Going to the gym can be an intimidating experience, especially if you’re new to working out. With so much equipment and so many unwritten rules about etiquette, it’s normal to feel a bit lost. But having the right game plan can help you maximise your gym sessions. This survival guide covers everything you need to know to maximise your workout experience.
Picking the Right Gym
Choosing a gym that meets your needs and makes you feel comfortable is vital. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Location and Hours
Pick a gym that’s easy to get to from home or work. Make sure the operating hours fit your schedule, too. Only join a 24-hour gym if you work out in the morning before work.
Equipment and Amenities
Tour the facilities to see what kind of equipment and amenities are offered. Most gyms have the basics, like treadmills, weights, and resistance machines. But some also offer pools, rock climbing walls, MMA cages, and more specialised gear. Consider what you want from your workouts when selecting a gym.
Cost
Gyms can range significantly in terms of membership fees. Make sure to get a cost breakdown so there are no surprise charges or hidden fees. Also, ask if there’s a contract so you know what you are committing to long-term.
Vibe
Pay attention to the overall atmosphere of the gym. Is the music loud and aggressive? Or calm and peaceful? Is it crowded or empty? Make sure you pick a place with a vibe you feel good being part of.
Gym Etiquette 101
Understanding basic gym etiquette goes a long way towards making your workout experience more favourable for you and your fellow gym-goers. Here are some essential etiquette tips:
Wipe Down Equipment
Breaking a sweat is expected, but no one wants to hop onto a machine covered in someone else’s sweat (gross!). Keep disinfectant spray and towels handy to wipe equipment before and after use.
Re-rack Your Weights
Leaving dumbbells scattered across the floor is dangerous. Always return plates and dumbbells neatly to racks after using them so others don’t trip. No one wants to play a frustrating game of hunting for matching weights, either!
Give Others Space
Crowding someone mid-set or standing too close can throw them off their game. Give people room to move safely around machines without bumping into sweaty strangers.
Getting Familiar with Equipment
If you’ve never stepped inside a gym, all that equipment can seem foreign (and, honestly, a little threatening). But learning what the machines do and how to use them properly makes hitting the gym much less intimidating.
Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common gym equipment for beginners:
- Treadmills – Used for walking, jogging, running or doing intervals. Adjust speed and incline settings to make it easier or more challenging. Many also have preset workout programs you can follow.
- Elliptical Machine – Low-impact cardio that simultaneously works both the upper and lower body. Self-powered motion with adjustable resistance for different intensities.
- Exercise Bikes – Stationary cycles you pedal for cardio. Most allow you to sit or stand. Also, they have varying resistance levels to make the pedalling easier or harder.
- Rowing Machines – Simulates rowing motions for a full-body cardio workout. It is excellent for building endurance and strength if used properly.
- Cable Machines – Utilize adjustable pulleys and cable stacks to target specific muscle groups. It offers a lot of versatility for both the upper and lower body.
- Free Weights – Barbells, dumbbells and weight plates that can be used independently or with bench press/squat racks. Build functional strength and muscle mass. Require proper form to prevent injury.
Be bold about asking trainers how to use unfamiliar machines properly. Maximising benefits and minimising injury risk requires good technique. Most trainers are more than happy to help explain proper form.
Workout Essentials
Preparing with workout essentials helps ensure your gym sessions run smoothly, from warm-ups to cool-downs. Keep these must-haves on hand:
Water Bottle
Hydration is key! Drink water before, during and after workouts to stay energised and help muscles recover. Bring a large water bottle you can refill at drinking fountains.
Towel
A towel helps wipe away sweat and prevent machines/benches from becoming biohazards for the following user. More miniature gym towels are more practical than giant beach towels.
Headphones & Music
Zone out from the outside world by plugging into your pumped-up playlist. Music can help motivate and push you through challenging sets. Just ensure headphones keep you from losing spatial awareness of your surroundings.
Comfortable Activewear
Avoid loose clothing that could get caught in machines or cause trips/falls. Breathable and flexible fabrics help you move freely without chaffing. Many also contain sweat-wicking technology to keep you cooler/drier as you heat up.
Support Gear (optional)
Items like weightlifting gloves promote better grip on bars. Weightlifting belts brace core muscles for heavier lifts. Straps take grip limitations out of pulling exercises. Ankle/knee braces provide joint stability if needed. Use optional support gear as warranted for your training goals and body mechanics.
Getting Results
All the equipment, etiquette and essentials help maximise your actual workouts at the gym in Morayfield. However, achieving the desired results requires consistency on the gym floor. Stepping out of your comfort zone progressively and not giving up is critical.
Focus on intrinsic progress markers versus comparing yourself to others. Small fitness wins like lifting slightly heavier weights, adding an extra rep, or pushing just a bit farther add up significantly over consistent time and effort. Remember why you decided to join a gym; let that motivation keep you returning.
Hopefully, this guide helps you survive and thrive so your gym experiences are safe, beneficial and enjoyable. Stick with it long enough; the gym will go from intimidating to empowering! So push yourself, but have fun working up that first real sweat. You’ve got this!
