{"id":139848,"date":"2022-01-09T08:00:09","date_gmt":"2022-01-09T13:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/barbend.com\/?p=139848"},"modified":"2025-03-18T15:11:59","modified_gmt":"2025-03-18T19:11:59","slug":"beginners-guide-to-the-gym","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/barbend.com\/beginners-guide-to-the-gym\/","title":{"rendered":"The Beginner\u2019s Guide to the Gym"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether you have a personal resolution to get fit in the new year or have just decided to take your first steps towards bettering your health, you need a good roadmap. Pursuing a better bill of health means navigating all of the intricacies of the fitness world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The questions circulating your mind might feel infinite \u2014 what kind of workout or gym is best suited for your needs? What new gear do you have to buy? What\u2019s the deal with proper nutrition<\/a>? Fortunately, the answers you seek are all right here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Credit: Mr. Somkiat Boonsing \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From specific training plans, diets, and various assortments of equipment, this guide will have you covered. Here is everything you should understand before you join a gym and start grinding toward a healthier life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Start Training<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a distinct difference between starting a workout routine without a concrete plan and starting a workout routine with specificity while being mindful of every detail. You can begin at random, but if you don\u2019t know what it is you want to improve upon, you\u2019re not going to make much progress over time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1 \u2014 Pick a Goal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If this is your first workout program, or you don\u2019t have much experience, you\u2019ll see the most benefits from an outlined plan. Rest assured \u2014 this is applicable for any gymgoer regardless of their knowledge. Knowing what you want to tackle is one of the first major steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you want to improve your conditioning? Are you trying to build healthier muscle or see an uptick in your general strength across the board? Maybe you\u2019re looking to change your body composition<\/a> and lose fat from top to bottom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best workout routine for you is sustainable and targets your specific goals<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2 \u2014 Choose a Workout Split<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Now that you have your goals in mind, center on a workout split<\/a>, which is how you split up all the work you do over a period of time \u2014 usually a week.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There has to be a balance that leaves you with energy for a workout every day and gives you appropriate time to recover. This is where you determine how frequent your training sessions will be. Between three to five days is the most standard split option. If you choose to work out more often, then you may have to reduce your workout frequency<\/a>. On the flip, if you work out once or twice a week, then those sessions may be more intense. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3 \u2014 Select Your Exercises<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With your goals and split established, it\u2019s time to pick specific exercises. Every exercise you choose should be in service of whatever your goals are and suitable for your body type.<\/strong> There should be no wasted space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A dedicated powerlifter, for example, will have plenty of deadlifts<\/a>, back squats, and bench presses present throughout their split. If you want to become more agile or improve your conditioning, you may still hit up the squat rack<\/a>, but the majority of your training would consist of exercises that specifically improve the qualities you\u2019re after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exercises are typically categorized as either compound or isolation, and they have some distinct differences for you to consider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compound<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Compound exercises<\/a> involve movement at more than one joint at a time. They also often work multiple muscles simultaneously, making them both effective and efficient. These movements should occupy a large portion of your overall training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=dQuipWqfiRE<\/a>