Joining a gym can be intimidating; when I first started going I always had questions and didn't know how to act in the free weights section. So no fear I can help you out!
DO's
1. Wear deodorant! For the love of everyone else in the gym please please please do this! I cannot stress this enough!
2. Wiping down the equipment when you're done is important! (You can also wipe it down before you use it as well)
3. One of the most important things I can emphasize is FORM! If you are not doing exercises correctly you can injure yourself, most gyms give you a free personal training session or an orientation.
4. Please Please Please RE-RACK your weights!!!!!! If you are done with the bench press or squat rack PLEASE take your weights off the bar and re-rack them; I don't know if you are done or just taking a bathroom break. Either way after 5 minutes I am taking your spot. (the same goes for the dumbbells)
5. Wear the proper undergarments to secure your body parts; such as sports bras, proper underwear, etc.
DON'Ts
1. Do not keep comparing yourself negatively to people that are "in better shape" than you! We all started somewhere and in order to better yourself you just have to keep working at it like they did!
2. Do not stand in front of the dumbbells and do your entire set. You can grab a set of dumbbells then back up and complete your set. When you stand right in front of the rack you risk getting hit and being in the way.
3. Making loud repetitive noises is quite unnecessary. If you are literally screaming for every rep I would bet your form is wrong and your weight are too heavy. I am not saying don't make any noise, but I am saying that the yoga class downstairs does not need to know you are lifting today. (this also includes singing out loud)
4. Curling in the squat rack is shamed upon. The squat rack is for squatting, dead lifts, olympic lifts, etc. not curling.
5. Do not talk on your phone or Bluetooth at the gym; I understand that your conversation is important to you, but the entire gym does not want to hear your 30 minute conversation about your day or your problems...go squat your problems out.
Now that you know some of the basics of the gym you are well on your way to improving your life and your gym experience! :)
DO's
1. Wear deodorant! For the love of everyone else in the gym please please please do this! I cannot stress this enough!
2. Wiping down the equipment when you're done is important! (You can also wipe it down before you use it as well)
3. One of the most important things I can emphasize is FORM! If you are not doing exercises correctly you can injure yourself, most gyms give you a free personal training session or an orientation.
4. Please Please Please RE-RACK your weights!!!!!! If you are done with the bench press or squat rack PLEASE take your weights off the bar and re-rack them; I don't know if you are done or just taking a bathroom break. Either way after 5 minutes I am taking your spot. (the same goes for the dumbbells)
5. Wear the proper undergarments to secure your body parts; such as sports bras, proper underwear, etc.
DON'Ts
1. Do not keep comparing yourself negatively to people that are "in better shape" than you! We all started somewhere and in order to better yourself you just have to keep working at it like they did!
2. Do not stand in front of the dumbbells and do your entire set. You can grab a set of dumbbells then back up and complete your set. When you stand right in front of the rack you risk getting hit and being in the way.
3. Making loud repetitive noises is quite unnecessary. If you are literally screaming for every rep I would bet your form is wrong and your weight are too heavy. I am not saying don't make any noise, but I am saying that the yoga class downstairs does not need to know you are lifting today. (this also includes singing out loud)
4. Curling in the squat rack is shamed upon. The squat rack is for squatting, dead lifts, olympic lifts, etc. not curling.
5. Do not talk on your phone or Bluetooth at the gym; I understand that your conversation is important to you, but the entire gym does not want to hear your 30 minute conversation about your day or your problems...go squat your problems out.
Now that you know some of the basics of the gym you are well on your way to improving your life and your gym experience! :)