New Year, Fit You: 5 beginner-friendly gym exercises

Just joined the gym? These exercises will help you build confidence, strength, and consistency from day one

Mapaballo Borotho

It may sound like a cliché, but if you’ve just joined the gym as part of your 2026 goals, you’re not alone. Starting can feel intimidating, especially if it’s your first time stepping into a fitness space.

From figuring out which exercises to do, how often to train, and what to eat, the gym can quickly feel overwhelming. Take a deep breath because everyone starts somewhere.

While I’m no fitness expert, I was once a beginner too. One of the most important things to do is to understand your goal and remind yourself why you joined the gym in the first place.

Go at your own pace. Don’t rush to lift heavy weights; build gradually until you find a rhythm that works for you.

Gym Basics You Should Know

Reps – The number of times you repeat an exercise
Sets – The number of rounds of reps you complete
No one is looking at you; everyone is there for a different purpose

These are just a few beginner-friendly exercises to get you started. As you gain confidence and find your rhythm, you’ll naturally add more movements to your routine.

Here’s to a happy, healthy fitness journey, stay consistent, don’t quit in February, and good luck.