So you’ve decided to get that gym membership and utilize a diet and exercise program to lose weight. Congratulations!! For some, getting started is half the battle. And the gym can be daunting to the newbie. It is like a whole other world if you’ve never been there before. So here are a few tips to help you stay focused and achieve your goals!

1) Change Up Your Workout Routine

And good exercise program utilizes cardio and strength training regimens; cardio to burn calories and strength to jump start your metabolism by creating lean muscle mass. A good rule of thumb is to alternate between the two for six days, then take a day of rest. Use two (or three) different cardio machines 20 minutes each for maximum results, and target a different muscle group during each strength session.

2) Avoid Snacks and Energy Drinks

The purpose of the workout is to burn calories to, in effect, lose weight. Don’t sabatoge your workout by snacking on an “energy” bar or drink. They pack enough calories in one bar or bottle to completely offset the ones burned during your workout. Many energy drinks pack 28 grams of sugar into each serving, two servings per can. Along with 110 calories per. Stick with pure, cold water.

3) Use the Incline on the Treadmill

Using the incline improves leg strength and aerobic conditioning. It also helps condition the glutes, calves, and thighs. As an additional bonus, you can burn 30 percent more calories walking on a five percent incline than on no incline at all. If five percent is too much for you at the beginning, most treadmills offer inclines as low as .5 percent. Work your way up from there.

4) Do Not Watch Television (Or Other People!)

You need to put your energy and focus into the way your body is moving during a workout. This is especially true during strength training to avoid injury. It is very easy to waste a lot of valuable workout time if you’re focused on a television show or an attractive young lady or man. A better option is an MP3 player to listen to music as you work out. Many people find that this helps them pass the time on the treadmill or elliptical machine. These can be the most monotonous of the workouts.

5) Take Flip-Flops With You for the Locker Room

This may seem trivial, but after one bout of athletes foot picked up in the gym shower, you’ll wish you grabbed a cheap pair at the dollar store on your way to work out. It is not a pleasant experience, but is easily avoided by heeding this advice. Most gyms keep their locker rooms reasonably clean, but the moist, warm air can be an icubator for fungus. If you are unfortunate enough to contract athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, do not despair. It is easily cured by using a topical cream, spray, or powder.

Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have a more efficient, safer, and effective workout every time!

Author Bio: To see other helpful information, product reviews, and resources on weight loss, including how to burn belly fat and how to quickly lose weight, visit http://www.ThinAgainCoaches.com

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: tips,gym,workout