It's that time of year again, gym rats: The gym is about to be packed with people who are all addicted to the "new year, new me" schtick.
It doesn't work out that way for most: According to my personal trainer, the majority of people who come in after January 1 looking to reshape their fitness regimes stop attending sessions after the first month or so.
Luckily, there are things you can do to stay in the habit. Special thanks to Redditor FAAAAAKUNDO for asking the online community, "Gym goers of Reddit, what is something (protocol, etiquette, tips, etc.) that new year resolution-ers should know about the gym?"
"Remember that before..."
- Re-rack your weights.
- Don't leave your weights on the bar.
- After you are finished, return the weights.
Remember that before you can get into heaven you have to do a single squat under all the weight you left racked like a di*khead.
"People may ask you..."
People may ask you how many sets you have left, etc. They're not being rude. They're just trying to plan their workout around you. They're not rushing you (or, if they are, you're not obligated to rush unless you've been camping for a long time).
If equipment is limited and somebody is lifting a similar amount of weight as you, you can ask to "work in" with them. Basically, taking turns using the equipment while they're using it. If feasible, it's nice and expedient.
"Do you have a hobby?"
Best advice I received for the insecure:
Do you have a hobby? Do you get excited when you see someone is interested in that hobby? Do you like to talk about your hobby and share information about it with people who know less than you? Or even a small amount of pride seeing someone new to your hobby?
So you see that really swole dude that intimidates you so much? This is his hobby. He's probably super stoked about it.
"Don't start big..."
GiphyDon't start big just because your friends or everyone else is lifting big.
Start small, it'll be easier to maintain the routine and there's a much smaller chance you'll injure yourself.
"Don't hog the weights..."
Don't hog the weights the most annoying thing someone can do is hog all the freaking weights and dumbbells and refuse to let others use them.
"I used to go to a public facility..."
I used to go to a public facility that had a small room on a lower level that most people didn't know about. Went down there one day and some lady must have had a circuit set up or something, because she was allegedly using everything. There's 1 of you, you can only use 1 piece of equipment at a time.
:Nobody cares what you look like..."
Nobody cares what you look like at the gym. You shouldn't be discouraged by feelings that people are going to judge you for being too fat/thin at the gym. The entire purpose of the place is to build a healthier body. If anything I always looked up to the really out of shape people who would come in and work out hard. It's incredibly motivating to see.
Besides that - even if someone does judge you for being fat or skinny at the gym.. their opinion probably isn't worth much if that's how they think.
"The really huge..."
The really huge intimidating looking guy squatting half the plates in the gym is probably pretty friendly and the most likely guy to help you out and offer you good advice.
"All rules..."
Don't lift in front of the DB racks. Move back 2m.
Put your weights back.
Wear Deodorant.
All rules can be summarised by "Don't be a c*nt".
That's literally it. Also, nobody cares about you so don't go in there without any confidence.. Everyone is so concerned about themselves and their own routine that you don't even figure, so don't sweat the pressure.
"Leave no trace..."
Ignore everyone else.
Leave no trace that you were ever there.
Get some headphones.
The best workout plan is the one you can stick to. There is no 'best exercise' or 'best workout'. Pick one that you think you'll enjoy and stick with it.
For the first year/18 months, don't worry about the numbers, focus on your form. Bicep curling 10kg dumbbells with perfect form is much more useful that wildly swinging a 45kg dumbbell around.
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