How to avoid awkward Gym moments.

How to avoid awkward Gym moments.

As New Year’s is around the corner, I thought would share some tips to some gym newbie so you feel less apprehensive at the gym. Don’t feel out of place. They gym is a place for everyone so here are some tips if you walk into the gym and want turn around and go right back out and hit up some fast food.

1.     Ask questions. Take advantage of the free tour. If your gym offers free sessions with a trainer take advantage of that as well. Remember, we are here to help!

2.     Don’t expect a great workout your first day. On your first day at a gym get acquainted with the building. Find out where the washrooms are, how the equipment works, read all those little signs posted about. This time will make your second trip much more efficient. If you have a personal trainer, they can stream line this process for you and make your fist day a great orientation and a good workout.

3.     Start by taking a group fitness class. You will get to know people like you and get a feel for the ‘vibe’ of the gym. There will be a lot of new people starting up so don’t feel like you are the only one.

4.     Go with a buddy. Dong the gym alone can be intimidating. Sometimes a friend can make you feel like less of a wallflower. But don’t get all chatty. You are there to work. Make a game plan before hand so you don’t waste time.

5.     Read all those wee instructions on any piece of equipment before you use it. I have a lot of experience in gyms and when I am traveling and go to a new gym I always read all instructions. Those are the manufacture’s instructions on safe use of the equipment and should be taken seriously. Reading instructions is not cheating!

6.     Sharing is Caring :)  Don’t hog equipment. For example:  if I do 3 sets of 10 repetitions and rest for 60 seconds (I do use a stop watch to keep me honest) in-between the sets.  If someone wants to use the same piece of equipment during my ‘rest period’ that is called “working in.” They use the equipment during my rest period and I use it during their rest period. This makes it possible for two people efficiently use the same piece of equipment.

7.     Good girls and boys put away their toys. When you are done with something, put it in the proper place, (even if you did not find it there) and clean off equipment. Now everyone can enjoy the equipment!

8.     Don’t crowd the rack. Doing your exercise in front of the weight rack means no one else can access the weights. Be mindful of your space and others.

9.     If you need use your phone or sit down and talk, find a chair; don’t use the equipment as furniture.

10. Start with low weight to get your form down, then go up. When I am doing a new workout or an exercise I have never done before, I will do a set first at low weight and low speed just to make sure I have correct form and I am safe. After that, I will do the exercise at my working weight.

These are just some tips. A health club or gym will be plenty of fun once you get into it and you will even look forward to going there! Just remember everyone was new once and nothing is the end of the world. Even those big muscle gorilla guys can be nice folks once you get to know them.  Use the staff at the gym, they are paid to help you and you should never feel like you are bothering them. Most of the time, gym staff gets bored, so having someone ask questions is really appreciated!