Five Mistakes to Avoid in the Gym

Its the time of year when gym ‘newbies’ are flocking to the gym to fulfill their New Years Resolutions – whether it’s to follow a flat stomach workout, lose 10lbs, tone your legs, get rid of flabby arms or to get a flat stomach. No matter the goal – for many it may be their first time in the gym. The gym has a certain ‘Code of Conduct’ that many newbies or regular gym goers may not be aware of and following these unwritten guidelines can be important to your comfort level in the gym.

What are these unwritten rules in the gym? What mistakes do you need to avoid in the gym in order to avoid dirty looks and make sure that you are comfortable?

Avoid these Five Mistakes in the gym and you’ll feel a lot more comfortable while working out – ensuring that you look like a ‘regular’ at the gym instead of  a ‘newbie’.

Mistake #1 – Social Hour

In many cases – especially during busy gym times – people use the gym as a place to socialize. It’s not that big of a deal until you are chatting up a friend for 15 mins and occupying a piece of equipment that someone else is waiting to use. If you’re going to chat – do so away from any piece of equipment someone wants to use. My best suggestion – avoid social hour in the gym – go in – get your workout done and call your friends after.

Mistake #2 – Weight Collector

If you like to collect things – the gym is not a place to start collecting anything – especially weights during the peak time. If your workout requires you to use multiple sets of weights try to take only what you need and put it back – so that other people can get their workouts in as well.

Mistake #3 – Chatty Cell Phone Talker

I understand that for some work related reasons some people need to have their cell phones on them at all times. HOWEVER – texting during your workout – or talking on the phone during your workout to your best friend – really isn’t necessary. If its something THAT extremely important that it can’t wait – then wait on your workout. Spending 20 mins on a treadmill talking to your friend benefits no one – if you can talk to someone your heart rate probably isn’t high enough to even start burning fat – so why waste your time an energy? Plus, when you’re on the phone you’re not paying attention to what’s going on around you – increasing the risk of injury. Plain and simple – leave your phone in your locker – you’ll be back in 30-45 minutes.

Mistake #4 – Smell TOO Good

No one wants to smell bad – but there is such thing as too much of  a good thing. Putting on TOO much perfume before your workout to try and cover up a bad smell can actually make you smell worse.  When your heart rate increases – you perspire more – which increases the chances of an odor. If you are really concerned – pay attention to what you are eating and try to avoid foods with too much garlic.

Mistake #5 – Cleaning

In today’s world where we try to avoid getting sick at any cost – you’d think that more people would be courteous and wipe down machines and equipment after use. Plus – who really wants to sit in someone else’s sweat? EW!!! Avoid sharing germs and wipe down equipment after you use it.

Keep these things in mind next time you are in the gym to ensure a great workout. These mistakes to avoid in the gym are a common courtesy that everyone – new or a regular – should keep in mind in order to let everyone get the best workout and continually improve their bodies.

Related posts:

1. Three Mistakes to Avoid at the Gym
2. Make Each Workout Count
3. My Workout – June 20, 2009
4. Monday’s Upper Body Workout
5. The Causes of Rapid Weight Gain

Tags: Best Friend, Busy People, Cell Phone, Cell Phones, Code Of Conduct, Dirty Looks, Flabby Arms, Flat Stomach, get rid of flabby arms, Gym Goers, Gym Workout, Legs, mistakes to avoid at the gym, New Years Resolutions, Newbie Mistake, Newbies, Peak Time, Sets Of Weights, Suggestion, Time Of Year, Unwritten Rules, Workouts