I was wondering around the interweb today and found this cool site, Real Women’s Fitness and especially the post called 26 Gym Hacks You Probably Don’t Use There are a number there that are very smart, and guys don’t think that you can’t learn anything from a “Women’s” site, there is a lot of great information on there.
1. Trainers are worth the money
If you have been at the gym for a long time and still aren’t seeing much progress you should spend one session with a trainer and get their advice and opinion. This could save you time, effort and a lot of emotional energy.
Deservedly number 1! This is something that I think that most men don’t do, they think that since they read Mens Health and of mags, or was a High School athlete they don’t need a trainer. WRONG, most of these guys know what they are doing and as long as you make sure to see that they are accredited they are well worth the time and money. And most gyms will have discounts that you can apply when you start at the gym.
9. Machines are NOT meant to make it easier
When you get on a machine do not get on with the idea that it is easier to do that free weights. It is not supposed to make it easier to lift, it is supposed to help you target a certain muscle group. You still need to work hard.
I talk to a lot of friends who say that they like machines because they are “easier”. Well the reason why I use machines is that I want to push HARD, and if I don’t have a spotter a machine is very safe.
10. Repetition range means “until failure”
If you get one of those workout cards from your gym and it says “Dumbell Curls - 4 Sets of 10 Reps” it does not mean pick any old weight and just do 10 casual reps. What it means is that you should carefully select a weight that will cause you to “fail” at 10 reps. In normal speak this means that you have chosen the ideal weight if you can do 10 reps but no more. If you just do 10 reps with any old weight you are not going to make progress.
NO comment needed, this is important and something that when I am lazy at the gym will just use the weight I used the last workout and not up the weight.
20. If you don’t know, ask
The trainers are always wandering the floor like lost children. Quite often I wonder why they are even there. If you don’t know how to use a machine then go up and ask. They will be thrilled that someone actually talked to them and it might save you an injury.
At my gym it seems that this is VERY true, however there is one that I go to that they have very stuck up trainers, but that is only at one of the nearby franchises.
24. Early morning free breakfast
If you ever want a free breakfast some gyms (especially women’s gyms) offer a free breakfast of toast, fruit and a cup of tea. Go and do your workout and then have a bite before you head off to work. Perfect.
I wish that my gym does that, I am pretty sure that I would be going to the gym much more often in the morning.
And what is it with the Women’s Gyms getting the perks?
Anyway, browse the site, there is a lot of great stuff to find around there.