From the moment you turn into the gym parking lot, have your game face on. You may not know exactly what you are doing but you want to look like you do. Always project confidence. Eventually, you will have everything figured out, but until then here are a few suggestions to have a positive experience. In my mind, these are the rules and violators will suffer the consequences.
TOP TEN RULES OF THE GYM
RULE ONE: DO NOT TALK ABOUT THE GYM
It is natural that you are excited about your new endeavor and you want to share your enthusiasm with others. If you must discuss the gym, do it with others that are into fitness because no one else is interested in the awesome supersets you did this morning with leg extensions and stationary lunges. I broke RULE ONE a few times and it wasn't always well received. Besides, isn't it more gratifying for someone to ask what you are doing once they notice your achievements?
RULE TWO: KNOW YOUR STARTING LINE
In order to track your progress, you will want to take pictures, measurements and weight every thirty days. It is hard not to be a slave to the scale but this is only one unit of measurement and may not be the most accurate. In fact, you might not lose any weight the first two weeks as your body adjusts to your new regime. If you must step on the scale, do it once a week or you will drive yourself crazy.
RULE THREE: PREPARE YOUR BATTLE GEAR
Pack your gym bag or backpack with all your essentials. This is what I carry: gym cards, baby wipes, deodorant, hand sanitizer, lip gloss, ankle cuff/strap, jump rope, resistance bands (medium and heavy) armband, ear buds, gloves, notebook, pens, Nike bikini, goggles and a 30 oz container filled with Powerade Zero. My gym provides a variety of towels, if yours does use them. Otherwise, take your own.
RULE FOUR: ROCK YOUR GYM WEAR
RULE FIVE: FIND YOUR GROOVE
I have 12 different play lists for the gym: Some are for cardio, others for lifting and several are just high energy to get me moving. I always have my ear buds in and music on when I walk out of the locker room because it gets me pumped for my workout. Currently, my locker room exit is timed to Drowning Pool's "Bodies". Find the tunes that work for you and you will find your groove.
RULE TWO: KNOW YOUR STARTING LINE
In order to track your progress, you will want to take pictures, measurements and weight every thirty days. It is hard not to be a slave to the scale but this is only one unit of measurement and may not be the most accurate. In fact, you might not lose any weight the first two weeks as your body adjusts to your new regime. If you must step on the scale, do it once a week or you will drive yourself crazy.
RULE THREE: PREPARE YOUR BATTLE GEAR
Pack your gym bag or backpack with all your essentials. This is what I carry: gym cards, baby wipes, deodorant, hand sanitizer, lip gloss, ankle cuff/strap, jump rope, resistance bands (medium and heavy) armband, ear buds, gloves, notebook, pens, Nike bikini, goggles and a 30 oz container filled with Powerade Zero. My gym provides a variety of towels, if yours does use them. Otherwise, take your own.
RULE FOUR: ROCK YOUR GYM WEAR
The gym tends to be a continues fashion show of interesting choices. I suggest wearing at least semi-fitted clothing because you want to be able to see your form when you lift. All black is my signature look. I lay my clothes out the night before so I can hop out of bed in the morning and get dressed. If you go after work, pack your clothes and take them with you. Preparation eliminates excuses.
I have 12 different play lists for the gym: Some are for cardio, others for lifting and several are just high energy to get me moving. I always have my ear buds in and music on when I walk out of the locker room because it gets me pumped for my workout. Currently, my locker room exit is timed to Drowning Pool's "Bodies". Find the tunes that work for you and you will find your groove.
RULE SIX: MOVE WITH PURPOSE
Know what you are going to train before it is actually time to train. Plan your training split.
RULE SEVEN: DON'T BE THAT GUY
Please, please, please have your gym card in hand when you walk through the front door. Nothing is worse then standing behind someone who is digging through all their bags to find their card. Okay, there is something worse, that guy texting on his iPhone while sitting on the piece of equipment you want to use. Meanwhile, your time is ticking away.
RULE EIGHT: THIS IS NOT SOCIAL HOUR
I am all business at the gym; I arrive, workout and leave. I always smile and say hello but I don't want to be drawn into any in-depth conversations. Yet another reason to look like you know what you are doing: People will leave you alone. If you want something more social, then you may enjoy one of the group fitness classes.
RULE NINE: ASK FOR HELP
If you are not sure how to use a certain piece of equipment or complete a lifting move with the right form, ask a trainer. There are plenty of them around and they will help you. Also, if there is someone at your gym with a great physique, summon your courage and ask them what they do. Most are willing to converse as long as you are genuinely interested.
RULE TEN: WORKOUT LIKE NO ONE IS WATCHING
Because, they aren't. In the beginning, I was very self-conscious and thought I was being watched and judged by everyone. I came to realize that serious members are there to get their workout in and they don't have time to waste by being distracted.
These are lessons I have learned from my own experiences. I hope you laughed a bit and will take them to heart when you choose to go to the gym. The best rule of all is to have fun and enjoy what you are doing!
Until next time, be your best self everyday and keep it Fit with Attitude!
These are lessons I have learned from my own experiences. I hope you laughed a bit and will take them to heart when you choose to go to the gym. The best rule of all is to have fun and enjoy what you are doing!
Until next time, be your best self everyday and keep it Fit with Attitude!
XOXO,
Carrie
