Many of us know strength training is important, but for several, especially newbies, beginning a lifting program at a gym can be a scary feat. Even I have been intimated by weight rooms at times. But not to fret, I’m here to explain some of the top reasons why people avoid the weight room and how to look like a pro and more importantly, overcome your fears of the weights.

We set New Year’s resolutions to get healthier, for those of you still holding strong to your fitness goals you have found a gym and gotten your bearings. Now it is time to take the next step and approach your workout like a pro and start getting the results you’re looking for. Over the next week, you can look for one tip a day to help you get over gym-timidation.

 

Tip#6: Get yourself acquainted with gym-etiquette

 

People don’t always have the best manners at the gym. For gym newbies, it might seem like there’s some secret code of conduct when you first step foot in a gym, but gym etiquette rules are really just common sense. One of the easiest ways to feel more comfortable in the weight room is to brush up on your gym etiquette. The internet has so much information regarding this but below are a few of the basics:

  • Re-rack your weights
  • Wipe down the equipment after you are don’t using it (most gyms will have sanitary wipes or paper sheets with sanitizer spray)
  • Be mindful. Don’t hog the equipment especially if someone is waiting to use it. Be sure to not take long “rest” breaks just sitting on your phone.

Gym Phone

  • Don’t bug people or ask for help in the middle of their set
  • Don’t occupy a bench if you are not using it for your exercise
  • If the gym is busy, don’t use machines for something other than their purpose. For example, don’t take a squat rack to do barbell bicep curls. Most gyms have a limited number of squat racks, and bicep curls can be performed with smaller barbells, dumbbells, or other machines.

Busy Gym

If you have been going to a gym for a long time and find that you’ve done many of these things in the past, or if you’re still doing them that’s okay! We all learn, and we get better.

Try to make the gym a habit. If you regularly strength train, your workout will become a routine and you’ll become more comfortable with the equipment and lifting in the gym. Who knows, if you work out consistently at the same time and days, you make even make a few new friends.

Disclaimer
I am a National Academy of Sports Medicine – Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT), but not a registered dietitian. My blogging is simply a documentation of my life and personal experience. The information contained in my blog posts and Instagram account is for educational and informational purposes only. The opinions I express are mine alone and should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your physician or medical professional before making any changes to your current routine.