Since 2020, health clubs significantly dropped revenue with the lowest recorded gym memberships in recent history. There are many reasons that people no longer go to gym, including feeling anxiety or not knowing how to start. However, you can overcome these obstacles with this advice from Green Hope students who regularly visit the gym.
It can be intimidating to start working out when you don’t know what exercises to do and you’re unfamiliar with the environment. Many students at Green Hope have gone through similar experiences when they began their workout journey.
Over a year and a half ago, Waverly Powell (‘24) started going to the gym. Initially, she didn’t feel entirely comfortable working out in front of strangers. Powell shared that the most difficult aspect of her gym experience “was being in the gym with a bunch of strangers while I was trying to figure out what I was doing.”
While these sentiments may feel overwhelming at first, it’s important to remember that everyone in the gym is there to exercise, not judge others. “What people don’t realize is that nobody is looking at you. Everyone in the gym is so focused on themselves and what they look like that they pay no attention to anyone else,” Powell said.
People are often unsure of what exercise they should be doing which stops them from working out. Below is a list of good beginner exercises for the body parts people frequently exercise.
Lower body (hamstrings, glutes, quadriceps, calves, hips):
- Squats – targets quadriceps, glutes, and abdominals muscles
- Leg extensions – mostly targets quadricep muscles
- Leg press – targets the front muscles within the quadriceps, glute, hamstrings and calf muscles
- Glute bridge – targets the gluteus muscles
- Hip abduction – targets hip flexor and extensor muscles
Upper body (shoulders, chest, back, triceps, biceps):
- Shoulder press – targets shoulders and upper chest muscles
- Bench press – targets chest muscles
- Bicep curls – targets biceps
- Front and lateral raises – targets lateral deltoid muscles
- Tricep push – targets triceps
- Lat pull downs – targets lats and pectoral muscles
Cardio:
- Stairmaster
- Treadmill
- Cycling
- Jump rope
For those who experience difficulty navigating gym equipment, the machines in these facilities often have photos that detail how to operate them as well as a key card highlighting what muscles are being used.
Bhaumik Giri (‘24), another Green Hope student who consistently goes to the gym, explained the welcoming nature of other gym members. “Ask for help if you’re confused on how to do an exercise. The gym is a very welcoming environment and people are always willing to teach you,” he said.
As you’re starting out your fitness journey, use trial and error to see what works for you. Going to the gym and doing exercises that don’t build your muscles or fail to get your heart rate up are next to useless. Alexa Blount (‘25), a Green Hope student, has frequented the gym for two years now and just recently perfected her routine.
“When you’re working out, listen to your body. If you do a workout that continuously hurts you, stop doing that exercise and switch up your routine. You need to be able to recognize not all workouts will be good for your body,” Blount said.
On top of choosing workouts that fit you, remember to take breaks. Rest is almost as important as working out your muscles so if you target your leg muscles one day, ensure that you give yourself a couple days to recover before working them again.
Going to the gym may be frightening the first few times but don’t let that discourage you from enjoying the benefits of exercising. By following this guide of advice from fellow Green Hope students, the gym can become a regular part of your routine.
