by Blake

Hey there ! I'm Blake, and I'm thrilled to be chatting with you today about something near and dear to my heart: fitness. But before I dive into that, let me share a bit about myself. I've had quite the journey, transitioning from a career in professional dancing to becoming a NASM-certified personal trainer with Orangetheory Fitness. Now, after finishing my master's in arts administration and museum leadership, I work in fundraising with Mental Health Partnerships, but my passion for fitness remains unwavering.

Fitness isn't just about physical health for me; it's about confidence and mental well-being too. And let's face it, taking that first step into the gym can be daunting. I've seen it firsthand: folks who had signed up for their first group fitness class sitting in their cars for 45 minutes, hesitant to take that leap. It breaks my heart because I know the transformative power fitness holds, both physically and mentally.

That's why I'm here to help kickstart your fitness journey with some friendly advice. Let's dive in:

1. Dress Comfortably: Forget the flashy trends; it’s easy to get caught up in social media trends or try to follow whatever brand is the current “it” brand for gym clothing but all you need are supportive athletic shoes, comfy shorts or sweats, and a shirt you don’t mind sweating in. The key is to feel good and confident in what you wear.

2. Familiarize Yourself with Equipment: Don't worry if you're not a pro at using every machine. Take your time, read the labels, and don't be afraid to watch other people as they use the machines before you. We're all learning and growing together!

3. Plan Your Workout-ish: Feeling overwhelmed by the gym's vastness? It's okay, we've all been there. Consider structuring your workouts around one of three workout plans: full-body exercises, upper vs. lower body days, or muscle group splits. Start with what feels right and adjust as you go.

   • Full body workouts: One exercise or two per body part per visit (chest, biceps, triceps, back, shoulders, glutes, quads, calves, hamstrings).

   • Upper vs lower body: alternating each day between upper body and lower body exercises. (chest, biceps, triceps, back, and shoulders one day and glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves the next).

   • Muscle group splits: split your workouts into even more specific group over three days: push (chest, shoulders, triceps), pull (back, biceps, forearms), and legs (quads, glutes, hamstrings, calves).

4. Listen to Your Body: Start light, increase weights gradually, and pay attention to how your body responds. Remember, rest is just as important as exercise, so don't overdo it. I personally aim for 8-10 challenging repetitions for 3 sets of each exercise.

5. Be Kind and Social: A smile and a friendly chat can go a long way, even at the gym. And if you can, try hitting the gym during off-peak hours for a more spacious and relaxed atmosphere.

6. Remember, It's a Journey: Fitness is a personal journey, unique to each of us. Embrace where you are, celebrate progress, and be patient with yourself along the way. We're all here to grow and improve, together.

So, whether you're just starting out or picking up where you left off, know that you're not alone. Let's embark on this journey together, one step at a time. You've got this! 🌟