If you're focused on fitness, chances are you've signed up for a gym at some point in your life. But do you remember that very first time you got a membership of your own?
Reddit user The_Gaelic_Player posed the question "What is something you wish you knew when you first joined a gym?" and a ton of people chimed in with their own experiences and tips.
We've rounded up some of the most memorable answers to the online thread. Check them out below:
Remember, everybody is different, and what works for one person might not work for others! So always consult a professional, and take the advice in this post with a grain of salt.
1. "That people don't look at you as much as you think — there's no need to be self-conscious."
2. "Get the technique right, or you WILL injure yourself."
3. "If you're going for cardio...get a series set up on Netflix, and start watching it on whatever machine you use. Only watch the show at the gym."
4. "Proper form with lower weight is always 10 times better than high weight with mediocre form."
5. "Ask strangers for a spot if you need one instead of risking injury."
6. "Don't do your own program. Figure out what your goals are, and then pick a time-tested program that gets you to that goal."
7. "Learn how much protein you need to be eating to see real results. I wasn't eating nearly enough, and now I'm chowing down on chicken and turkey every day."
8. "Rest is important, as is not overworking your muscles. I pulled so many muscles trying to work hard, and overworking your muscles will only degrade them."
9. "Even going for 30 minutes is better than not going at all."
10. "Don't forget your towel."
11. "Make sure you know the details of your contract and cancellation policy."
12. "Don't lift with your ego."
13. "Whenever you're using machines or free weights, think, How well am I isolating my target muscle?"
14. "Don't join in January. That's when the 'New Years resolution' crowd floods the gym. The majority of them will be gone within a month or so."
15. "You look infinitely more stupid to people if you are trying to lift weight beyond your limits with bad form than if you are lifting lower weight with good form, because good form makes you look like you know what you're doing."
16. "Don't touch your face or any orifice while or after you are at the gym until you wash your hands.
17. "Don't be nervous because everyone's focusing on their own thing. Ain't nobody looking at you."
18. "Wipe the equipment down before and after you use it. Either take your own towel with you, or if your gym has them, use their paper towels and cleaning spray.
19. "Find something you enjoy in the gym. A certain piece of cardio equipment, certain workout styles, favorite muscles to work out, etc. Makes it easier."
20. "The gym is not the place to pick up women."
21. "Grab a friend to do it with you. You become much more productive and motivated to go."
22. "When I first joined, I expected everyone to be all mean and judgmental because of how I was skinny and lacked any muscle, but everyone was really helpful and realized I was trying to make myself better."
23. "Always have a bag of workout clothes and shoes in your car."
24. "Take advantage of free sessions with a trainer."
25. "Consistency is key."
26. "No one cares what you look like. People just want to get their workout done and leave."
27. "Pace yourself. Better to take it slow and progress over time than to get too excited and hurt yourself."
28. "Rest between gym sessions. There's no point in hitting it hard every single day if you're just gonna be completely burned out in a week."
29. "The gym isn't a competition. It's a place for you to focus on yourself."
Do you have any tips you'd add to this list? Share them with us in the comments below!
