I‘ve always been a gym rat but I recently
changed gym locations because they opened up a new gym very close to my house.
So I decided to try it out and I can’t help but notice how many new people are
going to the gym. I normally see new people in the gym after the holidays after
January or February there is an increase in membership. About March there is a
slight drop off on membership. I am sure there are reasons for this drop off
the weather tends to be nicer so they may choose to work out in the outdoors.
Whatever the reason is I think it is important to be safe in the gym to avoid
injury. Since joining my new gym I have seen some new person get injured
thankfully nothing serious but enough where they would have to give up physical
activity for a while until they are healthy.
First, before you begin any fitness program
inside a gym or at home you should see your doctor. Just as a rule you should
get a yearly checkup anyway but definitely before joining a gym. You want to
know if you have any conditions prior to starting any workout also the yearly
checkup will let you know if you are on the right track health wise.
Do not skip a warm up or cool down after your
workout. This is very important to avoid injury in the gym. Your warm up does
not have to be long just 3 to 5 minutes this will allow the blood to flow bring
your heart rate up slightly. A very easy warm up would be a walk on a treadmill
for 3 minutes you want your muscle fibers to be loose. Also please take time to
stretch.
When you are at the gym if you are lifting
lighter is better. You want to have good form do not use too much weight in the
beginning it better to take your time learn proper form. When you are doing
cardio I start with a short period of time and extended the time as you feel more
comfortable with the cardio routine.
When in doubt about any workout form or
routine see a personal trainer. They will give advice for free most of the time
and are happy to help and share their knowledge.
Lastly, keep the gym neat put weights back. I
cannot tell you how many times I see people trip over weights left in the
middle of the gym floor. Also please wipe down benches and machines, wiping
down machines prevent colds or flu from spreading.
I hope this is helpful as always please leave
a comment
Mark Carbajal
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