For those who are new to the gym…

It may be overwhelming to walk in, see all the equipment, and not know where to start.

In fact…

I’ve seen a lot of new people walk out of the gym…only to be coaxed back in when I ran out to find them.

It’s tough to know what you need to do to get in shape—especially if you’re unfamiliar with gym equipment, or working out in general.

If this applies to you, here are the top 8 exercises to get you started in the right direction:

1. Walking

This is by far the easiest way to start your workout journey. It helps you burn excess calories and gets your cardiovascular system in better shape. And the best part: You don’t need to come to the gym to get this done. Depending on the weather, you can do your walking outside, and keep your goals in focus.

2. Jogging/Running

This is the next step after walking. Once you’ve gotten to a point where your body is used to exercise, it’s important to increase the intensity of the workout. A light jog, doing jogging intervals, or running can place a new demand on your body, therefore helping you expend more calories. This is a great way to get in shape and in better health.

3. Swimming

If you go to a gym that has a pool, then swimming can be a great workout for you. Not only is it low impact on your joints, working against the resistance of water can strengthen and tone your muscles, and burn excess calories.

4. Cycling

Another great low impact exercise, cycling can strengthen your leg muscles, adding endurance and strength. Plus, it alleviates stress on your joints, so you can still exercise even if you have limitations.

5. Strength Training

Strength training is ideal for those looking to boost lean muscle mass development, burn more calories, and get in better shape. It’s perfect for boosting your metabolism, so you burn more calories throughout the day. Plus, you’re adding strength to your muscles, therefore making everyday activities easier to do.

6. Interval Training

This exercise is not for everyone. But doing high-intensity work, followed by lower intensity work periods, is great for expending calories, building lean mass, and blasting your metabolism. This type of training also leads to the “afterburn” effect, which boosts your calorie burn for up to 48 hours after the exercise is completed. This type of training is for advanced exercisers who are looking for a new stimulus to change their bodies.

7. Yoga

If you have tight muscles, and you want a heck of a workout, try a yoga class. Not only does it help with flexibility, it can also boost your calorie burn while you’re holding those poses. Yoga can also add strength to your core, which helps improve posture and alleviates painful joints.

8. Pilates

Another great exercise for strengthening the muscles in your body, Pilates is perfect for beginners and advanced exercisers. Not only does it help build strength, it may boost calorie burn as well. If you’re a beginner, and you don’t want to hit a treadmill, then give a Pilates class a try.

If you’re new to exercise, it may be stressful when you first walk into a gym. The equipment may be confusing, and you may not have a plan to tackle your weight loss goals. That’s why this list is here. It gives you plenty of options to choose from if you’re just starting out--or even if you’re an advanced exerciser, to help move you in the right direction.

If you’re not sure where to begin, and would like help setting a plan you can follow, then hit reply to this email, and we can get you started with a consultation. It’s FREE to sit down and talk with us, so schedule that appointment today.

Coach Aaron

P.S.: Whenever you're ready... here are 4 ways I can help you:

1. Let's Do a Free Goal Achievement Call. If you’re feeling stuck or frustrated and want help figuring out how to reach your health and fitness goals, simply reply to this email and let me know you want to talk. We'll schedule a convenient time and I'll help you figure out what will work for you during this crazy time. Just reply with 'Call' in the subject line and we'll set up a time to talk. No obligation Call!

2. Join our Small Group Training Program for 50% OFF Your First Month Are you starting to fall behind on your goals? If you stay on track or get on track our small group training program can help you. In our program, you will receive workouts for 2x or 3x week, meal plan blueprint, recipe guide, nutrition guide, and 1:1 coaching weekly. If you'd be interested in our small group training, simply hit reply and put 'Small Group’ in the subject line and I'll get you all the details.

3. Train With Me...For FREE. If you'd like to come in for a free training session...1 on 1 or small group...I'd love to have you in as my guest. Training somewhere new can be out of someone's comfort zone, so I want to make it as easy as possible for you to see if this is the best place for you to reach your goals. Just reply with 'Train' in the subject line and we'll figure out what type of session you'd enjoy most and when coming in would be convenient for you.

4. I have FREE Open Office Hours during the week where you can call in and speak to me about your goals. The call is just 15 minutes out of your week, but the insights you’ll discover could impact you for a lifetime! To schedule your FREE consultation, reply and put 'Call' in the subject line.

Aaron Hines, Owner-Premier Performance Training M.S. Exercise Physiology ACSM-CPT, NASM-FNS, TRX, TPI-Level 1 & F2, CSAC, Pn1