That first step is an important one if you're looking to improve your health

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by Melissa Russwurm
This Week Staff

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Foreign objects, intimidation, uncertainty and fear. Are these words and feelings things that you associate with gym? If so, no worries. You're not alone.

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Joining a gym often gives you access to coaches or personal trainers to keep you on track.

"I've heard my clients refer to the machines as spaceships," says Darren Finck, Moncton NuBody's personal fitness coach.

People tend to create a gym-monster in their head, psyching themselves out before they even begin.

Darren says that people are often intimidated by what they don't know, and the hardest part about starting at the gym is taking the first step.

"The biggest thing is to walk through the door," he says. "Once you make it through, you've gotten the hardest part down. Now you have to make sure you're doing it right."

Chris Robicheau, Manager of Health, Fitness and Recreation at the YMCA of Greater Moncton, says there are many precautions to take when starting at the gym for the first time that should make the experience easier.

"First of all, get enough information so you know what you're getting into," he lists. "Check out paper brochures, look online, see what's available to you, for the short term and the long term."

He also says it's important to look for variety (for yourself and for family members), convenience, maintenance and staffing. Chris recommends going to see your doctor before you start a program. This way, an assessment can be done to avoid imbalances.

"You want to avoid having to deal with something more serious later," says Chris. Both men say the initial gym experience may be easier with a gym-buddy.

"With a friend, both of you will be pushing each other, keeping each other more committed," says Darren.

Chris says that it's good to have that initial extra push for motivation, but for some, it may be hard to synchronize your schedule with a friend. For this reason, there are certified trainers available, to keep you on the healthiest and safest path.

"Some need a road map, others can travel on their own," says Chris. "Either way, it's good to have someone to really keep you focused."

If you're exercising properly, it's normal to see results rather quickly when starting at the gym.

"The first two to three months show the most dramatic changes," explains Chris. "It's normal to be rapid at first then to slow down."

After the first few months, Darren describes the next phase as "hitting a plateau" - the body is more in shape, so it's harder to lose weight. He says it's important to stick with it after this point, because although the progression isn't as obvious, your health is still improving.

Of course, the most important thing to do to compliment your gym experience is to live an active, healthy lifestyle.

"I promote the Canada Food Guide," says Darren. "Eating properly is the most important part of a healthy lifestyle."

Though starting at the gym is the most intimidating part, it can be a challenge to maintain a routine.

"People get bored," says Chris. "They need to recognize when they get bored. It's important and normal to change things up."

Both fitness experts say to start off slow and work yourself into a routine. If the body is over-exhilarated, it can be hurt and damaged, and that usually turns people off from returning to the gym.

"The most important thing to do is set realistic goals for yourself," says Chris. "Make them specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely."