The first week of January to Valentine’s Day in February marks the time period in most gyms when it’s full of the new members. These folks are spotted easily in the gym. Some will have the deer in the headlights look. Not really knowing where to start, they may stand around for an hour or so and go home. This might be a good first start and just getting comfortable with the atmosphere may be the objective.
The other end of the spectrum includes the guy/girl with all the new Christmas gear. The new gloves, lifting belt, knee wraps, heavy duty lifting straps, the official gym noises associated with serious poundage lifters and some type of mega calorie growth serum drink concoction in a container.
We’ve all been down that road. That’s how we learn. Some of these things do have an important place in the arsenal of the serious gym enthusiast. However, if after you’re membership has been purchased, just getting consistent with a simple routine will be the first goal. Ask the staff at your gym for guidance to help with the transition. Check out the group exercise schedule as a low cost alternative to personal training. Putting a strength class one day with a cardio or flexibility based classes the next day is a winning combo.
To have detailed instruction and a specific program tailored to you, a fitness professional is the answer. A trainer is like the speed lane on the freeway and can act as a buffer between you and the gym member using his/her affiliation with the club, communication skills and knowledge to provide a safe and effective workout while helping you “work in” ( doing your set- series of reps of one exercise) while another club member rests.
There are a few things we as “senior” lifters and fitness enthusiasts can do to make the first time for the “freshman” a bit less intimidating and encouraging enough to help them stay long enough to graduate through the start up phase of their fitness program. For example, show proper equipment adjustment and body alignment so the novice can do his/her set safely. Have them “shadow” you’re good technique on how to do the exercise while you do your set, and then allow them the opportunity to do their set. With you’re encouragements they will be grateful and you’ll probably have made a new friend.
In most gyms you’ll see the serious trainee in the morning. They open the gym with the staff at 5 am. This time can provide the most freedom on all equipment you use without interruption or waiting time because someone is sleeping on equipment you may want next. You can cruise in and out of the gym in an hour and get to work. This can be important to your success because the usual drama at work is side stepped with the choice of the early a.m. workout time.
Lunch time represents the other time to train. Great to reduce stress so you can complete the day and coast through most any other challenges you have left. A shower would be the only time challenging element. Hair and make up for the ladies is the big time killer. So with 90 minutes to train and shower, a meal replacement shake may be required to make it back to work on time.
This leaves the end of the day workout. This is probably the most crowded and frustrating time for some people. Being patient and flexible is my advice to you. Each week the gym traffic typically dies down as the drop off rate levels off by February. Training early, exploring some type of outdoor training like Naked Commando or getting a well equipped home gym maybe the answer.
Lastly is the subject of training injuries. These can be avoided with proper instruction. Start slow and simple with baby steps. Give your body time to adapt to your training routine and get help with technical training techniques if you have limited or no experience. Cutting your dreams of the “new and improved” you short because of an injury is a drag.
Questions about your program for the New Year? Contact me and receive your free copy of “How you avoid the Weight loss Scams” a free report from M2 Fitness and the FDA to help you with weight loss industry hype.
Mr.Fat Loss
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