Do's and Don'ts for a gym beginner

While starting your fitness journey, there's a lot you need to take care of. Apart from getting your basics right, there are a few more things you should keep in your mind. The following list of dos and don'ts will help your fitness journey be smooth and achieve your intended results.

Do's

Watch your diet

Diet is a crucial component of your fitness regimen since you will reflect on how your body feels during and after a workout. There are pre and after-workout regulations as well. While a decent mini-meal pre-workout can feed fuel your next hour of intensive training, an imbalanced heavy meal will slow you down and induce ingestion. Your daily diet plan is not the only thing you need to remember.

Wear loose clothes

One would not want to go to the gym in fitted clothing because they prevent the body from moving freely and prevent it from stretching to its full potential. Choose an outfit that allows easy movement, breathing room, quick drying, and shape retention even when pushed. Also, pick your shoes cautiously.

Start moderately

You shouldn't start with vigorous exercise, begin your training gradually. Work your way into the routine slowly. With time, as you gain strength and endurance, increase the intensity.

Stretch yourself and warm up

Stretching your muscles both before and after exercise is an excellent idea. Pre-workout stretching reduces muscular stiffness when one exercises to increase flexibility in the body. It also helps to improve range of motion and flexibility. During exercise, you don't want to become stiff and immobile. Stretching after a workout can also help you maximise your training as your muscles are still warm.

Don'ts

Do not overtrain

If you're starting, try not to start too vigorously because you can end up hurting yourself. When you first start, keep it mild and moderate. You shouldn't overtrain or push yourself too hard after several months of consistent training. A 24-hour break is advised after a strenuous workout since the body needs time to rest and heal.

Do not push an injury

There may be days when your body starts to hurt excessively. When you first start exercising, there may be some discomfort, but you should stop when the pain becomes intolerable. It is best to avoid straining muscles and joints because doing so might lead to long-term issues. Consult a doctor if you get hurt, and stop your routine for a few days.

Don't dehydrate yourself

Keep yourself hydrated when exercising by drinking water or low-calorie energy drinks; maintaining a balance is essential since you are already losing water. It is vital to drink 4 to 8 ounces of water if you become thirsty when training since you have passed the safe zone.