Are you the type of person that is too afraid to enter a gym but you want to get in shape so badly? Is the gym intimidating? Boring? Smelly? Yeah, most likely it is, but it’s up to you to make your workout enthralling.
Some things to focus on while getting back into a routine or starting one for the first time are form, attire, diet and performance. I prefer to address these aspects because in my free time I like to break a sweat and act like I know what I’m doing based on my fitness knowledge. We all have those moments when you’re on the treadmill truckin along and have no where to look but at other people. If you’re at Planet Fitness remember that is a ‘No Judgment Zone’ and that you can hardly make any noise with the weights… but anyway, if you’re exercising elsewhere it’s completely okay with me if you try out other people’s workouts as long as you watch exactly how they perform them and note that not every exercise will be suitable for you. To the person who hates copy cats, get over it, you’re setting a wonderful example for your fellow gym-goers, so keep it up.
When you get off of the treadmill and decide to take action and work out your muscles, the first thing I want to drill into your head is form. I can’t tell you how many people I see each day who struggle with an exercise because their form is wacked out and they’re just setting themselves up for injury. If you learn a new exercise, watch yourself in the mirror so that you can guarantee you won’t get injured. Sure it might feel weird because you aren’t used to being that gym rat but learn to love it so that you can continue to improve with other exercises as well. For example, I watch people do regular squats and they’re way bent over their feet or just barely squatting. I’ve seen that a lot with taller people, instead of squatting all the way down and deep, they end up bending down and over their feet. Just remember that your knees should not go past your feet and to keep your back straight. One thing I like to do in order to stay focused and upright in a squat or a lunge is to look straight ahead either at a mirror or a spot on the wall, it really helps.
Lets just point out the fact that I don’t strut around the gym with glitter in my path because I’m not the best there is but I wish to encourage others to feel more comfortable in their workout zone and be able to finish a legitimate routine properly.
Please, Please, Please, do not wear converse sneakers or Vans to workout. This is my biggest pet peeve and I feel so terrible for the people that wear them. These shoes are awful for your feet in general, unless you have flat feet, but to wear them to run or perform any exercise is worse because there is little to no support for your feet. The typical gym shoe would be Asics, New Balance, Adidas, or Under Armour. One reason why I don’t mention Nike is because from personal experience they haven’t worked well for me for running outdoors or even walking. I suppose they would be more beneficial for style or basketball and other sports. Here’s a better breakdown for shoes to choose from.
Now, some people prefer to eat a light snack before they go on their merry way but I personally enjoy going on an empty stomach. If I workout in the morning than I definitely don’t eat anything to avoid cramps but if I workout at night then I make sure my last meal was at least two hours prior. This is important to avoid cramps, heartburn, acid reflux, or just getting sick altogether. A lot of serious muscle heads drink pre-workout, during and post workout drinks in order to maintain and build muscle but I can’t speak much for that.
I have to say, working at a gym has definitely increased my knowledge on being fitness involved because it helps carry a conversation, give tips to others and help myself improve every day I pick up a weight. Having older fitness guru’s in my family is also a perk to my motivation and knowledge so that I can learn what works for them and adapt to my own routine.
These tips may not be for everyone, but I also don’t run a fitness related blog. They are solely important things to pay attention to if you decide to join a gym or perform small and simple exercises. Results will happen with the right form and determination.
Happy Sweating!
