NZ Gym Starter Guide

What to Expect at the Gym

When you first join a gym, you can expect a tour of the facilities and an introduction to the equipment and services offered. Most gyms in NZ, such as Anytime Fitness and Jetts, provide a free induction session to help you get started. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and get familiar with the gym layout. You'll also be required to sign a contract, which can vary in length from 3 to 24 months, depending on the gym and the type of membership you choose.

Free induction session
Tour of the facilities
Introduction to equipment and services

Gym Etiquette 101

Gym etiquette is essential to ensure a positive experience for all members. This includes re-racking your weights after use, wiping down equipment after your workout, and being mindful of noise levels. It's also important to respect other members' personal space and allow them to work out without interruption. Les Mills and City Fitness are great examples of gyms that promote a supportive and respectful environment for all members.

Re-rack your weights
Wipe down equipment
Respect personal space

What to Bring to the Gym

To get the most out of your gym session, it's essential to bring the right gear. This includes a towel, water bottle, and comfortable workout clothes. You may also want to consider investing in a good pair of workout shoes and a gym bag to carry your belongings. Some gyms, such as Jetts, offer towel service and water bottles for sale, but it's always a good idea to bring your own.

Towel
Water bottle
Comfortable workout clothes

Structuring Your First 4 Weeks

When starting a new gym routine, it's essential to structure your workouts to ensure you're making progress and avoiding injury. A good starting point is to aim for 2-3 sessions per week, with a focus on compound exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and bench press. You can also consider group fitness classes, such as those offered by Les Mills, to add variety to your routine and stay motivated.

Aim for 2-3 sessions per week
Focus on compound exercises
Consider group fitness classes

Getting Started with Exercise NZ's Subsidised Scheme

Exercise NZ's subsidised gym scheme is a great way to get started with a gym routine while saving money. The scheme offers 40-70% off gym memberships at participating gyms, including City Fitness and Jetts. To be eligible, you'll need to meet certain criteria, such as being a New Zealand resident and meeting the income threshold.

40-70% off gym memberships
Participating gyms include City Fitness and Jetts
Meet the income threshold to be eligible

Compare NZ gyms and find the best deal for you

Next Steps

Now that you've got started with our beginner's guide, it's time to find the right gym for you. Take our quiz to discover which gym chain is the best fit for your fitness goals and budget.

Take the quiz to find your perfect gym match

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