Calling all Non-Athletic-Regular-People: you are not alone! The gym may be scary to us newcomers, but working out is not only for the high school and college athletes of the world. Getting fit or losing weight can be on your own terms, at your own pace, for your own self—and I'm not talking about cardio. I'm talking about the real deal: lifting heavy and lifting often.

Step One: Don't Just Do Cardio.

While cardio is certainly important for a healthy lifestyle, shedding excess weight or gaining muscle is pretty hard to do with cardio alone. It's common knowledge in the lifting community that the more muscle you have, the more fat you burn. Thus, while jogging aimlessly on a treadmill may be great for your heart, you'll find that combining that cardio regime with lifting weights could help you lose weight and tone up far more quickly.

Step Two: Go with a Buddy.

I know that many of us feel uncomfortable surrounded by the shredded athletes of the world—I certainly still do. However, if you bring a friend who's also new to the gym, you can try joking around with them in-between sets—it both eases the intimidating atmosphere and makes working out fun!

(Which brings us to our next step...)

Step Three: Don't Forget the Music.

While some people like training with nothing but a blank wall to stare at, I can find my motivation slipping after the first 20 minutes. If you're anything like me, bring your music, and blast those favorites while powering through a set. Nothing's more enjoyable than a good leg press set to some motivating Dubstep!

Step Four: Don't Push It.

Especially if you're a newcomer, don't push yourself too hard at the gym—it may only set you back and make you discouraged. Start with working out three to four times a week for 45-60 minutes, and slowly build up from there. A cardio session should range from 20-30 minutes, followed by a moderate lifting session of about the same length. Remember: slow and steady wins the race—keeping consistent (and not injuring yourself) is your best bet to a healthy gym experience!

Step Five: Don't Do Everything In One Day.

When I was first working out, I was a cardio bunny: I went on the elliptical for 20 minutes, followed by the arc trainer for another 20, a quick mile run, and finally a brief leg press set. While this was great for my heart, I wasn't seeing the toned body I was looking for—until I realized that I had to circulate my workouts.

Ever hear an annoying athlete complain about "Leg Day?" Well, she's got a reason to—she's focusing for 40+ minutes on lifting legs and glutes only. The next day, however, she doesn't do legs—she does biceps and triceps; back and shoulders; abs and chest, etc. Such a workout regime allows her muscles to grow evenly and healthily, and consistently challenges her body in a way that my old regime never could. Essentially: switch it up, and don't do everything in one day for maximum muscle growth.

I hope these tips are helpful for all my NARPs out there—the gym is our oyster, and soon, the world!