Few words from me to you
When I just started out training in the gym, I did my research online, watched lots of videos of people performing the exercises - you know the drill.
I found a bodybuilding/hypertrophy routine and started training, and things were going well until few weeks have passed. I started feeling constantly tired, on the edge all the time, and just couldn't properly focus while I was working at all.
I also took a look in the mirror and compared my current physique with the one which I had when I just started out - and, somehow I looked just like a smaller version of myself. I didn't have visible muscles, I was just skinny (with still bit of fat around my waist and chest).
In a nutshell, I wasn't doing something right.
So once again I started doing research (this was much much earlier before I've met fitness coaches online).
I found out the following:
- My muscles were quite well accustomed to the weights which I've been training with
- My body was not getting enough "fuel" so it couldn't be fully recovered for a new day of training
This brings me to my first advice to you and that is in my opinion, as a total beginner, one of your main priorities while exercising should be to increase weights on our exercises (constant progression).
So, every new training day you should be increasing at least 2.5lbs on your compound movements (bench press, squats, deadlifts) and the same amount on secondary/assistance exercises (triceps, biceps, etc.). Please have in mind that assistance exercises are harder to progress on so if you can't add more weight, try squeezing another repetition in there.
Before we move on, let me give you four most important things which I'd recommend for you:
- Get at least 7 hours of sleep every day
- Drink at least 1 gallon (2 liters) of water
- Eat enough calories
- Increase weights on your exercises on a weekly basis
I'm quite positive that you've seen those recommendations tons of times in fitness websites or somewhere else - but, I still felt compelled to write that since that is really true.
There isn't some secret "fitness pill" out there, trust me - hard work, good diet, and good sleep are the things which you need to have a functional and healthy body.
My recommended resources for beginners
These are hand-picked resources which I’ve heard about in online coaching circles. Please note that if you purchase any of these items, I’ll receive a small referral comission at no additional cost to you as described in the Affiliate Disclaimer.
Renegade Strength Club
I've heard that this is one of the most popular online coaching programs out there!
Starting Strength Coaching
Do you feel like moving on to a more serious beginner's routine (written by a former weightlifting coach)?
Liquid Chalk
If you are training in a commercial gym (like me) this chalk is a must-have in your gym bag.
hand-picked articles for starters
Cheat Days Are Not A Smart Approach for Diets
You don't have to start eating raw cabbage and egg shakes to start your path to better health. Here are my 15 simple steps to get you started easily.
My Total Body Dynamic Warmup Routine
If you're sitting or standing all day, be sure to warmup properly before lifting heavy weights. Here's my own routine to get you started.
Hip Hinge 101
Although you possibly haven't started going to the gym yet, I believe this is one of the primary movement patterns which you can implement even before you start training.
join our private Facebook Group
When I was just starting out training in the gym, only source of knowledge which I had were YouTube videos and unsourced blog posts (and I didn't have the money for a professional fitness coach).
Luckily for you, this isn't the case nowadays - I decided to create a private Facebook group for people who are just starting out, and you are free to ask any health & fitness related questions in there, so please feel free to join us!