Gym Dandy!

The following is a sponsored post by Equinox Fitness Clubs. For our sponsored post policy, click here.

Before I started my personal training sessions last summer, “The Gym” rated very high on the intimidation scale for me. First, you have the super-buff humans moving from machine to machine with authority and purpose. Then you have the machines themselves with their levers and cables and buttons. And then you have yourself, and if you’re like I was, you don’t have the foggiest idea as to what to do on each machine. So you stick with the cardio. Boooring. And not the most efffffeeective.

That all changed once I signed up for personal training at Equinox. Having a trainer put you through the paces and get you comfortable with each machine makes a world of difference. After a bit of hand-holding, I can now comfortably go into any gym and operate machines—and not just the treadmill. My point being: The gym is such an effective tool for fitness and weight-loss, but it does you no good if you’re a) too afraid to step foot inside or b) too intimidated to get off the easy-to-operate elliptical.

If you’re new to gym membership and are shaking in your Nikes, here are a few tips on getting comfortable in this new environment.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Simply walk through the door. Believe it or not, gyms want your business, so they want you to feel comfortable there. When you join a gym (or even consider joining), ask for a tour of the facilities and equipment. Once you’re a member, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Equinox always has staff on the floor to give members guidance. So ask for help instead of injuring yourself. That’s what they’re there for!
2. Personal training. Personal trainers can be expensive, but if you’re totally unfamiliar with the gym scene, it is a worthwhile investment. Your trainer can set up a workout plan for you and familiarize you with the equipment. Then you’ll be set to flap your wings and fly all by yourself!
3. Classes. Group exercise classes are an awesome way to meet instructors and to get a killer workout. It’s like a personal training session, supersized. You’ll likely get personalized attention and specific tips on form, while getting new and different workouts each class. Equinox has ah-mazing classes, including my all-time fave, Cardio Blast. You simply can’t get bored with their classes, so jump around until you find a fave (or 10).
4. Other members. If you’re having problems operating a machine, don’t sweat it! Ask a fellow gym rat for help if there isn’t a trainer around. Sure, some of them are in a zone with iPods blazing, but most of the time athletes are willing to help each other out. Next thing you know, you’ll be schooling a newbie on the squat machine!

Ready to get started at the gym? Equinox is making that first step easy! They are giving all FBG readers a complimentary guest pass to Equinox fitness facilities. Click here to redeem yours. If there’s one in your city, get your bum in there stat!

Plus, Equinox recently started a campaign called “My Body. My Biography.” As we mentioned previously, there are some seriously inspiring fitness tales, such as A.C’s story. Equinox helped him come back from aplane crash that left him with a broken neck and severely burned body to compete in an Ironman. An Ironman! So if your motivation is lacking in the New Year (already!), go check out these inspiring stories. You’re sure to want to hit the ground running. —Erin