Once you join a gym there are a lot of options on how to tailor your work out to fit you needs and goals. For some people some time on the treadmill followed by a weight routine is just the right thing. Some people are content to do only cardio equipment while at the gym while others head straight for the weights. Another great option that can combine cardio and toning is aerobics or group fit classes.
Most gyms offer a wide range of classes from Yoga to Spinning, Step Class to Muscle Conditioning. Whatever you are trying to work on chances are there is a class for you. But how do you decide where to start and how do you actually work up the courage to attend a class?
Start out by looking at a list of the classes offered. From that list see what options would fit into your schedule. Once you have narrowed down the list it is time to try them out. This can be a scary thing if you have never tried a class before or it has been a long time since your last class. Don't worry new people try classes everyday.
If you are new to working out try not to start with an advanced class. If that is the only option, arrive a few minutes early to the class and tell the instructor, they may be able to show you some low impact options for the high impact moves. If you are trying a step class for every move that is done on a step there is an option for doing it on the floor. If you are trying a weight training class start with light weights or no weight at all until you get a feel for the class. If you give a spin class a try you can vary your resistance to a level comfortable for you. Keep in mind that you don't want to rush things right away but you are here to work out so find a level that is comfortable but still a challenge.
How do you know if you are working out hard enough or too hard? One option is to wear a heart rate monitor this is a good way to make sure you are not exceeding the 80% level. Another way is to check your pulse during the work out. Most aerobic rooms will have a chart that is according to age.
Aerobics can be a fun way to exercise. The music is upbeat. The group atmosphere can help you push through those last few moves that you might skip if you were doing it by yourself. If you frequent the same classes you will see the same people so it can become a social outing as well. Just remember everyone in the room was new to that class at one point so don't be afraid to miss a step or ask a question they are all more that willing to help.
Showing posts with label gym. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gym. Show all posts
Friday, March 28, 2008
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Playing It Safe At The Gym
Americans are into fitness. Witness the 400 per cent growth in the past five years of Equinox Health Clubs across the country and their slogan sums it up in a nutshell: "It's not fitness, it's life." Still, every silver lining has a cloud, and the best intentions can be thwarted if you are unaware of how to make your gym experience a beneficial time instead of an opportunity for pain, personal injury, even serious health consequences.
Personal Training manager Dianna Scotece who not only gives lessons to clients at Equinox gyms but who helps train trainers as well, has this advice for developing a workout program that will help you remove the impediments to gym success:
• Familiarize you with the equipment and how it works. A good health club offers joiners an assessment of their fitness level and a free lesson, an opportunity to work with a trainer for education purposes. While monkey see, monkey do can teach you something, every person in an exercise space is an individual and one person is as different from another as night is from day.
• When searching for a trainer, look for someone with a personality or communication style that suits you. Most trainers who are nationally certified can handle the basics, unless you have a specific orthopedic or medical concern which you should make your trainer aware of from the start. Inform your trainer of any personal history and put your trainer in contact with a physician who will testify to any limitations you should impose on your routines.
• While many folk are studied gym rats and can easily multi-task at the workout space while flirting with the guy two rows behind at spinning class, tuning out at the gym is a mistake. When you pay attention to the TV screen or put on an IPOD and listen to your favorite tunes, you are unaware of what the machinery and what others around you are saying or doing. A flying elliptical makes a painful dent in your shin, as well as in your exercise routine, defeating the reason why you came in the first place. Catch up with the headlines or your emails at home or when you are not operating a powerful piece of equipment.
A good gym is always being wiped down to sanitize the equipment and constantly assesses the state of the equipment, tuning it up when it is not working according to basic standards. Washing your hands before exiting the premises is a wise decision. Passing germs with even the cleanest equipment is standard, and preventing disease is easy if you use a hand sanitizer or soap and water before you touch your face, friend or family.
Personal Training manager Dianna Scotece who not only gives lessons to clients at Equinox gyms but who helps train trainers as well, has this advice for developing a workout program that will help you remove the impediments to gym success:
• Familiarize you with the equipment and how it works. A good health club offers joiners an assessment of their fitness level and a free lesson, an opportunity to work with a trainer for education purposes. While monkey see, monkey do can teach you something, every person in an exercise space is an individual and one person is as different from another as night is from day.
• When searching for a trainer, look for someone with a personality or communication style that suits you. Most trainers who are nationally certified can handle the basics, unless you have a specific orthopedic or medical concern which you should make your trainer aware of from the start. Inform your trainer of any personal history and put your trainer in contact with a physician who will testify to any limitations you should impose on your routines.
• While many folk are studied gym rats and can easily multi-task at the workout space while flirting with the guy two rows behind at spinning class, tuning out at the gym is a mistake. When you pay attention to the TV screen or put on an IPOD and listen to your favorite tunes, you are unaware of what the machinery and what others around you are saying or doing. A flying elliptical makes a painful dent in your shin, as well as in your exercise routine, defeating the reason why you came in the first place. Catch up with the headlines or your emails at home or when you are not operating a powerful piece of equipment.
A good gym is always being wiped down to sanitize the equipment and constantly assesses the state of the equipment, tuning it up when it is not working according to basic standards. Washing your hands before exiting the premises is a wise decision. Passing germs with even the cleanest equipment is standard, and preventing disease is easy if you use a hand sanitizer or soap and water before you touch your face, friend or family.
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