When you sign up for a gym membership, the standard goal is to go there a few times every week to get healthy. The truth is the more you go to the gym, the more you become invested in your health; healthy living begins to creep in to every aspect of the way you live. You begin planning what you consume, count calories, and denying yourself that beverage on a night out because you have a training session the following day.
You Make Friends
When you start going to the gym it may seem daunting. There are the big muscular guys lifting weights and the super fit females going to their HIIT classes. It may seem and feel like you are an outsider joining a cult society. Well, you kind of are. These people train together. They know each other. They are gym-buddies or have become mommy friends. Their relationships help push each other to stay on top of their fitness.
You maybe a newbie, but it won’t take long for you to start fitting into this crowd. It’s inevitable your training schedule will match other people’; the more you workout, the more you see them. Sooner or later, you begin talking to these individuals. You have conversations about training to start with, and after that, as your gym-buddy relationship grows, you begin to learn about one another’s lives beyond the gym.
The Sauna
The sauna is an interesting place. You definitely have to have an open mind if you want to sit in the sauna room. There are no clothing guidelines when it comes to the sauna. People may decide to just wear a towel in the sauna or a bathing suit. It is not uncommon that if it is a single sex sauna for people to be in there naked. Also, you may find people who are fully dressed sitting in there.
Also, if you think you think you can sit in the sauna and have some quiet peaceful time think again. It is not uncommon for people to have full phone conversations in the sauna or chit chat with a buddy.
Private Trainers
The gym has a lot of private trainers. Most of the time, after joining a gym you will get one or two sessions with a private trainer. These trainers compete against each other for customers.
If you want a trainer, talk to many different one’s. See what they have to offer and if their fitness mentality fits with yours.
Down the line, you may not want a trainer. There may come a time when the trainers stop approaching you to sell you training sessions because they can tell that you know your stuff. Also, because you look fit!
Classes
Gyms offer a wide variety of classes. These classes are great. They can sub for private training sessions. Some classes offered are Pilates, spinning, yoga, and HIIT to name a few. These classes can help get you in great shape.
Cherry pick the courses which can help you attain your individual fitness goal. Do not feel obligated to attend every course your gym offers.
Private Space And Hygiene
Private space and hygiene principles are not universal practices. You would think that everyone would want to keep the gym as hygienic as possible. Well that is not the case. Gyms get gross. Not everyone wipes down the equipment after use. So you should carry around a small towel to wipe down the equipment before and after you use it.
Also, private space isn’t common at the gym. When changing your clothes there maybe someone right next to you totally naked. You might feel uncomfortable, but they probably don’t care. You will find people shaving in the locker room and clipping their toe nails there. You will see it all.
The best thing to do is to towel yourself off and head home to take a shower and clean up. Make sure to throw all of your gym clothes and towel in the laundry right when you get home so that the germs don’t follow you.
The gym is a great place to relieve stress and get fit. Of course with every new place you go there is a learning curve. You will figure out what works for you at the gym and sooner than you know it you will become a regular gym rat.
