Making Exercise Count

If you have recently decided that it may be in your best interest to join a gym, then you may have no idea how to really get the most out of the business. And, you may be a bit too embarrassed to ask about the ins and outs of your first exercise experience. If so, you can work with a personal trainer. Before you do this, though, there are a few things that you probably should know first.

Be Prepared To Store Your Items

Most people do not bring a lot of items to the gym, and if you plan to carry a bit light on gym days, then you may think about bringing a big purse with you. And, you may intend on dragging your purse throughout the gym. However, many gyms actually have a policy against this and require you to place your belongings in a locker. 

So, prepare to store your items elsewhere while you work out. Usually, you can place your belongings in a locker in the locker room. And, while some gyms have locks that you can rent, others do not have them available. Make sure to bring your own key or combination lock so your items are safe.

Of course, you can carry some things with you like your phone, a pair of earbuds, a towel, a sweatshirt, and a water bottle. Keep in mind that you should wipe down machines after you use them, and if you notice sweat on one before you begin exercising, give it a wipedown first. Be prepared with a before and an after towel if you are grossed out about another person's sweat.

Warm Up And Cool Down

You definitely do not want to overdo it when you first start exercising. Try to keep your first workout session to about 30 minutes of medium intensity exercise. In addition to this, you should add on about 15 minutes at the beginning and the end for the warm up and the cool down. This will help you to ease into the exercise and to keep yourself from straining your muscles.

For warm up, try some stretching as well as some basic exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, and squats. When getting on the floor, make sure to find a spot with a mat, as this will be the right area for floor exercises, instead of on the hard concrete.

You can complete the same cool down as your warm up, or you can slow down your treadmill, exercise bicycle, or another piece of equipment for 15 minutes. Also, some gyms have saunas and these are ideal for your cool down routines. 

Keep in mind that your form is important when safely exercising, so if you are unsure about the use of equipment or how best to complete a push-up, speak with a personal trainer who can show you how to best complete the exercises. Trainers can also help you to understand how to use weights safely, as weight training can be added as a part of your warm up or cool down routine.