My point is, new situations can suck. You feel out of place and on edge and sometimes you do dumb things just because you're nervous and aren't focused. So before you decide to just Leeroy Jenkins the gym, check out these tips and play with a little strategy.
1. Scout it out Beforehand
If you are looking for a new gym or you just purchased a new membership, make sure to go on-line and check out the reviews. Different gyms cater to different groups of people, and one key to making sure you feel comfortable is to pick a gym that will allow you to see results but also puts you in an environment that doesn't overwhelm you. For example, Planet Fitness is a gym that advertises that they "aren't a gym" and what they mean is they encourage all sorts of people to work out, but do not support those who wish to do power lifting or Olympic lifting. Planet Fitness can be an awesome gym if you have felt uncomfortable in bigger gyms in the past. On the other hand if you are interested in power lifting like dead-lifts or Olympic lifting (cleans and snatches) you will want to find a gym with proper equipment, like a cross-fit studio. Read the reviews on Yelp, they will give you an idea of what people like and dislike about the gym.
2. Get a Tour
One of the major complaints I get from my clients is that they don't know where things are located in the gym. They don't want to look silly wandering around so they end up on the treadmill for 30 min and then leaving. This is a simple fix. All you need is to ask for a tour when you sign up or when you come to the gym for the first time. Make sure to ask questions: trust me the staff have given this tour a million times and are bored with it, your questions will make it more enjoyable. If you are looking for specific machines and you don't see something, just ask if they have it.
3. Plan Your Workout
Knowing what you want to do before you walk in the doors give you purpose and direction which means you spend more time working out and less time looking around, unsure and wondering if the huge guy next to you is judging how much you can curl. Having a plan will help you feel more comfortable.Plan: IMMA GET SWOLLLLLLL!!!!!
4. Plan an Alternative Workout
We all have those plans that just never work out. Plan an alternative workout so that when someone is hogging the equipment you need you already have something else planned. Having a back-up plan will help make sure you get that workout in so that you don't feel insecure and leave just because plan "A" was ruined.Plan B: IMMA GET SWOLL AS HELL!!!!!
5. Know Your Gym Traffic
Every gym has days and times that are busier. These times will vary depending on the gym. If you know that you won't work out if the gym is crowded, find out when it won't be crowded. On the same note many gyms have an unwritten schedule where most people will do a workout on the same day (Monday is international chest day). If you want better access to equipment, flip your schedule around so you are doing something different from everyone else. Talk to the front desk staff: they can usually give you a good idea of gym traffic.6. Bring a Friend
Having someone that you know helps in a new environment. This way even if you do something ridiculous at least you're not the only one doing it. Plus a workout buddy helps make the workout more fun and will hold you accountable. Most gyms have a guest pass policy - ask about it when you sign up.
7. Take a Class
If you have no clue what you should be doing and don't want to be by yourself, but can't convince a friend to go with you, take a class. Classes will put you in a team environment and there is an instructor so you can follow along instead of trying to come up with a routine all by yourself. Added bonus: classes are a great way to meet new people who may turn into workout buddies. If you've never tried a particular class before, I recommend going 15 minutes early and talking to the instructor. Let them know what your fitness level is and any injuries you may have and they can let you know if you need to modify any of the activities. Talking to the instructor will also help you feel more comfortable in the class, and in general classes are very friendly and welcoming environments.8. Buy a Session with a Personal Trainer
Okay, I may be a bit biased on this one. Yes I know personal training can be expensive, but one or two sessions can pay off huge even if you are on a tight budget. Working with a trainer means that you don't have to think. The trainer will do all the planning and instruct you on how to do the exercises properly. You won't have to look around wondering if you are doing it right because the trainer is there to help you with that. They can also help develop a program for you so that when you are not with them you know what you should be doing.9. Stick to Your Guns
If you have worked out before and you have an old routine it may make you feel more comfortable to stick to that for awhile until you become used to the new environment. There is nothing wrong with a little repetition, your muscle memory will give you a sense of familiarity even if the environment is new.This is how Sansa Stark made it as far as she has. She remembered her training, learned her environment, and look at her now: BAMF!
10. Look for Private Workout Areas
Some gyms have areas that are private or lower traffic. For example some gyms have a specific area that is for women only to work out in. Or perhaps the gym will allow you to use an empty class room as long as you are respectful of the class schedule and the space. These small areas of low traffic help you to workout without an audience (avoid the gym creepers).
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