Fitness: Where To Begin?
A guide on how to begin your fitness journey by Beau.
So you've looked in the mirror and realised you don't look how you looked last summer and you don't want your body being seen dead in a bikini on a beach this summer. So what do you do? You decide to get fit, eat better, go out a bit less and stop smashing the Long Islands back every weekend… but where do you begin? There are so many options to consider when choosing the first step in your fitness journey.
The factors to consider when making the the right choices revolve around: *Lifestyle *Budget *Time *Self-motivation *Confidence
Let's start here…
Gyms You pretty much have two types of gyms, budget gyms and commercial gyms. Most of your budget gyms will have basic equipment to get you by, ranging from machine weights to cardio machines, free weights and limited HIIT equipment. Most budget gyms (in Australia these are ones like Jetts, Snap, Stepz) are 24 hours, don't include classes and range from $10.00 - $15.00 per week. Large commercial gyms such as Goodlife, Fitness First and Go Health (in Aus) have a much bigger floor space for weights, cardio equipment and offer multiple classes from boxing, yoga, pump, core, and body attack etc all through the week. Other bonus features of these clubs are their amenities: saunas, larger changing rooms and in-club offers, memberships range from $15.00-$30.00 per week with joining fees and contracts. Depending on your level of commitment this can either be the best investment to your health or the worst. The average rate of active gym members is 7%, so that means that people lack the self-motivation to go, or the knowledge, or may be a little scared to go in there. A lot of the time when people are grunting and dropping weights it can get intimidating, and not to mention the feeling of thinking other people are watching and judging you. That's where a personal trainer comes in!
Personal Training Finding the right PT for you can be a method of trial and error, you need to commit to them like you would to anyone in a relationship, or maybe dating more-so than a relationship, but you need to get to know them and see if there is chemistry and if you two are getting value out of working together. Depending on the level of necessity of you training with a PT is how you can work out how much you will need to spend on one, remember, usually the cheaper PTs have less experience and you will receive less value, the more expensive PT, generally means the more experience they have, and the more value you will gain. So if you are someone who just needs that little bit of push and help with technique a low-end PT will suffice. Do you have an injury that needs rehab? Or an illness? Or have been requested by a doctor to see a PT? Then a more experienced PT may be on the cards for you to achieve your goals. Most trainers will offer a free session for you to trial and see if you both work together. Remember that PTs aren't employed by a business, they are sole traders who don't make a living unless they train clients, so please respect their time and be courteous if you need to cancel sessions. PTs operate out of different places and facilities. The main three types of PTs are: 1. Gym PTs: prices will range from $40.00 - $90.00 per session with a membership fee on top, these are great for having many options in your training, with programs that can be used by yourself in the gym. The downfall is that you and the trainer have to compete with other members for space and equipment which can slow a session up. 2. Studio PTs: like myself operate in private facilities that are much smaller than gyms but have the right amount of equipment to help achieve your goals because you are 100% focused with a trainer. The quality of trainer is much higher and more professional, usually you will get a water and towel supplied for every session. Not having to worry about what other people are thinking is the main reason why people are here, no meatheads just walking in and taking up machines. The cost of a Studio PT is pretty similar to what a Gym PT would charge, minus the membership fees. 3. Outdoor PTs: operate with minimal equipment and focus on more calisthenics if you want to do weight training. The cost is usually minimal and affordable. Depending on where they operate from sessions get sold in packs and range from $20.00 - $50.00 per session.
Bootcamps Bigger than ever, outdoor groups/bootcamps are a fun, affordable way to do various types of activities that focus on HIIT, core and cardio exercises. Usually you can find bootcamps at major parks in your area and most often they are run by PTs who operate out of studios and gyms. The only downfall to bootcamps is rain. These can range from $5.00 - $20.00 per session and are mainly run in the mornings and nights, out of work hours.
Crossfit If you are someone who is over the gym thing and feel like you need a challenge and to be competitive, then crossfit is for you! Crossfit is a combination of weights and bootcamps in a more active sporting atmosphere. Only, and I say ONLY, do this if you are an advanced weightlifter, as injuries are highly likely if proper technique is not executed. Crossfit can range from $15.00 - $40.00 per session.
So there you have it, where to begin and start your fitness journey, in no time you will be uploading progress selfies and #fitspo. If you are interested in a complimentary PT session with myself and are living in the Brisbane CBD area leave a message below and I can be in contact with you ASAP. #behyperactive
