Going to the gym for the first time

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2bBuff

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I would like to know what you guys think.

I'll be going to the gym for the first time this evening after work (I have been working out at home and now think I may want to step it up a bit and have more workout options). The visit will be the "one free visit" so I'm interested in both working out and checking out the gym. I've been in there before and here's what I know.

1. There seems to be plenty of free weights, machines, and cardio equipment
2. The locker room is pretty nice (at least nice enough for me)
3. There is a dry sauna (not sure how to even use one of these effectively)
4. They have 8-10 tanning beds (maybe I can get rid of my farmer's tan at some point)
5. They have a child care facility for use while working out (great since I have two kids)
6. It is really convenient to my house (about 1.5 miles on my way to and from work)


Now my questions. What specifically should I do on this first visit? I know I want to actually workout while there, but are there other things that would be beneficial? I don't want to bug people, but it seems I should ask around a bit to see if others are happy with it and what things they wish were different. Any advice? I just want to be sure to make a good decision. Keep in mind I've never been a member at a gym (worked out in high school a bit in a gym) and have only been working out at home as of late. I don't want to be one of those people the "real" gym rats (I mean that affectionately) will look at as a nuisance. Nor do I want to be one of those gym-dropouts that waste a lot of money by paying for the membership and never using it after week two.

I’m sure some will say, “JUST DO IT MAN" but I want to be as productive as possible and make a good decision.

Thanks for your input.
 
Some things I think you could keep an eye on:

1) How many free weights are there? You should stick with free weights, so determine if you want that or the machines.

2) How many people are there when you go? Is it crowded or just busy? If too many people are there, you might spend a longer time there to wait out people finishing their set or working together in a group.

3) Are the cardio equipments working and in good condition? You might want to keep track how cardio equipments are used. Some gyms might make you want to sign up for a particular time frame, and all you get is 30 minutes. Other gyms might just have a lot of open machines and free to anyone for any amount of time.

4) Are the workers nice? I don't mean they should help you all the time. But nice enough to take your suggestions or answer questions. They should also be quick to resolve any broken machines/equipments.
 
As its your`e first time in there im sure one of the gym employees will be only willing to help.

If the gym is worth its salt there should be a trainer to access you and point you in the right direction.

Oh and stay away from the sunbeds use gravy browning:D

Good luck on your journey.
 
I'll let some of the others give you guidance on what equipment and machines to use and what exercises to perform.

A few things for you to consider:

1. Asking people their opinion, IMO, is useless. Some will love it and some will hate it. If sounds like the place will be fine for you.

2. Make sure you don't get into a longterm contract at this time. Maybe a year from now when you know you'll be using it, a longterm contract may be right for you. Know what the cancellation policy is.

3. Basically there are two major goals you're gonna want to accomplish at the gym; strength training (weights and machines) and cardio. Do they have enough cardio equipment? Is there a waiting line at busy times (usually 6:00pm on Monday evening)?

4. Does the gym offer a few free personal trainer sessions? If so, jump on these! Can you afford PT sessions? I am not a PT nor do I have a vested interest, but I used a PT for the first 4 months and learned a lot and got through the early months when it is easy to quit. After 4 months I felt comfortable getting by without a PT. Others here have never used a PT and have done fine.
 
Thanks for the quick replies guys. There's certainly some good advice in there.

I'm planning on weight training three days a week with a FBW. My schedule (as it stands now) will be:

M: 4:50AM - 5:35AM
W: 4:50AM - 5:35AM
F: 3:40PM - 4:25PM (in the afternoon so I can take my kids with me sometimes and give my wife a break)
(My work schedule is M-F 6:30AM-3:00PM, but that can shift back a bit if I need.)

Are these busy or slow times at a gym? I know each gym is different, but you guys may have some feel for this.

I can of course alter those times as I need (and I'm sure they'll fluctuate a bit anyway, earlier and later) but I would like to stick to MWF as my days and maybe throw in T/R sometimes. (I have an elliptical at home that will work for my cardio on T/R.)

Thanks again for the good advice.
 
5pm is right around the time when people start coming in. I suppose it depends on where the gym is located. The gym in my downtown area is quite busy during lunch time (12~1pm) but not so busy at 5 (everyone is going home). But the rec center is always busy at 5pm, and 12pm on weekends.
 
I say just go in there and workout, have a good time, and don't let anybody else intimidate you or keep your from doing your personal workout.

Also try not to stare at people because there are always people who are doing exercises that are silly and some do some that are really dangerous.
 
just go there

mind your own business

if you have a question about how to use a machine, or if you can't something, ask someone who works there

know what exercises with how many sets and reps you'll be doing before you go there

don't be afraid to pickup a 5lb dumbbell or load 10 pounds onto a bench press station. everyone started out that way

and please god dont just hang out around machines and talk to people

oh and

don't stop going
 
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If you do get a membership you might wan't to see if there is quality trainers in the gym your going to also so they can show you the correct form on all the exercises.

What gym is it? Golds gym, world gym, etc...
 
Just please, do not walk into the gym, do afew bicep curls with a barbell, act like your tired as hell and walk back out.
 
2 things-
Make sure you don't have to sign a contract that requires a 1-2 year sign up. Make sure they have a squat cage/rack.
 
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