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Starting university is an exciting milestone for new experiences, friendships and responsibilities. One of the best ways to prepare for this transition is to establish a solid fitness routine before you step into your new university life. If you’ve never used a gym before, summer is the perfect time to get comfortable with the equipment, build confidence and develop a routine that you can carry with you through this new life stage.
Feeling unsure about where to start? This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about getting gym-ready before university.
Why Start Your Gym Journey in the Summer?
The summer before university offers a unique opportunity to focus on your health and fitness without the added pressure of coursework, exams and social obligations. Here are a few reasons why summer is the ideal time to start going to the gym:
- Less Pressure: University gyms can be busy and sometimes intimidating, especially if you’re new to fitness. By getting familiar with a gym beforehand, you’ll feel more confident when you transition to a campus gym. Starting your gym journey at a boutique gym like Sound Mind and Body will help you get accustomed to all the equipment without the busy, commercial atmosphere of a big gym chain.
- Time to Experiment: Summer gives you the freedom to try different exercises, machines and workout styles to see what works best for you.
- Building a Routine: Establishing a habit now will make it easier to maintain when university life gets hectic.
- Boosting Confidence: Knowing how to use equipment and perform exercises correctly will help you feel more at ease when you step into a gym at university. If you’re looking for help getting start or need some tips for technique, book some sessions with one of Personal Trainers who can help you feel confident as you train.
Finding the Right Gym:
Before diving into workouts, you’ll need to find a gym that suits your needs. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Location: Choose a gym that’s easy to get to so you’re more likely to stick to your routine. Sound Mind and Body is less than 5 minutes’ walk from the Four Lane Ends interchange, and is accessible by Metro, bus or even bike!
- Equipment & Facilities: Look for a gym with a variety of equipment, such as cardio machines, free weights, resistance machines and functional training areas. Structured classes can help you find your feet, and at Sound Mind and Body we have a packed weekly schedule with classes such as Barre, Yoga, Pilates and a twice weekly circuit class.
- Cost & Membership Options: Investigate the membership options and what they include. Some gyms offer student discounts, summer memberships or pay-as-you-go options, perfect for a short-term commitment before university.
Learning the Basics of Gym Equipment:
Understanding how to use gym equipment correctly is essential for avoiding injuries and making the most of your workouts. Feeling a bit intimidated by the machines and weights? Check out our class schedule and see if trying out one of our many different types of exercise classes will help you feel more comfortable in the gym environment. If you have never worked out alone in the gym before, it is often recommended to get some sessions with a Personal Trainer, to help you build your confidence on the gym floor and get the hang of how different exercises work.
Here’s a breakdown of common equipment and how to use it:
- Treadmill: Great for walking, jogging or running. Start with a brisk walk and gradually increase speed.
- Crosstrainer: A low-impact alternative to running that works both your upper and lower body.
- Stationary Bike: Perfect for building leg endurance without straining your joints.
- Rowing Machine: Engages your entire body and is great for cardiovascular fitness.
- Ski Erg: Simulates skiing for a full-body cardio workout.
- Free Weights (Dumbbells & Barbells): Ideal for strength training exercises like squats, deadlifts and presses.
- Resistance Machines: Guided machines that target specific muscle groups and are great for beginners.
- Cable Machines: Versatile equipment for working different muscle groups with controlled resistance.
- Kettlebells & Medicine Balls: Used for dynamic movements that improve strength and endurance.
- TRX Suspension Trainers: Utilises body weight for strength and stability exercises.
If you’re unsure how to use a machine, don’t hesitate to ask one of our Personal Trainers who would be happy to demonstrate an exercise or help you adjust a machine. At Sound Mind and Body, we have a friendly and welcoming atmosphere created by not only our staff but our clients too, so you can always feel able to ask for some assistance from a Trainer or even another client nearby.
Staying Motivated & Tracking Progress
To keep your motivation high, setting realistic goals and tracking your progress can keep you showing up. Some ideas include:
- Measuring strength gains (e.g. lifting heavier weights over time)
- Monitoring endurance improvements (e.g. running longer or faster)
- Finding a workout buddy for accountability and routinely training together.
- Join a workout class and train with people with similar goals or completely different goals to you.
- Booking some sessions with a Personal Trainer who can vary your routine and keep your sessions new and interesting each time.
Conclusion
Starting the gym before university is one of the best investments you can make in your health and well-being. By familiarising yourself with a gym, learning how to use equipment and developing a consistent workout routine, you’ll enter university feeling more confident and prepared.
Summer is your chance to experiment, learn and build fitness habits that will serve you throughout your university years and beyond.
So come and join us at Sound Mind and Body and start your fitness journey today.
