With attendance at local gyms and fitness centers nearing peak season, Monroe County health and wellness professionals have advice for local gym newbies.

With attendance at local gyms and fitness centers nearing peak season, Monroe County health and wellness professionals have advice for local gym newbies.

Kristin Irwin, CEO of Monroe Family YMCA; Jon Carrabino, personal trainer and owner of LevelUp Training Complex, and Pat Cano, owner of ABS Fitness, recently spoke with The Monroe News about ways area residents can maximize their time in the gym.

Following are some quick tips and advice they offered.

Pace yourself

Irwin said dont start off too quickly, especially for those who are new to gym equipment. They should seek help and ask for clarity on how to use such machines, she said, adding that they run the risk of incurring an injury.

The biggest harm you can do is shocking your body by overdoing it, especially if you are a beginner, she said.

Nutrition

Proper nutrition plays a key role in fitness, said Carrabino, adding its essential to long-term success.

Its just as important as exercise, he said.

Cano advised those new to nutrition to ease into healthy eating.

Rather than cutting things completely out of a diet, look at gradually reducing them and focus on consuming in moderation.

Start by taking baby steps, she said.

Change it up

Introducing variety into workouts and fitness keeps things fresh.

Irwin advised exploring a combination of fitness classes and equipment. She also highlighted how shifting between different types of exercises can be exciting, such as tennis, swimming and weight-lifting.

This will reduce monotony and keep you interested, Irwin said.

Get a plan

Its important for people to hold themselves accountable, Irwin said.

She advises people to schedule their workouts or gym time and treat it like a doctors appointment or work meeting.

Irwin also said it is important for gym newbies to nail down their why, which is the reason theyre pursuing fitness and health.

Once you figure out the why, its easier to keep yourself motivated, she said.

Carrabino said connecting with others who share a similar goal can also be beneficial.

Find a group of motivated people who will keep you motivated, he said.

Consistency

Set a routine and stick to it, advised Cano. Ideally, if people can work out four or five a week they will see better results, she said, adding that intervals of 30 to 45 minutes are best depending on physical ability.

I get it in (clients) heads its all about consistency, Cano said.

Establishing regularity is the key to success, Carrabino said.

If you want to make a change, you have to be consistent, he added. Its a process that takes time results take time.

Dont give up

First-time gym members have to understand failure happens only when they stop pursuing their goals, according to Cano.

If someone deviates from the plan or stumbles, its not the end of their fitness journey, she said, adding its important to push through such hurdles.

If you just stop, thats when you fail, she said. If you never stop and keep trying, then youre always succeeding.

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Physical fitness: What the experts say - Monroe Evening News