So you
’ve made your resolutions and you have decided to begin working
out. Entering a gym for the first time can be scary. There’s no
denying that. All the equipment can be very intimidating if you
don’t know how to use it. There are so many myths about gyms that
are simply untrue. I speak from exp
erience, having trained and been a trainer in a number of gyms
from New York to California.
So you’ve made your resolutions and you have decided to begin working out. Entering a gym for the first time can be scary. There’s no denying that. All the equipment can be very intimidating if you don’t know how to use it. There are so many myths about gyms that are simply untrue. I speak from experience, having trained and been a trainer in a number of gyms from New York to California.
One misconception is that gyms are for so-called “muscleheads.” Muscleheads are individuals that are only interested in lifting heavy weights. They are the ones that grunt and groan throughout their workouts. Gyms are about more than big muscles. Encountering these people fro the first time can be frightening until you realize that they are no different from you.
Which brings me to my next point: that many people think that they have to look like Arnold (Governor) Schwarzenegger or Cindy Crawford before they can enter a gym. All gyms have all levels of fitness within; from the muscleheads described above to the novice exerciser. No one is expected to know everything the first time they step foot in the door. That’s what personal trainers are for. We are here to make your experience more comfortable, more positive, and instill knowledge. It’s kind of like waiting until you have a college degree to start kindergarten.
I always hear people say that they do not want to start exercising until they “lose weight.” This is particularly true when it comes to lifting weights. What people don’t realize is that both aerobic exercise and resistance training are integral parts of weight management, regardless of the level.
Often individuals come into the gym for one purpose; whether it is to lift weights, do the treadmill or the bike (or some other mode of cardiovascular exercise), or to take group exercise classes. They fail to realize that all of these things are options in a gym and that they don’t have to choose just one.
One of the appeals of a gym is the ability to cross-train. That is, to partake in many different activities in order to receive the maximum benefits of exercise. It is important to keep your muscles (including your heart) challenged. If you continue to do the same routine over and over, your muscles will get bored and the dreaded plateau will occur.
Furthermore, when an individual joins a gym, he/she most likely has specific goals that he/she wants to achieve. By utilizing all that the gym has to offer, from the equipment to the classes to the professional staff (personal trainers etc.), those goals will be reached much quicker and more efficiently.
Another fallacy about gyms is that the people are unfriendly. On the contrary, most gym members are among the friendliest people I have ever met. Since everyone there has a common goal (fitness), they are inclined to help each other along the way. If you ask anyone for help, they will be more than happy to oblige.
“Too expensive” is another myth about gyms. Rather than thinking about a gym membership in terms of dollars, it is wise to think of it as an investment in your health. It is a proven fact that exercise is a crucial element of a healthy body. A gym (or “health club”) is a great place to take care of yourself. Granted, some gyms are more costly that others, so it is important to consider the whole gym and what it has to offer so you can get the most out of your money.
In addition, many gyms offer deals when you join. For instance, Mavericks Sports Club in Morgan Hill offers special rates for students and seniors. In addition, it is more economical to commit for a full year rather than an open-ended membership. Come in and mention this column and receive one free month on a new membership (just $449 for one year).
I’m not suggesting that the same gym is the right place for everybody. There are as many different types of gyms as there are kinds of people. The trick is finding the right match for YOU. If you have any questions, please contact me @ (408) 776-1617.
Karen Frost is the Personal Training Director for Mavericks Sports Club in Morgan Hill. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Physical Education/Fitness Management from New York University, and is certified by the American Council on Exercise as a Personal Trainer and a Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant.
