Joining a new gym after being inactive for a while can be tough, and it might take some time for new habits to stick. To help you get motivated in the meantime, here are a few tips:

First, make sure to stay hydrated during your workouts. Gym air can be dry, and if you’re not used to exercising, you might get thirsty quickly. If plain water isn’t appealing, try something like Juiceburst. It’s tasty, vegan-friendly, free of added sugar, and counts as one of your five a day. Plus, it can keep you hydrated and motivated, helping you get through longer gym sessions.

Buying new gym clothes can also boost your motivation. Wearing fresh gear makes you feel ready to work out, whereas lounging in old clothes might put you in a relaxed, non-gym mindset. A dedicated gym outfit helps you feel more at ease in a new environment, boosting your confidence.

Switching up your routine can prevent boredom and keep you from giving up. Try spending 10 minutes on different gym machines to see what you like best. Most machines track calories burned, so you’ll learn which ones are the most effective for you. As you get more comfortable, don’t be afraid to increase the time or intensity of your workouts. Joining a gym class could also add variety and keep you from always exercising alone.

If you like working out with others, consider asking a friend to join the gym with you. This way, you can motivate each other, chat, and even spot each other with weights. Plus, you can turn it into a fun, friendly competition to see who makes more progress.

Setting specific goals is crucial. Without goals, you might not know what you’re aiming for. Whether you want to lose weight, improve fitness, or build muscle, having clear objectives will give you something to strive for. When you hit your goals, you can set new ones to keep progressing.

Getting that initial push to start going to the gym is often the hardest part. But once you get into a routine and see results, it becomes easier and more rewarding.