Just Joined the Gym? Here’s What our Coaches Want You to Know

If you just joined Anytime Fitness, congratulations! We’re so excited to have you and help you take the first step towards a healthier life. We know that joining a new gym can be intimidating, especially if it’s your first time, so we want to help make the process as comfortable and welcoming as possible. If you haven’t had the chance to meet with a coach for your personalized fitness consultation yet, we want you to hear from AF coaches on the advice they’d give someone who just joined our gym family (and then run over to the gym to meet with a coach for a plan of your own!). Like many of our coaches will tell you, the hardest part is walking through the door, and you’ve already done it! Or, if you’re reading this article because you need a little extra motivation before you take the leap, good for you for doing your research, and know that we can’t wait to see you. We hope that these tips help you feel ready to take on the gym, and the next step to becoming your healthiest self.

1. Keep at it – it gets easier.

   Coach Joe S. of AF Minooka, IL
   
   

2. Everyone has the same goal in the gym: improve themselves. So don’t worry about what others are thinking of you, because the fact is, they aren’t!

   Coach Krista P. of AF Arlington, WA
   
   

3. Do something different and step out of your comfort zone.

   Coach Jessica R. of AF Minooka, IL
   
   

4. Ask for help, always believe that there is someone smarter than you so you can always improve on what you already know.

   Coach Charles W. of AF Grenada, MS
   
   

5. You get out of it what you put into it. That goes for workouts, your member experience, results, etc.!

   Coach Meredith R. of AF Kannapolis, NC
   
   

6. Connect with a coach, download the AF app, and get ready to have fun!

   Coach Mary D. of AF Sequim, WA
   
   

7. If you just joined, then you’ve already done the hardest part. Now all you have to do is keep coming and everything else will fall into place.

   Coach Tyler G. of AF Los Lunas NM
   
   

8. The first 2-3 weeks are the most difficult. You will be using your body in ways that you haven’t been and you will feel soreness in areas that you probably haven’t. Don’t give up. That soreness won’t last forever. Stay the course, keep showing up consistently and you’ll be just fine.

   Coach Misty M. of AF Scottsboro
   
   

9. Small goals accomplish big goals!

   Coach Cheyanne R. of AF Des Moines (Beaverdale), IA
   
   

10. Don’t be nervous about asking our staff questions on how to use the equipment! We are here to help you in your fitness journey.

    Coach Sadie M. of AF Los Lunas, NM
    
    

11. Get involved in your new club. We provide coaching, support and accountability here, so the more you can stretch outside of your comfort zone, the better the connection and better opportunity for results! You just found a new community to be a part of, so start making some friends with coaches and fellow members!

    Coach Jeff H. of AF Windermere, FL
    
    

12. Consistency is the key to your fitness journey success.

    Coach Alicia C. of AF Opelika, AL
    
    

13. Grant yourself grace, take things slow and it will all come together!

    Coach Tess of AF Madelia, MN
    
    

14. Definitely download the Anytime Fitness app and explore all of the different workouts and exercises we have on there. It’s a great way to familiarize yourself with equipment and proper form.

    Coach Lauren of AF Leesville, LA
    
    

15. Have fun, ask questions, and set goals. Write them down so you know why you started!

    Coach Mike F. of AF Highland IN
    
    

16. A little bit every day is better than a whole lot for just one day!

    Coach Joseph A. of AF Chantilly, VA
    
    

17. With. A. Coach! You don’t know what you don’t know. Let someone else guide you so when you push, you’re pushing with intention and focus and when you get into that rut, your coach already has a plan to keep you progressing.

    Coach Aaron T. of AF Floresville, TX
    
    

18. Show up, even if it is for 10 minutes. That’s 10 minutes more than if you hadn’t walked through the door!

    Coach Aaron L. of AF East Bloomington, MN
    
    

19. Take advantage of what is offered with your membership. It’s an investment in your health. You get out what you put in!

    Coach Heather of AF Lakeland, GA
    
    

20. Take it one day at a time. This is a marathon, not a sprint, so just keep putting one foot forward!

    Coach Will H. of AF Philadelphia, PA
    
    

21. Get a coach, get consistent and be patient with yourself. When you feel down about your fitness journey. Give yourself a pep talk. Being mindful to speak to yourself like you would your best friend!

    Coach Kathy of AF Mattawan, MI
    
    

22. Download the app and try everything! There’s so much knowledge and support there to give you ideas and guidance. Something that holds us back the most when we are new to fitness is just not knowing what to do and getting discouraged. But Anytime Fitness has so many resources between the app, the coaches and the community to keep you interested and engaged in your workouts as you learn more.

    Coach Shanna Z. of AF Boothwyn, PA
    
    

23. Listen your body and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

    Coach Rick of AF One Pacific
    
    

24. Try and create a lifestyle change instead of trying too much at one time. Setting specific, long-term goals will turn fast burnout of the gym into consistent progress and long-term success!

    Coach Mark F. of AF Abbeville, LA

Looking for more? Check out our complete guide to getting started at Anytime Fitness and this beginner strength workout!