What to Expect When Joining A Gym
For The First Time
100% Hardcore Truth
By Chris Walker Fitness Expert
It's OK to fail but it's not OK to quit!
You’re done shopping for rates and benefits, and you’ve finally chosen the most suitable gym for your wants and needs. That’s great! Now, all you have to do is exercise your way to physical fitness.
Except…
You’re feeling some first-day jitters, aren’t you? Well, that’s understandable, especially if it’s your first time to join a gym. If you’re feeling worried about committing any faux pas or blunder as you try to fit in while wanting to become fit (pardon the pun), here are several tips to keep you as comfy as possible while you acquaint yourself with the people in the gym.
DO YOU NEED AN APPOINTMENT?
Gyms that have particularly high membership counts usually require their members to schedule in advance during peak-hour rates. Thus, it would be pretty embarrassing if you go straight to the gym just to have someone stop you and ask if you’re on today’s schedule. Call your gym’s reception and ask if they have certain rules regarding this matter.
IS THERE A DRESS CODE?
Most gyms have basic dress codes, and they’re mostly concerned with your footwear alone, but there are some fancy gyms – or health clubs, if you prefer – that have stringent rules when it comes to clothing. Again, it’s better to ask rather than assuming anything.
MOTIVATION IS FROM WITHIN.
Don’t expect your gym membership to make miracles. It will take hard work for EVERYONE to get rid of any excess fats in their bodies. No amount of money or any type of incentive can challenge you to visit the gym regularly unless you’re truly willing to change. If you don’t want to help yourself, nobody – not even the best of gyms – ever can.
BE REALISTIC AND ORGANIZED.
Set realistic goals for yourself. If you aim for impossible dreams, you’re just setting yourself up for disappointment, and it will make you lose motivation in continuing to exercise in the gym. Have yourself weighted prior to your first visit in the gym then monitor your weight periodically. Also, you don’t have to visit the gym everyday, especially if you’re not used to constant physical exertion. Make the changes gradually. Start by visiting twice or thrice a week, but staying for at least one hour and a half.
LEARN ABOUT GYM ETIQUETTE
There are several basic rules on proper behavior to adhere to when exercising in a public or commercial gym. It’s like being in an airplane. Since you don’t own the plane, you have to be considerate of your fellow passengers.
Returning Equipment – Don’t you just hate it when somebody borrows something for public use but doesn’t bother putting back to its proper place? It’s a feeling shared by everyone. Hence, once you’re done with using the dumbbells, return them to where they belong so that others may use it after you.
Making Noise – First-timers usually have a more difficult time even with the easiest exercises. That doesn’t excuse them – or you – from making audible grunts every second. Such sounds can annoy other people in the gym, earning you their enmity at so early a time. If your muscles feel like they’re on fire, that’s too bad, but you have to keep it to yourself.
Also, refrain from talking too loudly to your friends or using your cellphone. Boisterous chatter is as irritating to the ears as loud grunts are. They’re also bad for your health; since you’re concentrating on something else than your exercise routine, it won’t benefit your body as much as it should. Worse, it can also make you accidentally hurt yourself.
Sweating it Out – While sweating is a good indication that you’re losing weight pound by pound, this doesn’t mean you can sweat anywhere it’s convenient. Always have a towel with you so you can prevent your hands from getting clammy and making equipment wet with your perspiration in the process. Such irresponsible actions will not only prevent you from making friends with your fellow gym members and the staff, it might also cause you to transmit your sickness to other people whenever you’re under the weather and exercising.
Observing simple rules will ensure that you’ll have a smooth transition from gym newbie to welcomed-member in your fitness center. But remember, the most important rule to observe is to just be yourself. Have fun exercising!
Chris Walker is the founder of fitnesstrainingformenandwomen.com located in Kitchener, Ontario. Chris is a certified fitness trainer, (CFT) and actively works with medical doctors and health care professionals in helping their patients to reduce bodyfat restore musculoskeletal strength and gain control over their blood sugar readings, good and bad blood fats and blood pressure readings, among other critical fitness issues. Chris is a member of International Sports Sciences Association, (ISSA) and Canfitpro Organization. Chris has made TV appearances on Global Television and is a published author. Chris produces a book that he gives to all readers titled, "New Body", everything you need to transform your body.
Thanks for reading.
What To Expect When Joining A Gym
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