If you’re ready to pack on muscle and increase your strength, the weight room is the best place to begin. You’ll be challenging your body at the gym in new ways, which is why it’s important to stick with best practices. Overexerting yourself can lead to injuries and limited results, so stick with the essential do’s and don’ts below to ensure you get off on the right foot.

Do:

Start slow.

It can be tempting to test your full strength right away by loading weight onto machines, but you may be setting yourself up for injury. No matter how tempting it is, start slow and learn your limits. Strength training is often about repetitions, not the weight, so lift smart and focus on technique.

Set a goal.

Whether you want to improve your performance in your sport of choice or increase the weight you can bench press, you should set specific, actionable goals. Create a plan that targets affected muscle groups, and decide how many days per week you want to spend at the gym. Setting a date when you want to achieve this goal can keep you accountable.

Don’t:

Stick to the same routine.

If you do the same exercises every day at the gym, you’re going to plateau. Your muscles need to be challenged in different ways, so switch things up periodically. Consider varying the amount of weight you use and the number of repetitions, and mix up the days you focus on different muscle groups, so you constantly surprise your muscles.

Be afraid to ask for help.

At some point, you’re going to need a hand to reach your goals, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. Everyone’s body is different, and working with a personal trainer is a great way to get started if you’re new to strength training. They’ll teach you proper exercise and fitness techniques, and they will build a custom plan to ensure you’re motivated, engaged, and working toward your goals.

If you’re ready to start a new workout regimen, turn to Anytime Fitness. Located in Chesterfield, MO, they offer 24/7 access to state-of-the-art facilities and services, including cardio, weight training, and specialty equipment. Their gym staff is committed to creating a welcoming environment for people of every skill level, and their personal trainers will help you reach your goals. Visit them online to explore their gym further, and connect on Facebook for additional exercise and fitness advice. Call (314) 858-8986 to ask about membership options.