So, you have decided to take a gym membership and be on the road to being fit and healthy. The first time at the gym can be quite daunting, with the numerous pieces of equipment and the muscled guys around. A little preparation on what to expect will go a long way in reducing the nervousness and for the really brave ones, serve as additional knowledge. After all, being forewarned is forearmed.
Pack your bag
A few minutes of advance planning ahead of your gym session will go a long way in smoothening out your day. First, carry a clean towel/washcloth, extra socks, fresh underwear, workout shoes and a water bottle. Pack workout clothes or work clothes depending on your schedule after the gym. Spare plastic bag to carry the used workout clothes can be helpful. Carry a protein bar or a simple banana to tide you over till you get to meal time. You can also carry your headset for music in case the gym has a dreary music. Oh, and last but not the least, remember the deodorant.Do you need a Personal Trainer?
Well, that is highly subjective. Does it worth it? It is something you need to decide yourself based on your goals? Most trainers have gotten their knowledge by reading popular articles, bodybuilding websites, magazines etc. Actually, you can glean that info if you put in a little time for your own research. That said if you think you are the one who needs some extra motivation and doesn’t mind shelling out extra bucks, certainly go for it. There are expert trainers and a little research would help to identify them.Should trust a gym trainer implicitly?
So once you have decided to hire a personal trainer, do you blindly follow what your trainer says? Hmm…Not a great idea. Discuss your options and preferences with your trainer and your goal. Get to know what the training can do for you, and most importantly, will it help you to attain your goal. For example, your trainer may suggest routine bodybuilding exercises but you might only want strength training. So it is wise to self-assess yourself to find your end result, strength and weakness and of course get trainer’s opinion on that. After all, that is why you hired him/ her in the first place.More equipment need not be always better:
These days gyms market themselves by claiming they have more machines and workout equipment. They could have any number of machines for the abs like the rowing machine, captain’s chair, ab swings and many more. But know this, more need to be always better. The question is, how will it benefit the member. Even the trainer knows that most equipment is not required in the gym. So don't be attracted to the packed list of equipment.
Should you attend every class that is conducted?
Then comes to the part of your exercise regimen and how many days a week you want to spare for the gym. Always start slow, see what works for you.It isn’t wise to exhaust yourself in the first few days because of your enthusiasm and then make excuses to yourself for not going to the gym the next week because you know it is gonna wear you out if you follow the same pace. Most gyms and trainers know this and still try to mow you down with exercises in the first few days. Imagine on any given day, if a large majority of the members turn up at the gym, there won’t be moving space. Gyms know that a lot of their members won’t be regular. Oh, and a lot of the gyms schedule different classes like aerobics, cycling etc., and it is perfectly ok to attend any of them. Choose what you like and are comfortable with.
Tips:
- Find a training partner with similar goals.
- Set a big goal and then break down your goals based on time frame.
- Plan a diet based on your goal. It is wise to take an expert opinion.
- Be prepared to switch-off or leave the cell phone in the locker during the workout session.
- Keep track of your food, workout routines, reps, weight etc.
- Do not take steroids.
- Do not look for quick results.
- Stay as natural as possible.
- Do not rely on supplement. They cannot replace meals.
