10 Things You Should Know About the Gym
Making your way into the gym can seem intimidating. There are machines everywhere, weights lined up against almost every wall and people all around. Whether you’re a gym rat or just getting started, I can guarantee you that there are a few things you don’t know about the gym. I’m not talking about how to use the equipment, what workout you should or shouldn’t do, or even what you need to pack in your gym bag!
Here are a few things that will make your next trip to the gym a little more pleasant.
You Should Clean Your Weights
All gym equipment comes into contact with a lot of people’s hands and on those hands is a lot of sweat. Let me emphasize the word a lot. The more people touch the weights, the more sweat and bacteria they will accumulate. To keep yourself healthy, make sure you wipe down all equipment before and after every use. Most gyms have antibacterial spray and paper towel stations, which you can use for this exact purpose. 
The Gym Isn’t Filled with the Types of People You Think
Most gyms aren’t filled with muscle-bound meatheads and picture-perfect bodies. Of course, we all want to improve the way we look, but the number one reason people join a gym is to build muscle and lose fat. For most of us, the main goal is to get healthy and fit so we can live a longer and more fulfilled life.
Group Fitness Classes Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All
Taking a group fitness class is a great way to hold yourself accountable and get to the gym at a designated time. However, if you are a beginner, fast paced classes that use weights and have a wide variety of exercises may not be the best place to start. Having a difficult time keeping up can be embarrassing and doing the moves incorrectly can lead to injury.
Keep in mind that the classes are generally run by experienced, certified instructors. They will provide you with the structure and expertise that many beginners struggle to develop independently. Instructors are an excellent resource for expanding your knowledge, so before you get your feet wet, ask which group fitness classes would be best for you to attend
Less is More
When it comes to working out – especially for beginners –- sometimes less is more. You can’t get results in one day and you most certainly don’t want to burn yourself out. Start slowly, be patient and plan your workouts according to your fitness level. Keep your workouts at a level that you can do consistently over time and increase the time and intensity according to the progress you are making.
Strategize Your Showers
If you’re planning on taking a shower at the gym before you go to work, take a look at the group fitness schedule to see when classes get out! “I really enjoy being stuck in a line of people who also need to shower,” said no one, ever! Make sure your shower is planned at a time that won’t make you late for work or interfere with your schedule. 
It’s a Numbers Game
You know those gym memberships you get for $9.99 a month? It seems like a great deal, right? Stop and think about how some people – maybe you, maybe your friends – pay each month and never actually show up. The gym business is actually predicated on people signing up and paying up, but not actually showing up. Some figures suggest that only 20 percent of members use the gym on a regular basis. So, for a gym big enough to support 1,000 active members to be commercially viable, they’ll have to sell about 5,000 memberships. If the rates are kept low enough, people won’t cancel their membership, even if they don’t show up.
Take Care of Your Water Bottle
Taking a water bottle to the gym is as necessary as wearing a good pair of sneakers, but if you’re bringing a reusable one you need to make sure you wash it thoroughly after every gym visit. If you do not clean it afterwards, every sip you take will be filled with thousands of bacteria. Additionally, bacteria flourish in dark and moist environments, so if your bottle doesn’t have a chance to dry, it is guaranteed to play host to plenty of bacteria. If your bottle is not dishwasher safe, you can clean it with warm, soapy water and a brush.
Treat Your Yoga Mat Better
If you bring your own yoga mat to class, you should clean it at least once a month, especially during the warmer months. Make a natural solution of water and vinegar and wipe the mat down, as that will disinfect it, as well as restore some of the rubber’s texture. If you don’t have your own mat and use one that the gym provides, carry antibacterial spray with you and spray the mat before and after every use. People and their feet are gross. It’s not worth the risk. 
You Have to Do More Than Hit the Gym to Lose Weight
Going to the gym and working out is a great start, but it’s not a magic solution to losing weight. You have to make dietary changes as well. Pay attention to what you eat, how much you eat and when you eat it. Also, keep in mind that the number of calories burned on a piece of cardio equipment is not always accurate. Do not get fooled into thinking that you just burned 500 calories in 30 minutes by walking on the treadmill.
If You’re Embarrassed at Times, You’re Making Progress
If you haven’t had embarrassing moments at the gym, you’re probably not pushing hard enough! Thinking outside of the box and trying new things is part of making progress. Expect to have some failed attempts served with a side of embarrassment. It’s all part of the process.
In Conclusion:
Before you embark on a fitness journey, find out everything you can about the gym you are going to attend. Being well informed builds confidence and will make your trips to the gym more pleasurable. I know I feel more confident about your next visit! Enjoy your sweat session and remember you’re only a few workouts away from reaching your fitness goals. Good luck to you.
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