Plus, tips on how to build your confidence in the gym

For those looking to keep fit, the gym can be a great place, however, for some stepping into the gym for the first time is a daunting thought.

Here are 5 tips to keep fit and active outside of the gym, as well as ways to feel comfortable in the gym environment.

Steps & Walking - Going outside for a walk is a great for both your physical, and mental health. You can meet a friend to catch up, bring your headphones and listen to a podcast, or just take in the outside environment. Try to consistently reach 5000 - 10000 steps per day!
Here are a few walking routes around Southampton to get your started. 

Home workouts - Bring the gym environment to you! Whether you want to get fitter, build muscle or gain flexibility, there are plenty of effective home workouts to try out which can give you the benefits of the gym, in a comfortable environment.

• Try at home: 10 squats per day -  it may not sound like much but it could be the first stepping stone to making fitness and exercise part of your daily routine. 

Book a gym induction - If you are interested in the gym, but aren't sure where to start, you can't go wrong with booking an induction. You'll be shown around the facilities, how to use the equipment, and be able to ask as many questions as you would like.

Try a fitness class - There are so many classes available and although you may not feel as confident walking into the gym and using the machines, our classes have friendly instructors who will talk you through everything so you can feel confident. 

Bring a friend! - Having a gym partner is great not only to make you feel more comfortable in the gym environment, but you can also help motivate each other and keep one another accountable. Why not join our gym buddy scheme?

Take it slow - Despite what you may see online from fitness influencers and celebrities, everyone has once felt nervous or unsure about where to start in the gym. Booking a tour or an induction is a great first step, from there you might try your first session and from there you may eventually build the gym into your weekly routine. Take it one step at a time!

Increasing your fitness, whether it's 10 squats a day, or heading to a couple of fitness classes a week, has so many benefits. To name a few these include:

• Improves body movement
• Improves your strength
• Improves sleep
• Feel more confident 
• Improves your mood

As well as all the health and mental benefits, heading to the gym is also a great place to meet other University of Southampton students that you may not have come into contact otherwise. 

If you have any questions or just want to have a chat, feel free to pop down to the gym and we will be more than happy to speak with you.