your workouts what time you go, just make sure it’s a time that’s comfortable for you and you can stick to it easily with your day-to-day lifestyle.

At peak times, the gym can become quite busy so for your first session you may want to avoid these times to give yourself the space to get used to all of the equipment. Peak times are usually before and after working days, as well as weekends.

Become a member at Bluecoat Sports

If you’re motivated to join the gym and would like to become a member at Bluecoat Sports, then you have a couple of options. You can either:

  • Fill out our online application form. All of the information you need about our membership options and how to apply are online.
  • Speak to one of our team members. If you have any questions or would rather speak to someone before you make a decision, then get in touch with us today on 01403 247 572. We’re open Monday & Wednesday: 06.30 – 21.30, Tuesday & Thursday: 08.00 – 21.30, Friday: 06.30 – 20.00, Saturday: 08.00 – 14.00, Sunday: 08.00 – 18.30.

We’d love to hear from you and are happy to answer any questions you may have about joining the gym.