1. Where and How to Work Out

If you’ve decided to start working out, it’s a good idea to take into consideration your goals for your fitness regime. Getting the best information available for your needs is very important. If you want to gain muscle, your needs will be very different than if you’re just wanting to improve your cardio or shave off a few pounds. Knowing which gym will provide the amenities, accessibility and equipment you need is half the battle to having a satisfying and appropriate fitness regimen. Don’t forget to check with your doctor to make sure you’re not trying to do too much when you’re first getting started. This is especially important if you’ve been a couch potato.

2. Lifting Weights at the Gym

One of the best ways to gain muscle is by lifting weights. You’ll want to make sure the gym you choose has a full range of weight-lifting equipment. Almost every gym has a nicely-outfitted weight area, including free weights and equipment that mimics lifting free weights. This won’t be as important, obviously, if you’re just looking to get fit overall. If you’re more focused on cardio workouts, you might want to make sure that you’ll have access to an indoor running track and equipment like stair climbers or elliptical machines that provide excellent cardio benefits without the joint damage that can occur when you’re running on a track or treadmill.