Have you recently decided to take control of your health and get in shape? Congratulations! This is a major step toward improving your overall well-being. If your new health journey includes joining a Las Vegas gym or fitness center, you might find yourself wondering exactly how to get started. You're not alone. 

When you first go to the gym, it's easy to feel intimidated or overwhelmed. It’s full of equipment you might not be familiar with and lots of people who look like they know what they're doing. Don't let this stop you from moving forward. The following five goals will help you get comfortable in the gym and set yourself up for long-term success:

1. Always Be Consistent
If you want to achieve fitness success, remember your ABCs – Always Be Consistent. Hitting the gym twice a week every single week is much better for you than going every day for a week and then taking some time off until you feel like getting back to it again. Decide on a schedule you can commit to, then make sticking with it your number one goal. 

2. Conquer Your Fear of Free Weights
Many new gym goers opt for machines instead of free-weights because they're not sure what to do. This is a mistake! Working out with dumbbells and barbells is one of the best ways to up your gym game and see significant progress. To learn proper form and avoid potential injuries, consider hiring a Y personal trainer to teach you the basics. Practice makes perfect, and you'll feel like a pro in no time. 

3. Mix Things Up
If you do the same workouts all the time, they'll eventually become less effective. Adding variety to your routine will challenge your body and keep you from getting bored. Try combining cardio and weight training and pumping up your heart rate with HIIT workouts. Even better, push yourself out of your comfort zone and see if your Las Vegas gym offers group fitness classes like Zumba, water aerobics, kickboxing, or belly dancing. 

4. Work on Flexibility and Balance
Losing weight and getting stronger are great goals, but don't forget flexibility and balance are critically important for staying agile as you age. Work stretching and balancing exercises into your weekly routine or try starting a yoga or Thai Chi practice. 

5. Warm Up and Cool Down
It's understandable to want to jump right into your workout and get back to your life as soon as possible but failing to properly warm up and cool down can lead to unnecessary muscle soreness and potential injuries. Start each workout with five to ten minutes of cardio, and make sure to stretch out your muscles before calling it a day. 

Start Your Fitness Journey at the Y’s Las Vegas Gym

If you're looking for a friendly and non-intimidating Las Vegas gym, look no further than the Y. Our fitness center, group classes and personal training options are perfect for both beginners and advanced gym-goers. Contact us today or stop by one of our four locations to learn more about the many member benefits and how to join.