"My New years resolution is to join a gym!"

Every single year, you hear at least one person say "My New Years resolution is to join a gym". Whenever I hear it, the first that comes into mind is "Oh we've got another one". That generalization of people is actually quite rude of me and I should encourage them, I want to; However I've just heard it so many times and the saying "Actions speak louder than words" comes to mind. Consequently the only exercise they get is jumping to conclusions, running down their friends, side-stepping responsibility and pushing their luck. Not my kind of workout. For those who are serious about making gym a part of their lives here are a few rules everyone should abide by! In no particular order...

03/12/12

1. Leave your ego at the door!!

Weight training to boost your ego is not only stupid but it's also unsafe for you and possibly for others too. When I was 16 I used to go to the gym and pretty much dumbbell curl the whole time because I wanted bigger arms than my friends. I've learnt a lot since then. When training with someone bigger than me pushing heavier weights, I have no problem adjusting the weight to what I can do to fail within my rep range. (Helps to train with someone around your size so you don't waste time changing the weights)

2. Be considerate and co operative

One of my pet hates. "Excuse me, how many sets do you have left?" "I've only just started yano mate". First of all, I asked how many sets remaining, not for an uncertain imprecise guess in reference to time. If you plan your sessions (which you always should) you should know. Also once you're done you should notify the person who asked, and also if asked, inform anybody else that there is somebody waiting.

3. Clean your sweat from machines

If I wanted to go swimming I would have brought my trunks.

4. Don't talk down at people

Everyone had to start somewhere, those who are inexperienced are already intimidated and don't need to be any further. Encourage others and help them out, I'm a firm believer of help others and others will eventually help you.

5. If you smell, stay at home

On too many occasions I'd be walking between machines, in the gym on the way to my next exercise and someones BO just slaps me in the face. Surely if you shower this wouldn't happen. I always make sure I've already showered before I go to the gym.

6. Don't skip leg day!

Largest muscle group in the body, most painful area to work until failure (My opinion) Just because this is the case, that doesn't mean you shouldn't work on them at all. There's nothing worse than an imbalanced upper and lower body!





7. Stay Focused

Guys who go to the gym and attempt to get girls. You can't be serious.

8. Put your weights back

Unexpected dumbbells barbells and plates on the floor are the fastest way to breaking someones neck. Please put your weights back!

9. Plan

I think a large part of the lack of motivation people have when going to the gym is due to not planning their week ahead. If you just walk in there and freestyle your session its much easier to just settle for anything, lose track of what you've already worked on and miss areas of the body out come the end of the week. If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail!

10. Be patient, don't quit

Whatever your goals are in the gym, I can almost guarantee you they're going to take longer than you hope. To achieve that body you really want you need to work hard, be persistent and patient. So many people expect to see the body they wish for after a week. Be realistic, Rome wasn't built in a day; Coventry maybe but that's besides the point. I've been going to the gym nearly 5 years, body building for 2 and a half of those and I know I won't hit my peak until at least another 5 years of hard work!

11/05/09-29/10/12

The biggest rule of all is to have fun and enjoy the journey of a healthier lifestyle! Although it may not seem like it, this is a very warm welcome to gym life from me to you! Good luck to everyone and Happy New Year!

If you feel I've missed anything out let me know! ;0)

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