5 Ways To Avoid Looking Stupid At The Gym

I love working out, but I have a confession to make. I hate going to the gym! Why? I feel intimidated and I really don’t know my way around the equipment. And honestly, I’m sure many women feel the same way and avoid the gym altogether.

Here are 5 tips that will help you avoid looking stupid at the gym.

1. Use what you know

I don’t know much about weightlifting or my way around some of the fancy equipment at the gym. I’m afraid of using it incorrectly, looking foolish and worse yet, injuring myself. When I go to the gym, I stick to what I know. Luckily, the gym I go to has an indoor track! Running is easy for me so that’s what I do. The treadmill/dreadmill and stationary bikes are also safe bets for me.

2.  Bring Your Smart Phone

My iPhone is one of my definite must-haves when I workout. Not only does it provide me with inspirational music, but there are also many useful apps. For running, I use Nike Running Club or (my Garmin Connect with my Garmin watch). For weight training or other cardio, I love using Nike Training Club. If you don’t know how to use free weights or don’t know what to do with a medicine ball, use this app for ideas.

My iPhone came in handy one day when I spotted a foam roller at the gym. I had never used one, but I have heard many great things about it. A quick Google search gave me ideas on how to use it to massage my legs. I will definitely use it again. Come prepared and you won’t have to worry about looking stupid at the gym.

3. Avoid These

Can you do pull-ups and chin-ups? If you can… great! If you are not sure, let me tell you, they are hard.

I can maybe do 3 or 4 if I try hard. At home, I have the Total Gym, and I can do up to 12 on an incline.

You might want to wait till the gym is empty before you challenge yourself to pull-ups. I would also avoid any equipment I’m not 100 % sure on how to use in order to avoid injury. If you really want to use it, ask the staff to show you how!

4. Come Prepared With A Plan

I always go to the gym with a plan. Otherwise, I’ll wander around, look at the equipment, and waste a lot of my time. When I go with a plan in mind, I get right to work and don’t waste time.

Often my plan consists of a workout from an app on my iPhone. When I was training for my 10 Km race, I used the Nike Running Club which lays out the workouts for you. I use Nike Training Club App for strength training. Alternatively, I write down my plan ahead of time.

5. Dress For Success

If you look great, you’ll feel great, so go ahead and wear some brightly coloured shoes or leggings with funky designs.

Feeling good about yourself will also help to get you motivated. If you dress the part, you’ll definitely look like you belong, even if you don’t 100 % feel like you do.  

And heck, if all else fails and you end up falling off the treadmill, at least you look cute right?

More helpful tips to be successful and avoid looking stupid at the gym

Research gym etiquette before attending

To avoid looking stupid at the gym, it is important to research the proper etiquette. Every gym has its own unspoken rules and regulations that all members must adhere to. Some of these may include not dropping weights on the ground, asking permission before using someone else’s machine or equipment, and wiping down machines after use. Becoming familiar with the guidelines beforehand will ensure that you don’t accidentally break any of them.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

It’s important to know your limits when working out. If you find that a machine or exercise is too hard for you, don’t be afraid to ask someone nearby or the gym attendant for help. Not asking for help can lead to potential injury or damage to equipment. You will go to the gym many times and it is important to make sure you’re getting the most out of your workout and avoiding any risks to yourself or others.

Be courteous in shared spaces, such as changing rooms or free weights areas

Be respectful and organized when sharing a space with others and you’ll avoid looking stupid at the gym. When you are in the changing rooms or free weights area, make sure to be mindful of how long you are taking up the space and give other gym-goers their space. Always make sure to clean up after yourself and leave each machine that you have been using in the same condition as it was when you arrived.

Clean any machines prior to use, and after you finish exercising on them

Taking extra care to clean the equipment, not only before you start using it but also afterwards, will help keep everyone at the gym safe from any potential germs (This was a thing well before COVID). Before touching any machines be sure to use an antibacterial wipe or cloth on machines and other pieces of equipment. After you finish, don’t forget to wipe down your workout station with a clean cloth or disinfectant spray. This will make going to the gym a much more pleasant experience for everyone!

Respect other people at the gym by limiting your conversations and phone usage when needed

Avoid using your phone while at the gym to take calls or have long conversations with friends. Remember that you are in a shared space and there could be someone nearby who is trying to concentrate on their own workout. Restrict all conversation to the least amount of words needed and try to whisper if it can’t be avoided. If you’re listening to music, please keep the volume down so it doesn’t become an annoyance for those around you.

Do you have tips to help people avoid looking stupid at the gym? Please share them below.

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