HOW TO PLAN A GYM ROUTINE
Knowing how to plan a gym routine is essential for sticking to the gym and achieving your goals. Whether you’re a gym newbie or a seasoned fitness enthusiast, having a well-structured gym routine will help you stay motivated, track your progress, and make the most of your time at the gym. So, let’s dive into how to plan a gym routine that suits your needs and gets you closer to your fitness aspirations.
DEFINE YOUR GOALS
The first step in planning a gym routine is to clearly define your goals. Do you want to lose weight, build muscle, improve cardiovascular endurance, or enhance overall fitness? Having specific goals in mind will guide your workout plan and help you stay focused. Remember to set realistic and achievable goals to avoid frustration and maintain motivation.
ASSESS YOUR FITNESS LEVEL
Next, assess your current fitness level. Be honest with yourself about your strengths, weaknesses, and any physical limitations you may have. This self-assessment will help you tailor your workout plan to your abilities and prevent injury. If you’re unsure about your fitness level, speak to a member of the team and they can help
DETERMINE YOUR TRAINING FREQUENCY
Consider how many days per week you can dedicate to the gym. Consistency is key, so choose a realistic number of days that you can commit to. Keep in mind that rest and recovery days are crucial for muscle repair and growth, so make sure to incorporate them into your routine.
SELECT THE RIGHT EXERCISES
Choose exercises that align with your goals and target the muscle groups you want to work on. Aim for a balanced routine that covers all major muscle groups. Include compound exercises (e.g., squats, deadlifts) that engage multiple muscles simultaneously and isolation exercises (e.g., bicep curls, leg extensions) to target specific muscles.
WARM-UP AND COOL-DOWN
Never skip your warm-up and cool-down sessions. Warming up prepares your body for exercise by increasing blood flow, raising body temperature, and loosening up joints. A proper warm-up can help prevent injuries. Likewise, cooling down with stretches and light exercises aids in muscle recovery and reduces post-workout soreness.
TRACK YOUR PROGRESS
Tracking your progress in a workout journal or using a fitness app can help you stay motivated and monitor your advancements. This will help you see your progress and tell you when you’re ready for progression. This can include increasing weights, adding more reps or sets, decreasing rest periods, or trying more advanced exercises. MyWellness app is a tool to track your progress and connects to your equipment in the gym.
STAY FLEXIBLE AND LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
While having a plan is essential, remember to stay flexible and listen to your body. Adjust your routine as needed, especially if you feel fatigued or experience pain. Rest when necessary and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from fitness professionals if you encounter challenges or have specific concerns.
DON’T WANT TO WRITE YOUR OWN?
We have options if writing a fitness plan isn’t your cup of tea. The first, and best way to get a fitness plan is to have one made specifically for you. During your gym inductions, our staff will talk to you about your goals and experience, giving you some things to try. We can then set you up a personalised programme for everytime you're in the gym. If you want to take things further, nothing beats personal training when it comes to crafting plans to hit your personal goals. Speak to a team member to find out more if this is something you are interested in.