If you are a total beginner to gym, here are important tips on gym workout routine for beginners and sample plan that you should follow.
The gym is an excellent place to work out. No matter what the goal of the workout is, i.e., weight loss, weight gain, strength training, or body toning, the gym can help you achieve it. All you need to do is follow the right exercises, eat nutritious food, and take adequate rest. Mentioned below is a gym workout routine for beginners to get you started.
Essential Tips
Set Your Goal
The first thing you need to do is set your goal and plan out your workout accordingly. An instructor will help you plan your routine. You can plan for a 3-month or a 6-month program. Remember, the longer the plan, the longer lasting the result will be. So, plan everything wisely, and don’t rush into things. Also, while enrolling, it is important that you have a personal instructor for at least 3 months so that you don’t injure yourself while working out.
Get the Gear
The first thing you need to invest in is a good pair of aerobic shoes. They are very necessary, as you will be running, jogging, strength training, etc., and the pair of shoes will give you a good grip and safety while performing. Other stuff, like clothes, which can be track pants and a comfortable t-shirt, a water bottle, napkin, safety knee pads, and gloves will also be required.
Follow Cardio
A warm-up session of 7-10 minutes of mild jogging, and then cardio is great for your overall health. Cardio will also help you to burn fat, and maintain a good heart health. Cardio machines, like treadmill, stationary bicycle, cross-trainer, etc., can be used.
Regular Strength Training
Strength training can include using dumbbells, weight training machines, or strength training exercises, which involve using your own body weight like calf raises. Mentioned below are different weight training exercises that will help to tone your body areas, by converting fat into muscles.
Diet & Rest
Apart from the exercises, it is important that you follow a nutritious, balanced diet. Make sure you don’t starve yourself while working out, because your body needs fuel while you are working hard. If you are aiming at weight loss, then just replace fatty foods with healthier foods. Also, get your 8 hours of sleep, this will help the body to relax and get ready for next day’s schedule.
(m = minutes)
1st Week | Workout |
Monday | Cardio: 45 m (5 m walk + 10 m jogging + 15 m cross-trainer/skipping, 15 minutes bicycling/dancing) |
Tuesday | • ½ an hour of cardio • 15 m of shoulder exercises • 5 m of stretching |
Wednesday | Cardio: 45 m (5 m walk + 10 m jogging + 15 m cross-trainer/skipping, 15 minutes bicycling/dancing) |
Thursday | • ½ an hour of cardio • 15 m of chest exercises • 5 m of stretching |
Friday | Cardio: 45 m (5 m walk + 10 m jogging + 15 m cross-trainer/skipping, 15 minutes bicycling/dancing) |
Sat-Sun | Rest |
2nd Week | Workout |
Monday | Cardio: 45 m (5 m walk + 10 m jogging + 15 m cross-trainer/skipping, 15 minutes bicycling/dancing) |
Tuesday | • ½ an hour of cardio • 15 m of abdominal exercises • 5 m of stretching |
Wednesday | Cardio: 45 m (5 m walk + 10 m jogging + 15 m cross-trainer/skipping, 15 minutes bicycling/dancing) |
Thursday | • ½ an hour of cardio • 15 m of lower body exercises • 5 m of stretching |
Friday | Cardio: 45 m (5 m walk + 10 m jogging + 15 m cross-trainer/skipping, 15 minutes bicycling/dancing) |
Sat-Sun | Rest |
3rd Week | Workout |
Monday | Cardio: 45 m (5 m walk + 10 m jogging + 15 m cross-trainer/skipping, 15 minutes bicycling/dancing) |
Tuesday | • ½ an hour of cardio • 15 m of triceps and biceps exercises • 5 m of stretching |
Wednesday | Cardio: 45 m (5 m walk + 10 m jogging + 15 m cross-trainer/skipping, 15 minutes bicycling/dancing) |
Thursday | • ½ an hour of cardio • 15 m of back exercises • 5 m of stretching |
Friday | Cardio: 45 m (5 m walk + 10 m jogging + 15 m cross-trainer/skipping, 15 minutes bicycling/dancing) |
Sat-Sun | Rest |
The chart given above is an example of a gym routine for beginners, which you can follow. Feel free to alter the above exercise program, according to your needs. For example, if you experience pain while performing certain cardio or strength training exercise, then replace it with another less intense workout. So, get started with this, and enjoy good health!
Disclaimer: This FitnessVigil article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.