Easy tips to look like a PRO on the gym
Back when I started going to the gym, my first concern was – am I going to blend in? The gym is a close community where everyone else seems to be doing the same thing, and I was concerned about being the odd one in the bunch. At first, I thought that everything that happens at the gym was a case of monkey-see, monkey-do, it became clear to me that these people aren’t only practicing about gym etiquette, but proper exercise methods to ensure the best way to work out.
Observation is the key to blend in with your local gym community. Through observation, I was able to determine the different practices that catch the ire of the other people in the gym. Here are 5 things you should never do at the gym:
Never spend too much time on your phone
Okay, we get it – you’re a busy person. Who isn’t? Spending too much time on your phone takes away your time from working out. Some use it as an excuse to get more rest and be comfortable. Spending too much time on the phone is the pet peeve for many old-timers and it simply catches everyone’s attention when you’re the only one idling away on your phone.
Obsessing over your numbers
In today’s day and age, apps are now used by people to track their progress. Some people track their progress way too much that it takes away the point of exercising based on challenge. It’s easy to get distracted by a lot of things that you can do on your phone. Another pet peeve of mine that is quite rampant today is selfies taken in-between sets. I guess it’s okay to be a bit conceited and all, but doing it in-between sets when you have some temporary pump on your muscles is just pretentious, don’t you think?
Resting on your buttocks in-between leg workouts
Yes, leg workouts can be like hell on earth, and your instinct is to rest and sit down for a while in-between sets. However, sitting down for a long time nullifies your progress during your leg workouts. Instead of resting on your behind, try walking around to get rid of all the byproducts that make your leg muscles feel tired.
Copying another person’s fitness routine
Competition is healthy, but that doesn’t mean that you should pattern your progress with another person at the gym. Measuring your progress based on how much another person can do will greatly affect your progress. Going too slow or too fast, or going too light or too heavy can have some negative effect on your workouts and your safety. Gauge your own capabilities and work at your own pace.
Making small talk with another person working out
This doesn’t mean that gym people aren’t friendly – in fact, gyms are probably one of the most accommodating communities I know. However, you should respect whenever someone is doing their sets before you butt in and try to engage in small talk. Nothing would annoy them more than having to listen to a stranger and losing count on their reps.
