Back in June I touched on the basics of gym etiquette, https://tinyurl.com/49eua227. Your engagement was OVERWHELMING! Now that we are eyeball deep with the ‘Resolutionists’ that have taken over, I thought I’d revisit some old issues and bring up some new ones. Remember, you are there for your benefit. Do your best get your workout in and do not let those around you negatively impact that…as hard as it may be!
Another year, another challenge
If you have been a long-time ‘gym goer’ or if you have just decided to get into it, there are always rules that apply. As I have said before, if you are a parent and send your kids to the gym unattended, please have them take a look at these and the suggestions shared back in June.
Have a plan. Why are you there? What are you looking to accomplish? Knowing what you are looking for is not only important but necessary. If you don’t have a destination, you will never get there. Document your schedule, your workout, and your successes!
Figure out the best time. Every gym is different but knowing the busy times will be key to having an enjoyable experience. Some of my early bird friends love getting there before 9am. Some of us can’t get there until after 5pm. Sneaking in a lunch workout might be your best option. Hopefully, the staff can give you some insights into the busiest days and times and you can plan accordingly.
Get the tour. If you are a newbie, take the tour. Have a staff member take you around. Know where the equipment is and how to use it. Not everyone is born with it. For those really looking to make a quick impact, pay for a month of training. There is no better way to start than with someone who can help you get there!
Be aware of those around you. If you notice folks are waiting, move a little quicker through your sets. Be respectful of everyone’s time. I’m not saying you need to rush but maybe a 45 second rest in between sets instead of 2 minutes…
Stay off your phone/device. This is my number one pet peeve, as is for most of my gym friends. I get it if you are picking the next song but please, no selfies, texting, You Tube videos, etc. while you are sitting on a machine. Too many times, I look across the benches at my gym and every single head is down on their phones. Truly a frustrating scene, especially at 5pm on a Monday.
Gym Etiquette – Part 2
Let others know you are waiting. If you have been waiting to use that piece of equipment and the user hasn’t noticed, ask them how many sets they have left. Hopefully, they will respect your time and finish up. Don’t be rude but certainly stay close to make sure they know you are serious.
Clean your space. This not only means cleaning up your sweat but your weights as well. Never leave plates on the bar or dumbbells on the floor. This is a basic gym requirement that everyone needs to abide by.
Take your conversations out of the gym area. While this falls under the No Phone rule in #5, there is nothing more frustrating than listening to someone’s phone conversation while they work out. Your workout should be just that. If you are ‘supposed’ to be at work or too busy to call them back, your workout is not a priority. Spare us all the loud and sometimes private conversation. That is not what the gym is for.
Find a workout buddy. I mention this often. Finding someone to share your projects, goals and plans will always make it more enjoyable. Make sure they have similar goals and availability so it’s reasonable to be there at the same time.
Now get out there and LIFT!
The gym is incredibly personal to most folks. The time it takes to get there, the commitment to the workout and the overall investment is what makes many of us tick. If you are not serious about it, that is fine, just don’t impact others. If you are invested and want to do the right thing, let those around you know you are there for a reason. Showing up every day, following these few suggestions and being helpful when others ask are all great ways to make your experience a better one. Remember, don’t get angry, get healthy! Get your buddy off the couch and start getting ready for summer!
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Take care of yourselves and your brotherhood!
Colin Furcht
Colin Furcht- BRO Beard Products CEO
Colin has been a long time Lake Norman resident and has been very active in the community. From Commissioner to founding the Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade to now a featured Author and small business owner! His desire is to bring men together and encourage them to reach out. He has always said, ‘look out for yourselves and each other.’ All men need a Brotherhood. www.brobeardproducts.shop
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