I've been working out for over 10 years, these are 10 do's and don'ts for building muscle as a beginner in the gym.

#1

Don't go to the gym to punish yourself. It teaches fear and avoidance.

Do go to the gym to better yourself.

#2

Don't avoid failure, or always train to failure.

Do train close to failure and failure.

#3

Don't workout to burn calories or “try and get skinnier."

Do workout to build muscle and improve your health.

#4

Don't take short rest times between sets to try and keep your heart rate up.

Do rest long enough (2-3 minutes) so each set is effective.

#5

Don't answer emails or take calls while working out.

Do say yes to respecting your time and improving your health.

#6

Don't add sets as your main way to progress.

Do more weight, more reps, or more weight and reps over time.

#7

Don't change your exercises every week.

Do similar exercises for at least a month.

#8

Don't do a program you dread, even if it's "optimal."

Do something you like until you like the gym (I started with Wii Fit)

#9

Don't go home after work before you go to the gym.

Do go right after work, at lunch, or in the morning.

#10

Don't focus on how much weight you're doing at the start.

Do focus on how well you move the weight at the start (i.e., your form).