There are probably all sorts of guidelines and rules for the gym in the paperwork you get when you sign up. But…who reads those? And, even if you did read those, are they really telling you the secrets of the gym, the things you really need to know? Today I’m going to tell you some of the things you might not know about the gym.
Group Exercise Room
A fun, structured way to spend your time at the gym. There are many options, probably something for everyone. A great way to get in shape, but there might be some dynamics that you’re not immediately aware of. The thing is, some people (women, mostly, but some men) become regulars at these classes, and with regular attendance comes a sort of entitlement. Specifically, regulars have designated spots they expect to exercise in from week to week. Some like their spot right up front near the instructor. Others like to be near the fan, or the door, or where they get the best view of themselves in the mirror. Now, there are no assigned spots in these classes, but they’re there, just the same. My advice to any person attending a class for the first time is to arrive early and find a spot in the back. Once you become a regular, you can work your way into the spot that best fits your needs. You’ve earned it!
Cardio Room
Know the limits–both of your body and the cardio rooms. Many gyms that get busy–particularly after 5 p.m., when most people work out–have time limits on their cardio machines. My gym has a 20-minute time limit on machines, and trust me, if you go over that limit, someone will let you know, and they might not be polite. If you don’t want to worry about time limits on cardio machines, I suggest hitting the gym in the morning when it’s less crowded. Also, wipe down your machine when you’re done. No one wants your sweat or your germs.
Weight Room
This is my favorite room, the place I spend the majority of my workout, because I love lifting weights. But here’s the thing about the weight room…it’s full of dudes. You’ll walk in and feel like they’re all staring at you, and you’ll probably be right. If that doesn’t bother you, then rock on and do your thing! But if the thought of all those pairs of eyes on you is enough to dissuade you from lifting, find out if your gym has a “women only” section or somewhere you can go and lift weights in peace. If all else fails, try a group exercise lifting class. They’re pretty fun and mostly full of chicks.
Locker Room
Mind your own business, and help others mind theirs. What I mean is (and here’s the part where I might be old-fashioned), it’s not your house, so don’t spend 25 minutes walking around naked like you own the place. The thing is, not everyone (myself included) is comfortable seeing people walk around naked. People are in there to shower, to change, whatever, but there is no reason to excessively flaunt your birthday suit.
Other Stuff
- Always bring a towel.
- Always bring water.
- Dont’ curl your hair before the gym. There is just no reason for it and you’ll look ridiculous no matter how good of a hair day you’re having.
- Don’t put on make-up to go the gym. You’re there to sweat, not look pretty.
- Don’t fight for a good parking spot. It’s about exercise, remember? A few extra steps won’t kill you.
- Don’t talk on your phone while doing cardio, weights, in class, or in the locker room. It’s annoying. We can all go an hour a day without our phones (in theory, anyway).
If you’re a gym regular, what would you add to this? If you’re a beginner, what questions do you have?
Photo by: www.localfitness.com.au
This goes along with the makeup and hair don’ts: don’t douse yourself in perfume/body spray/cologne. Don’t wear any at all. My current gym has a rule for this, but few follow it. There is nothing worse than getting stuck on a treadmill or elliptical by someone who is wearing too much scent. For some with allergies it can be awful. I just find it totally annoying.
It’s interesting that your gym has a rule about this. I’m sensitive to any strong smell. Period. If I’m on a treadmill and someone hops up next to me smelling like perfume/cologne, cigarette smoke, the onions they ate on their sub at lunch, or just plain old fashioned BO, I have to leave. Interestingly, the BO is the worst for me. Weird, since, you know, I’m at the *gym* and people tend to get funky there. But there’s a difference between sweaty funky and just plain old you haven’t showered in a week and I can smell it funky.
You are so right! I can’t believe I forgot to include this in my list. Perfume etc is the WORST at the gym.
I laughed at the part about group exercise. Very true that people have their designated spots. And designated equipment. I’m a spinning instructor, and I have people go into class an hour early to find *their* bike. And if it’s not in *their* spot, they’ll move the bikes around until everything is just as they want it.
I would disagree about finding a spot in the back. If you’re new to class, you need to be up front where you can see the instructor. Plus, the back is The Place to be. I see it in every class. Everyone wants to be in the back. And it gets packed. Bite the bullet, and garb your spot up front.
Interesting what you say about the back…the classes I’ve been a regular have been the opposite. As in, all the regulars go to the front.
How fun that you’re a spin instructor. That takes sooo much energy.
I am SO one of those regulars who has a spot, and a bike, and I get irrationally upset if I want in and either is taken. I have no idea why. Routine I guess?
Another thing I would add is to give the people around you some space. Don’t be right up in anyone’s business, especially if you’re in a class where you move around a lot (Zumba, kickboxing, etc).
Oh yes! I don’t know, I guess we feel entitled to certain spots when we’re regulars. I used to just move people’s step out of the way when they were too near “my” spot in step class (and I wasn’t the only one doing that!).
And you’re totally right about giving people space. Also another thing that used to annoy me when I did group X.
1. Talk quietly if youre doing a group work out.
2. Pretend you cant hear through your headphones when you have unwanted male attention
3. If you like weights and want to use the weight room, see if a guy there will be your lifting partner. It keeps the parrihias away.
4. Nobodys expecting you to be graceful so just work and dont be self conscious
GREAT list, Dee.
The headphones tip is the best. I use it all the time…not that I’m always getting hit on, but there are certain people who always try to talk to me, I just can’t ever quite hear them…
Oooh great topic!
1. For girls, weight lifting will not make you bulky. At all. Trust me. What it will do is actually change the shape of your body, give you definition in all the right places, and make you feel like a rock star.
2. Interval training is approximately a billion times more effective than steady state cardio, and it takes way less time.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Everyone I’ve ever asked has been super willing to help, whether you’re not sure how to do an exercise/use a machine, or you need a spot. Spotting especially – you can get another 10% out of your lift if you aren’t worried about dropping it!
4. Find out for popular classes if your gym has a signup policy. I know spin classes are particularly prone to being overbooked, so many gyms have systems in place to make sure it isn’t a squabble over the last bike.
So many more, but I won’t ramble
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