Stepping into the gym for the first time can feel like walking into a jungle. Machines everywhere, people throwing weights around like Thor’s hammer, and you’re just trying to figure out how not to look clueless. We’ve all been there! But the truth is, most beginners end up making the same mistakes and trust me, they’re the kind that will hold you back big time. Let’s talk about the five most common ones so you can avoid them and actually make progress without the drama.
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
It’s natural to look around the gym and think, “Why can’t I lift as much as him?” or “I’ll never be as fit as her.” But comparing your chapter 1 to someone else’s chapter 200 is a waste of energy. The gym is your personal playground for improvement, not a competition. Focus on your own journey and celebrate every small win—those small wins add up to big changes over time.
Training Every Day Won’t Make You Superman 🦸🏻♂️
I get it. You’re excited, motivated, and want results yesterday. But hitting the gym every single day is like trying to sprint a marathon—you’ll burn out. Worse, you’ll wake up so sore you won’t want to train at all, or you’ll injure yourself before you even get started. Instead, stick to a smart routine that’s 3-4 days a week. Your body needs rest to grow and recover. Work smarter, not harder.
Bulking When Fat or Cutting When Skinny?
Here’s a harsh truth: if you’re overweight, bulking isn’t going to help you. And if you’re skinny, cutting to reveal abs isn’t the move. Both approaches are massive time-wasters. If you’re carrying extra fat, focus on fat loss with a solid calorie deficit and strength training. If you’re lean but lack muscle, build that foundation first. Play the long game, and you’ll thank yourself later.
Don’t Ignore the Basics
It’s easy to get caught up in the fancy Instagram workouts with bands, BOSU balls, and moves that look like a circus act. But the truth is, those aren’t going to build the muscle you’re after. Stick to the compound exercises—squats, deadlifts, bench presses, pull-ups. These are the bread and butter of any solid gym routine. Master the basics before you even think about spicing it up.
Bad Deadlift Form is a Recipe for Disaster
Let’s talk about the deadlift for a second. It’s one of the most powerful exercises you can do, but it’s also one of the easiest to mess up. You’ve probably seen it—someone lifting with their back rounded like a banana. Not only does it look painful, but it’s dangerous too. Take the time to learn proper form, keep your back straight, and lift with control. A good deadlift will strengthen your entire body, but a bad one will send you straight to the physio.
No Plan = No Progress
Walking into the gym without a plan is like going on a road trip without a map. Sure, you might end up somewhere, but it probably won’t be where you wanted to go. Random workouts won’t give you consistent results. Having a proper plan ensures you’re progressing, building strength, and hitting your goals.
Need help…to Smash Your Fitness Goals?
Now that you know what not to do, it’s time to take action. Avoiding these mistakes will set you up for success, but having the right guidance can fast-track your progress even more. If you’re ready to build muscle, lose fat, and feel confident in and out of the gym, I’ve got you covered. Let’s work together to get you on track. I want to start now
