Joining a gym — either for the first time ever or just at a new facility — can be intimidating.
You have to navigate an unfamiliar place, learn how to use equipment and risk possible embarrassment, all in order to break a sweat.
But local gym managers say newcomers don’t need to fear starting a membership and offered some advice for gym newbies.
The Columbian asked its Facebook fans and Twitter followers to share their gym pet peeves. Here are some of the responses:
The Columbian asked its Facebook fans and Twitter followers to share their gym pet peeves. Here are some of the responses:
o When people don't wipe their sweat off of the machine they just used.
o People who don't put the weights back when they're done with them.
o Peeing in the shower.
o People who stare.
o People who hog equipment.
o People who must have a certain space in a classroom.
o The extra-friendly naked people in the locker room.
o DNA puddles.
o The newbies who take three sets of dumbbells and then sit there on their iPhones.
o Excessive grunting.
o People who work out in Toms shoes.
o Banging the weights together or dropping them on the floor.
o Singing along loudly to music.
o When people don’t wipe their sweat off of the machine they just used.
o People who don’t put the weights back when they’re done with them.
o Peeing in the shower.
o People who stare.
o People who hog equipment.
o People who must have a certain space in a classroom.
o The extra-friendly naked people in the locker room.
o DNA puddles.
o The newbies who take three sets of dumbbells and then sit there on their iPhones.
o Excessive grunting.
o People who work out in Toms shoes.
o Banging the weights together or dropping them on the floor.
o Singing along loudly to music.
“One of the most important things is the ability to be vulnerable and ask for help,” said James Wallace, manager at 24 Hour Fitness’ Vancouver 131st Avenue club. “There’s no such thing as a dumb question when it comes to fitness and exercise, because you’re talking about your health and the potential for injuries.”
Most gyms have staff members and personal trainers available to demonstrate how equipment works and answer questions, Wallace said.
Angela Brosius, director at Firstenburg Community Center, recommends people just beginning a workout routine consider utilizing a personal trainer. Trainers can create a program, set realistic goals, educate about safe lifting and advise on techniques and weight amounts, she said.
Many gyms also offer exercise classes and other perks for members. Wallace recommends taking advantage of everything the gym has to offer.
Classes can also be a good way to stay motivated, Brosius said. The classes provide accountability and can make workouts entertaining, she said.
“For people that just can’t get motivated, classes are a great thing,” Brosius said.
Having a workout partner — a friend, family member, co-worker or neighbor — you meet regularly at the gym can also help with accountability, she said.
Brosius recommends taking steps to eliminate other potential pitfalls, such as packing your gym clothes for the week and leaving them in your car.
“Even that little bit of chore you may have to do may stop you from doing it,” Brosius said of getting to the gym.
And on days when you don’t think you have time or the motivation to get in a good workout, Brosius recommends committing to do just 10 minutes. Usually, you’ll feel better once you start working out and continue exercising, she said.
“The first 10 minutes are always the hardest,” she said.
Another tip Brosius has for gym newcomers: don’t trust the machine calculations.
Cardio machines that estimate calories burned typically overestimate the figure by about 50 percent, she said. A machine may say someone burned 600 calories during a 30-minute workout when they actually probably only burned about 300 calories, Brosius said.
If you want an accurate reading, consider purchasing a heart-rate monitor, she said.
Members of gyms typically follow unwritten (and sometimes written) gym etiquette that newcomers may not be aware of. Regular gymgoers say the biggest faux paus are not wiping down equipment after using it and not returning weights to their proper homes.
Utilizing cleaning stations or sanitizing wipes provided at most gyms is important to keep everyone healthy, Wallace said.
“With the flu season as crazy as it is now, and with everyone having colds … it’s super, super important — for yourself and other members, as well.”
When using equipment, Wallace said it’s important to be understanding of other people’s workouts. This is the busiest time of the year for most gyms, so try to take turns with others who want to use the equipment, especially the weights, Wallace said.
And when occupying equipment or cardio machines, make sure you’re actually using it, Brosius said. Gymgoers get frustrated when they see someone sitting on equipment and talking on their phone, rather than using the machine, she said.
For many people, the hardest part about joining a gym is getting in their car and driving there, Brosius said. For many, the atmosphere of the gym, once they get there, is enough motivation to keep them going during a workout, she said.
“Plan it like a meeting,” Brosius said. “It’s on your schedule, and you’re committed to it.”
