What advice would you give a new gym goer?

parking_question_chap

Off the top of my head

- Get an induction and ask for demos on as much as you can
- If you sweat on anything towel it down
- Be mindful how long you spend on machines at peak times
- Watch where you are walking especially in the free weight area
- Never use a pec dec
- Put your weights away
- Dont shoulder press a bar from behind your neck, always in front
- Try to make it enjoyable
- Dont waste time with powerplates

TROY-100

From past experience....don't try and show off on machines that you can't move! I tried to look 'cool' on a cycling machine. Unfortunately Thor had been on it before me. I nearly broke a hip, trying to pedal the damn thing.

Take it easy, look after yourself, don't worry about anyone else! x

YORKSHIRELASS

Thanks all

Yes Troy made that mistake yesterday, forgot to change the weight on one of the resistance machines and couldnt work out why it wouldnt move!

Had a session with an instructor yesterday. He was brilliant, gave me lots of tips and advice, showed me the right technique - even down to breathing - I have a tendency to hold my breath when lifting anything.

He suggested I keep a diary of what I am doing so I can chart my progress.

Best advice from him was to enjoy it and make use of everything the gym has to offer - e.g. dont be afraid to go into the weights room, the whole gym is there for everyone to use whatever level they are at.

More tips welcome!

TROY-100

YORKSHIRELASS wrote: »

Thanks all

Yes Troy made that mistake yesterday, forgot to change the weight on one of the resistance machines and couldnt work out why it wouldnt move!

Had a session with an instructor yesterday. He was brilliant, gave me lots of tips and advice, showed me the right technique - even down to breathing - I have a tendency to hold my breath when lifting anything.

He suggested I keep a diary of what I am doing so I can chart my progress.

Best advice from him was to enjoy it and make use of everything the gym has to offer - e.g. dont be afraid to go into the weights room, the whole gym is there for everyone to use whatever level they are at.

More tips welcome!

Phew, glad it's not just me!

Another tip...don't worry about doing stretches before using the machines. Rather than looking foolish...you'll look like you know what you're doing! Best of luck! x

Strebor123

YORKSHIRELASS wrote: »

Hi all

I am 45 years old and quite sporty (running, cycling, pilates and kettlercise classes) but have never been in a gym in my life. I have been dithering about joining the local gym because it will cost less than I am paying at the moment for individual classes and I will have more flexibility in what I can do.

So I went in today and signed up, got my induction next week. I am mildly terrified - main worry is not knowing how to use the machines and looking like an idiot.

So what advice would you give me? Are there any unwritten rules or etiquette that no-one will tell me? Anything that I really should know before I start? Be gentle, I am really quite nervous about this.

At the induction don't be afraid to ask lot's of questions if you don't know something. Many of the machines have an instruction label on them and they usually pretty adequately explain how to use it. If you're ever worried that you're using a machine wrong, just ask someone. I've been to several different gyms and I've found most the staff in each gym very willing to help if you need it.

I know you can't help it, but try not to be nervous. Honestly you might feel like people are watching you at times but to be honest most people are just there to use the gym and aren't paying any attention to what anyone else is doing.

If you can find a gym buddy to go with then I would definitely recommend that. It makes the gym more fun as you have someone to talk to and you are less likely to make an excuse not to go for whatever reason on any given day.

Hope you enjoy it and it works out well for you.

another_casualty

Great advice here already
I find that once you get used to your routine, all will fall into place.
I would add that if you start off on either treadmill/ bike / cross trainer ..then do some stretching ..then do the rest of your workout and stretch at the end .
A good personal trainer is always worth their weight in gold , but can be expensive .
Best of luck