How to brave the weights room
- Jody Slaney
- Dec 22, 2016
- 3 min read
I know what it feels like to hop off the treadmill and feel your confidence plummet as you approach the weight room with sweaty palms.
I can honestly say the main reason i was so nervous was often because i had no idea what i was meant to be doing. I didnt even know how to adjust a bench and rather than looking silly i'd just keep it how it was and flap around a bit before giving up.
Since lifting weights can burn a lot of calories and sculpt those muscles its a good idea to face your fear.
So...
Have a plan
Write down a workout plan that isnt too complicated and if possible aslo make a note of your sets and reps.
Start small
Before you pick up the any weights you should first ensure that you know the correct form of each exercise that what you plan on doing. Theres plenty of information out there just a ''Google'' away that will be super helpful. Check out some of youtube videos and practice with light weights or even without any weight at all.
Get an induction
Most gyms offer free inductions with a tour of the gym. Its perfectly ok to take advantage of this and shower them with questions. If you still dont feel confident i would suggest booking in for an hour class with a personal trainer. This should at least get you started with some basics that you can build on.
Compound exercises
You should aim to at least have a good basic understanding of the 3 core lifts. Squat, Deadlift and bench press. There are a lot of others that you can do but being able to progress with these lifts will help you to achieve that sculpted body 100% faster than doing push ups and curls after 40 minutes of cardio. Once you have these its easy to add in more isometrics (such as biceo curls etc)
Take a friend
I spend a lot of time working out and participating in sports activities. One thing that has consistently been the most beneficial to me is having a gym buddy. They provide guidance and support in the beginning that helps you develop a strong foundation. After this they will continue to push you towards new goals.
Even if this friend is also new to the weights room you can always have a good banter about it to take your mind off things! Everything is so much easier with your bestie by your side.
Ask for help
Dont be afraid to ask for help if you arent 100% sure you have the correct form or recruiting the correct muscles. Staff and other gym goers will be happy to help and you wont be judged.
Everyone starts somewhere and its a much smarter idea to ask for help than to injure yourself by performing and exercise incorrectly.
Timing
Offpeak times will work well if you are a little shy and would like to get to know the equipment a little better without having others around. Personally i prefer offpeak as it means theres hardly ever a queue for the squat rack and i can stay there for most of my workout without having to share. I never was good at that!
One final note
Most people in the gym will only be focused on themselves and its likely they wont bat an eyelid when you grab a bench next to them. They'll have headphones on with the volume high so they can focus on their own targets.
My first days in the free weights section was a little daunting but after time that dropped away and now i feel like i havent worked out if i have lifted some iron. The machines just dont have the same impact on me
Jody Slaney
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