We've compiled some handy gym tips for anyone planning to hit the weights hard this winter.
As we move into winter, the inclination to brave the dark outdoors and go for a run will decrease greatly, as people trying to keep (or get) fit will prefer the warm, well-lit interiors of their local gym. Going to the gym is a great way to stay in shape and let off steam. But if you are thinking of swapping a pair of runners for a pair of dumbbells, you might consider heeding some of our wise words of advice on things to avoid or watch out for.
Consult at regular intervals throughout the initial stages of any gym programme.
Things not to do in the gym
In no particular order, preface all of these bits of advice with the word, 'don't':
Refuse to reduce the weight you're lifting
You rock into the gym, feeling good about yourself, and you go to lift a bigger weight - today's the day you make those precious 'gains' you've been dreaming about for the last couple of weeks. But you only get through a couple of reps before you have to stop and frantically look round, trying to act like it was just a warm-up anyway. At this point, admit defeat. You're better off doing a proper session than ruining a set because you were too concerned about gym ego. And anyway, best to do a smaller weight and keep good form than try to lift beyond your means and injure yourself.
Do 'Everything Day'
If you have spent the last week alternating between Coppers and McDonald's on Grafton Street and you have a sudden rush of gym guilt, don't think you can make up for it by squeezing all your missed sessions ('Leg Day, Chest Day', 'Arm and Shoulder Day' etc) into one massive session. Just accept the situation, vow to learn from it and start afresh.
Be afraid to sweat like Lance Armstrong's lawyer
Gyms, due to their very nature, are filled with people concerned about their appearance. It is easy to become very image-conscious in the gym, to worry about how you look within that environment. But in order to get the benefit of it, you need to work hard - and that means sweating buckets. If you're afraid of sweat patches, buy a proper training T-shirt. Otherwise, flaunt them with pride - it shows you the evidence that you're working hard. Be proud of yourself.
Fart
This should be self-explanatory. But if you are going to fart, at least have the decency to linger somewhat nearby until the smell dissipates. Don't have the audacity to move away from the area and cause myself and everyone around it to face silent, false accusations from whoever comes in to take your spot.
Snigger at a Gym Dweeb, for they know not what they do
Actually, make this 'glance sideways at a Gym Dweeb'. This comes from an established member of the Gym Dweeb community. It's hard enough trying to remember how the Youtube tutorial taught you to do a 'bicep curl' without some exquisitely proportioned individual glancing at you with vague amusement every five minutes. This sort of minor social embarrassment can put a Gym Dweeb off going to the gym again for weeks, even months (Xboxes don't judge).
Be afraid to ask an instructor for assistance
While we're on the subject of Gym Dweebs, if you don't know what to do, just ask. Staff in gyms are nearly always dead sound and will tell you exactly what to do - including giving you a training programme to fit your needs. It is worth the fifteen minutes of minor embarrassment you might get from being shown around a gym by the instructor if it saves you an hour of not knowing what you are doing - or multiple sessions of doing the wrong thing and putting in hours of work for minimal end product.
Wear a baseball cap. Especially not backwards.
Unless you suffer from hair loss or some similar condition necessitating such sartorial buffoonery, you belong in the same category as people who - without the medical need to do so - wear sunglasses indoors. You can count Ryan Lochte as one of your peers in that sense.
Fall off a treadmill
This is more of a personal touch. Trust me when I say that falling off a treadmill - especially in, let's say, a college gym at its busiest time of the day - and then, for some reason, immediately trying to get back on again - and flying back off said treadmill - will not result in the 'feel-good vibe' you're looking for when you go to the gym.
