GET ACTIVE WITH YOUR GYM MEMBERSHIP

Maybe it’s a new year, a big life milestone or even taking a jump back into the dating pool. Whatever the reason, you were motivated to make a change and joined a gym. Woohoo! But now that you’re an actual gym member, working out for the first time (or coming back after a long time away) can feel a little overwhelming. If you’re wondering what to do at the gym now that you’ve got a membership, these tips will help you walk through the doors feeling confident and ready to tackle your goals.^*

GET STARTED WITH A WORKOUT SUPPLEMENT

If your gym goals include burning calories, a workout supplement like a thermogenic can help you turn up the heat. Thermogenic supplements contain ingredients like caffeine that increase metabolism and provide a boost of energy, two benefits that may help you get closer to your goals. Be sure to read the instructions, because while some thermos, like Performix^® SST H2 should be taken in the morning, others, like GNC Total Lean^® Burn 60^™, should be taken 30-60 minutes before exercising.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PERSONAL TRAINING

If you don’t know where to start, you’re not alone. Many gyms offer new members a free workout with a personal trainer. If your membership comes with a free session, definitely take advantage of it! This initial session is a great way to get a feel for unfamiliar equipment and to learn some workouts that you can do on your own from a trained fitness professional.

GET MOVING WITH A CARDIO WORKOUT

Your gym most likely has rows of treadmills, ellipticals and exercise bikes, and it may even have some rowing machines and stair climbers. Treadmills and ellipticals often have TVs in front of them so you can still get your favorite shows AND a workout in. Try to incorporate 30 minutes of cardio into your routine. Rotating between the different cardio machines throughout the week will help work different muscle groups and prevent your workout from getting stale.

MIX IN A HIIT WORKOUT

Incorporating high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into your exercise routine simultaneously builds cardio fitness and engages your muscles. If your gym offers group classes, try to incorporate a HIIT class 1-2 times per week. Learn more about cardio and HIIT workouts from Dr. Jim Stoppani of Jym Supplement Science.

TRY STRENGTH TRAINING

There are many ways to add resistance to your workout. Free weights, bands, exercise balls, punching bags or a weight machine are all excellent options for strength training. Not sure what some of those weight machines do? That’s what the staff members and personal trainers are there for. And If you’re looking for a little more structure, check out this intermediate workout plan.

SWIM SOME LAPS

Lucky you if your gym has a pool! Swimming laps is a great non-weight-bearing activity that works wonders for your cardiovascular system. Without music and TVs to distract you, you’ll be able to get in a rhythm with your strokes and zen out while still getting in a fantastic strength and endurance workout.

MAKE SOME FRIENDS WITH A GROUP AEROBIC CLASS

Whether it’s a high-intensity class, relaxing yoga class or booty-shaking dance class, group aerobic classes break up your routine and introduce you to other people with similar goals. But don’t think these classes are all fun and games—you’re still getting in a legit workout. On average, a 160-pound person can burn around 533 calories during a one-hour high-impact class and around 364 calories in a low-impact class.

KNOW YOUR POST-WORKOUT NUTRITION

If you’ve ever been envious of gym-goers who take authoritative swigs from cool shaker cups, now’s your chance to join the fun! Protein is typical post-workout supplement, taken in the form of a delicious protein powder shake (Cookies & Cream, anyone?). Lean Shake 25^™ is the perfect follow-up to a workout because it contains 25g protein and comes in tasty flavors like Orange Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter and more. You might also want to think about adding a daily multivitamin into the mix. The Lean Essentials Multivitamin is a great complement to a reduced calorie diet because it was formulated to provide essential nutritional support for a healthy weight management program. At the end of the day, the best supplements and workouts are the ones you’ll stick with. Now that you’re armed with all the tips and tricks, go hit up the gym and show that elliptical what’s up!

^*Before starting any exercise or weight loss program, consult your physician.