I Wish I Knew This When I Started Training

New to the gym, but feeling a little anxious and unsure of things? That is perfectly okay! Most people look at me and assume it happened overnight. It has taken over 7 years of dedicated training to get where I am, and I'm still learning every single day. I was 13 when I started my fitness journey. I will never forget how intimidating it felt. Between all the crazy machines and serious looking people, I was afraid to step foot in the weight room. Bottom line is that we all start somewhere. Here are my top 5 takeaways for beginners.

Tip #1: NO ONE GIVES A FLYING FXK ABOUT YOU

Okay, let me rephrase that. No one cares in a negative way. I promise no one is really paying attention to you. Everyone is in their own world and focused on themselves. Put your music on, head down, and just grind. We are all there for a similar reason, and that is to work towards a healthy lifestyle. Strong people lift others up.

Tip #2: GO AT YOUR OWN PACE

You don’t have to spend hours on end in the gym each day. You can get a quality session with some bodyweight exercises and bit of cardio. When beginning weight training, focus on full-body workouts consisting of compound movements (bench, squat, deadlift, press, row). It is recommended that you lift 3 days a week with rest days in between.

Tip #3: PRIORITIZE CONSISTENCY OVER INTENSITY

You are better off doing a 45-minute, moderate-intensity strength circuit three times per week than a two-hour, high-intensity workout six times a week, and then burning out in three weeks because it’s not sustainable. It takes time and consistency to build your body. Trust the process.

Tip #4: LEAVE YOUR EGO OUT THE DOOR

Focus on form and technique first. Lifting lighter weights with proper form is always better than lifting heavier weights with poor form. Adding another plate is always a good strong feeling, but it is not worth risking an injury. As a coach, I am way more impressed by good form than heavy weight with messy technique. It's about HOW you lift the weight, not how much.

Tip #5: ASK YOURSELF “WHY?”

Everyone has their reasons for setting goals. Ask yourself, “why are you adding fitness and wellness into your life now? In what ways will your life be different when you have fitness in your life on a regular basis? And how are you going to include fitness into your lifestyle today, and this week?” Every workout should have an intention. Don't just go through the motions. Having a purpose behind your training sessions will not only motivate you to push yourself, but also keep you from getting bored or burnt out. Never stay stagnant.

Thank you for reading and best of luck in achieving your fitness goals! Remember, your only limit is you.

Mallory offers a beginner strength program geared towards those looking to feel stronger, get toned, and build confidence in the weight room. For more information email malmorrisonfitness@gmail.com.