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You Found
a Gym -- Now What?
Author: Dave
Draper, Copyright 2006
The gym is across the street, and the time has come.
You're a big girl (or should I say a big boy?), but you wish this
part were over. You've made the phone calls, and your fingers have
done all the walking they're going to do. The rest is up to the
feet and the big chicken stuck to the other end.
First time to the gym, is it? I can't tell you what to expect
because every gym is different depending on the community, size,
style and the ownership and staff's personality.
You've narrowed it down according to location, convenience, word
of mouth and the trusty phone calls. Very cool. And the free pass
is at the front counter waiting for you as promised.
Move the feet and enjoy the experience. You've got work to do.
You want to get past the strategic front counter with finesse, eyes,
ears and smile fully engaged. Once on the gym floor, practice your
walking, breathing and relaxing. Attaching yourself to a stationary
bike for 10 minutes will give you a safe perch from which to observe
and prepare your next stunning maneuver. Also works well to warm
up the body, get those neuropathways activated and start distributing
endorphins. They calm you, kill pain and generally make you feel
better.
There is nothing more pleasant than a pleasant gym member. There
is nothing more obnoxious than an obnoxious gym member. Here
are some hints to keep you in the right category:
* Look for any posted rules and observe them. These might
be common courtesies, time regulations regarding aerobic equipment,
carrying a towel or limiting the use of fragrances.
* Be aware of the space around you. Equipment and bodies are forcefully
moving in different directions. A crowded gym can be a red zone.
Do not whack anyone in the head or other body part with a dumbbell.
* Replace barbells, dumbbells and plates in their designated places
after using.
* Carry only the gear you need with you and leave your gym bag
in a safe place off the floor or in a locker. Prevent clutter and
hazard.
* The age of leotards has passed with Sputnik. You can relax and
train comfortably in sweatpants or shorts, a T-shirt or sweatshirt.
* Proper footwear is important for your health and performance.
Pick up a pair of your favorite Keds at the mall and reserve them
for your workouts. A smart gym won't allow street shoes, sandals
or open-toe footwear on the gym floor.
* A towel to keep you and the equipment you use dry is a smart
idea. Good hygiene is very popular.
* A breath mint, when necessary, is a crowd pleaser.
* While we're on a roll, fresh gym clothes and deodorant never
disappoint anyone. However, excessive fragrances will turn up noses,
and body oils are gooey.
* Don't commandeer any piece of equipment; accept that people
might want to share in its use. Sharing equipment is called "working
in."
* Nix on forcefully clanging dumbbells or dropping the weights.
* Excessive noise in exerting force is less popular than some
people think. Boisterous conversations and raucous behavior is disturbing
to the majority. Be cool.
You're doing just fine. Oh, by the way, your sweats have a hole
in the bottom.
About the author
Dave Draper, former Mr. Universe, writes a weekly email newsletter
-- sign up for free at his website, http://www.davedraper.com
, where you'll also find workout routines and advice, an active
discussion forum and, of course, a hefty instructional Blog.
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