|
" How Do I Fit In?" |
The #1 concern of
people surveyed in gyms
is fear of not fitting
in. let Mr. America's
Personal Training take
away that fear. Here are
some frequently asked
questions and answers to
help you fit right in.
|
|
Q & A on Proper Gym
Etiquette
|
Q. What should
I do first?
|
A.
The most important way
to start any exercise
program is with a
warm-up period, usually
in the cardio room.
Warming up gets the
heart pumping and makes
the muscles and joints
more supple, which
minimizes the chance of
injury. Your Certified
Fitness trainer can help
you determine the best
piece of equipment to
use and period of time
to best achieve your
goals.
|
Q.
When someone is
already using a piece of
equipment that I want to
use, is it okay to ask
them how many sets they
have left?
|
|
A. Yes, it's okay
to ask but never
in the middle of an
exercise set! You don't
want to cause a
distraction to a member
who may be working with
several hundred pounds
of weight. If the
response is, "I just
have two more sets,"
then, the proper gym
etiquette is to do
another exercise until
the machine is vacated.
Every members' workout
is as important as the
next. If you are not
using the piece of
equipment, do not occupy
it. |
|
Q. How do I
"work-in" between sets
with other members? |
|
A. "Work-in" is a
term for alternating
sets with someone who is
already using a piece of
equipment you want to
use. we ask that members
allow others to work in
during their rest
periods between sets.
There are a few factors
to consider before
asking to work in: the
total number of people
already working in, the
length of rest periods
between sets and the
amount of weight to take
off or put on when it's
your turn. These factors
will help you decide
whether it is
appropriate to share the
equipment. |
|
Q. What should
I do with the weights
when I'm done? |
|
A. Always return
the plate to their
designated place.
Cleaning up after your
sets also signals to
other members that you
are done. Match
poundage. Lighter
weights go on top of the
rack and heavier weights
on the bottom. Like
plates should be placed
together. IMPORTANT:
When loading a machine,
do so by removing the
plates in an alternating
pattern. Never
remove all the plates on
one side first.
Remember, above all,
exercise caution at all
times. |
|
Q. Do I have
to stay near the rack
when I use dumbbells? |
|
A. No. If you
feel more comfortable
using the dumbbells in
another area of the gym,
by all means do so as
long as you return the
dumbbells to their
designated place. Always
ensure that you have
enough room to do your
exercise. Keep clear of
the dumbbell rack for
other use. Remember,
live and let live,
workout and let workout! |
|
Q. Is there
anything else of which I
should be aware? |
|
A. Yes. Needles
to say, most forms of
exercise will cause you
to perspire. Always
bring a towel with you
when you train. Proper
gym etiquette is wiping
yourself off when you're
about to use a machine
and wiping off the
equipment when you're
done. No one likes using
a piece of equipment
dripping with someone
else's perspiration. Be
considerate. |
