MensHealth
  • News
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Sex
  • Nutrition
  • Style
  • Weight Loss
  • Life
  • Podcasts
  • Subscribe
  • Motoring
  • Video
MensHealth
  • News
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Sex
  • Nutrition
  • Style
  • Weight Loss
  • Life
  • Podcasts
  • Subscribe
  • Motoring
  • Video
Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic
Watch 0:10

Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic

{headline}

{headline}

The Session Australia's Top Trainers Use To Train Themselves

The Session Australia's Top Trainers Use To Train Themselves

The Workout That Got Keanu Reeves In Fighting Shape For John Wick 3

The Workout That Got Keanu Reeves In Fighting Shape For John Wick 3

5 Reasons Why We’re Obsessed With Barry’s

5 Reasons Why We’re Obsessed With Barry’s

Mark Wahlberg Is Teaming Up With This Australian Fitness Brand

Mark Wahlberg Is Teaming Up With This Australian Fitness Brand

{headline}

{headline}

Train Your Whole Body With This Single DIY Piece Of Equipment

Train Your Whole Body With This Single DIY Piece Of Equipment

Calum Von Moger's 5 Tips For Beginner Bodybuilders

Calum Von Moger's 5 Tips For Beginner Bodybuilders

Jai Courtney Shares The Fitness Hacks Behind His Bulk

Jai Courtney Shares The Fitness Hacks Behind His Bulk

{headline}

{headline}

Should You Work Out Twice a Day?

Should You Work Out Twice a Day?

This 20-Minute Circuit Will Obliterate Your Arms

This 20-Minute Circuit Will Obliterate Your Arms

Fitness: Where You Can Have It All

Fitness: Where You Can Have It All

Win The Arms Race

Win The Arms Race

23 Battle Rope Moves That Blast Fat

23 Battle Rope Moves That Blast Fat

5 Things Your Gym Must Have

5 Things Your Gym Must Have

5 New Year's Resolutions That Will Actually Help You Lose Weight

5 New Year's Resolutions That Will Actually Help You Lose Weight

  1. Home
  2. Fitness

An Open Letter to the Newbies at the Gym This January

You're going to want to quit. Don't. Also, get good socks - by Reegan Von Wildenradt
  • 02 Jan 2018
An Open Letter to the Newbies at the Gym This January
Getty Images

Dear January Gym Newcomers,

It's the dawn of a new year, and you've decided to put "getting fit" near the top of your New Year's Resolutions. Well, we're very pumped for you, because in case you didn't know, Men's Health is all about health and fitness. But we're here today to talk about the other stuff—specifically, a little guide to navigating your head-first plunge into your new fitness journey.

First of all, let's talk about why you're here. Perhaps you've noticed that your pants haven't been fitting right the past few months. Maybe you ate (drank?) an entire keg of ranch in one sitting. It's also possible that the hardest workout you had all year was the day took your air conditioner out of your window. Maybe you or a family member had a health scare, and you're taking a proactive approach to your wellness. Whatever it is, make sure you have a reason and you write it down, because you're going to need it, man.

Second step: Getting yourself geared up to go. There are two looks that scream "I don't know what the hell I'm doing here!" in a gym environment more than anything else: the guy who shows up for his first workout in cargo shorts and hiking boots; and the guy who is decked out, head-to-toe, in the most expensive workout apparel known to mankind. Do not be either of these guys. Go out and buy yourself a comfortable pair of sneakers. Then get a couple of sweat-wicking shirts and pairs of shorts. And some socks. Don't forget socks. And don't dress like a hobo, because ladies hate that.

Alright, you got your reason and your clothes. You're ready for action. You've signed up for a gym membership, committed to an entire year of fitness. You signed a contract that also felt like you were swearing, on your life, to come to the gym for at least 360 of the next 365 days. That's a normal feeling, and something that probably seems doable right now. You have so much energy, time for some damn fitness, man! Gainz!

This is where the #realtalk starts. It's going to sound harsh, but it's only because we care. You might not go to the gym 360 days of the year. Many, many guys just like you will not even go for more than 15 days. Our challenge to you is, don't be that guy going balls-to-the-walls every damn day, January 2nd to January 7th, only to never be seen again from January 8th onward...

...until the following January.

Don't be him. Instead, be the dude who starts small and builds. Don't start by going to the gym every damn day. Try going two times a week. Then three. Build up to five visits a week, because science says that's prime. Don't eat this shit after your workouts. Do workouts you enjoy. Lift some weights. Throw a little bit of cardio into the mix. Check out our Metashred Workout if you need some extra inspiration.

Good luck with your sweat journey, you damn champion.

This article first appeared on Men's Health.

  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Life
  • Workout

Subscribe Now-

Subscribe Now
Subscribe Now

Subscribe Now-

Subscribe Now
Subscribe Now

Recommended to you

Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic
Watch 0:10

Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic

{headline}

{headline}

The Session Australia's Top Trainers Use To Train Themselves

The Session Australia's Top Trainers Use To Train Themselves

The Workout That Got Keanu Reeves In Fighting Shape For John Wick 3

The Workout That Got Keanu Reeves In Fighting Shape For John Wick 3

5 Reasons Why We’re Obsessed With Barry’s

5 Reasons Why We’re Obsessed With Barry’s

Mark Wahlberg Is Teaming Up With This Australian Fitness Brand

Mark Wahlberg Is Teaming Up With This Australian Fitness Brand

{headline}

{headline}

Train Your Whole Body With This Single DIY Piece Of Equipment

Train Your Whole Body With This Single DIY Piece Of Equipment

Calum Von Moger's 5 Tips For Beginner Bodybuilders

Calum Von Moger's 5 Tips For Beginner Bodybuilders

Jai Courtney Shares The Fitness Hacks Behind His Bulk

Jai Courtney Shares The Fitness Hacks Behind His Bulk

{headline}

{headline}

Should You Work Out Twice a Day?

Should You Work Out Twice a Day?

This 20-Minute Circuit Will Obliterate Your Arms

This 20-Minute Circuit Will Obliterate Your Arms

Fitness: Where You Can Have It All

Fitness: Where You Can Have It All

Win The Arms Race

Win The Arms Race

23 Battle Rope Moves That Blast Fat

23 Battle Rope Moves That Blast Fat

5 Things Your Gym Must Have

5 Things Your Gym Must Have

5 New Year's Resolutions That Will Actually Help You Lose Weight

5 New Year's Resolutions That Will Actually Help You Lose Weight

MensHealth
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Chris Hemsworth Hugo Boss
  • Terms
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Chris Hemsworth Hugo Boss
  • Terms
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement

Brands

  • Women's Health

Our Network

  • Paragon Media Pty Ltd
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from Men's Health

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe Now-

Shop This Offer
Subscribe Now