NZ Gym Routine
Starting a gym routine can be intimidating, but with a simple and effective plan, you can achieve your fitness goals. This 3-day full-body routine is perfect for NZ beginners, and can be done at most gyms, including City Fitness, Les Mills, and Anytime Fitness. In this guide, we'll walk you through a beginner-friendly programme that includes sets, reps, rest times, warm-up, and cool-down.
Updated May 2026
5 min read
Understanding Sets and Reps
Before we dive into the routine, it's essential to understand the basics of sets and reps. A set is a group of repetitions of a particular exercise, and reps refer to the number of times you perform that exercise. For example, if you're doing 3 sets of 8-12 reps of bicep curls, you'll do 8-12 bicep curls, rest, and then repeat that 2 more times. Most NZ gyms, including Jetts and Les Mills, offer a variety of equipment to help you with your sets and reps.
- Start with lighter weights and progress to heavier ones
- Aim for 3-4 sets per exercise
- Rest for 60-90 seconds between sets
The 3-Day Routine
This routine is designed to work your entire body, with a focus on compound exercises that target multiple muscle groups at once. Day 1 will focus on chest and triceps, Day 2 on back and biceps, and Day 3 on legs and shoulders. You can find the necessary equipment for this routine at most NZ gyms, including City Fitness and Anytime Fitness.
- Day 1: Barbell bench press, incline dumbbell press, tricep pushdowns
- Day 2: Pull-ups, barbell rows, dumbbell bicep curls
- Day 3: Squats, leg press, standing military press
Warm-Up and Cool-Down
A proper warm-up and cool-down are essential for preventing injuries and improving performance. Start with 5-10 minutes of cardio, such as jogging on the treadmill or cycling on the stationary bike, and then move on to dynamic stretching, such as leg swings and arm circles. After your workout, finish with static stretching to help your muscles recover. Many NZ gyms, including Les Mills and Jetts, offer group fitness classes that include warm-up and cool-down routines.
- Warm up with 5-10 minutes of cardio
- Use dynamic stretching to prepare your muscles
- Cool down with static stretching to aid in recovery
Getting Started
Now that you have a basic understanding of the routine, it's time to get started. Remember to start slow and progress gradually, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Many NZ gyms, including City Fitness and Anytime Fitness, offer personal training sessions and group fitness classes to help you get started. Additionally, consider taking advantage of Exercise NZ's subsidised gym scheme, which can offer 40-70% off gym memberships.
Next Steps
Once you've started your gym routine, it's essential to track your progress and make adjustments as needed. Consider keeping a workout log or using a fitness app to monitor your progress. You can also take advantage of the resources available at your local NZ gym, such as personal training sessions or group fitness classes.
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