Just go to the Gym: No One is Looking at You

     Hey Guys!

     

     The New Year is almost upon us. With it, many Americans will make resolutions to work out, eat right, and lose weight. Whatever your reason for going to the gym, exercise is necessary in order to live a healthy lifestyle.

     Most beginners are afraid of going to the gym because they fear they will be judged. This mentality is egocentric. Most people go to the gym, work out, and leave. In fact, interacting with other gym goers is considered bad gym etiquette.

     The other people at the gym do not care if you are overweight, have skinny arms, or can only lift 5 pounds. Everyone has to start somewhere, and chances are that the people you see in the gym with you started working out in similar conditions.

     People are not going to notice you in the gym if you keep to yourself. The only times beginners stand out in the gym are when they try handling weight they cannot handle using improper form, or when they use gym equipment other than for their intended purpose.

     Many beginners, especially men, focus too much on weight. If you lift more than you can handle you will not get stronger. Beginners should focus on proper form. Most gym goers will be more impressed by proper technique than the amount of weight you can lift.

     When you are at the gym, do not do bicep curls in the squat rack, do not violently swing from the pull-up bar, do not rock back and forth while performing bicep curls, do not round your back when you deadlift, and do not perform calisthenics in the middle of everyone’s workout area.

     Step into the gym and proudly bench-press 50 pounds. Proudly curl 10 pounds. Proudly fail at 3 pull-ups. It is a step in the right direction.

     Keep an open mind when you work out. Do not hesitate to ask someone for advice. Most veterans would be happy to share their knowledge with you. The last thing an experienced lifter wants to see is someone working out with improper form at the gym. Do not let that person be you.

     And lastly, do not be afraid to experiment with different exercises and routines. Do not stick to a few exercises. Broaden your horizons, find what exercises work for you, and build a foundation for your exercise routine.

     If you decide to take that first step on your journey to becoming a healthier version of yourself, give yourself a pat on the back. Do not be scared that you will stand out at the gym, be proud that you had the courage to take your health into your own hands.

     Get Stronger!

          -Nas