Even if you are still looking for a gym and haven’t found the right one yet, it is important for you to know certain things so that you can be amply prepared for your first gym visit when you do find the right one for your needs. So how do you make sure that you are fully prepared for your visit? Below are a few practical points to remember in order to make the most out of your first gym visit.
Know the Hours
First of all, you should find out the operating hours of the gym. It can be completely frustrating if you arrive ready for a good workout and then find that the gym is closed. The good news is that most gyms today, such as gyms in Dublin like Icon Health Club, begin their operating hours quite early – as early as 6:30 in the morning! In addition, if you’re looking for a late-opening gym Dublin has quite a few which operate until the late hours of the evening, often closing at 11pm during weekdays. (If you are looking for a gym membership in Dublin and you are a busy professional, Icon Health Club is a good choice).
In addition to finding out the gym’s operating hours, you should also try to find out its peak hours. Most gyms have peak times in the morning (before people start going to work) and in the evening, after normal working hours. If you are a bit conscious or simply do not want to stand in line for equipment, you may want to avoid visiting the gym during this time.
Keep it Simple
On your first visit to the gym, it is only natural for you to want to maximize your time there. But it is also important not to over-strain yourself. If you become too tired or sore after your first workout, you might end up just not going the next time simply because your first experience was too taxing. Try to keep your first workout simple, and know your limits. If you do not finish that first routine, don’t take it too hard – you have plenty of opportunities to make up for it in the future. The important thing is for your body to get used to working out, so you cannot expect your body to perform well right from the start. Stick to a simple routine during your first time, and if you are unsure of what to do, you can always turn to the gym’s fitness trainers or staff for advice.
Know the Rules
Every gym has a certain set of rules for members, whether it’s not allowing street shoes on the floor or requiring members to leave their belongings in lockers. Whatever your gym’s rules are, you must make sure to familiarize yourself with them – and adhere to them. By following the rules, you will not attract undue attention to yourself, either. You can work out in peace and concentrate on your routine without any problems.
Get Support from a Friend
There is also another way in which you can make sure to maximize your first visit to the gym – get somebody to work out with you. This is especially useful if you are truly a gym ‘newbie’ and have never visited any gym in your life before. In addition, working out with a friend can give you the inspiration you need, as it is often easy to excuse ourselves from going to the gym, but if we have to account to a friend and make our excuses to them, it can be more difficult. Besides, having a friend with you in the gym will definitely make your workout a lot more fun.