Workouts, Muscle Building, Fat Loss & Bodybuilding Articles

Get Your FREE Acount on Workout-X™ Social|Activate Your FREE Trial on Workout-X™
Learn From Our Experts

Get The Most From Your Gym Membership

July 18, 2007 Print This ArticleShare

Author: Certified HyperStrike Trainer

Humans are creatures of habit. We eat the same 15 foods, frequent the same restaurants, watch the same TV shows, listen to the same music and, unfortunately, follow the same workout program long after it should have been retired. Why? Maybe it's because that's all we know and we are too busy to take the time and learn something new. If you are working out at a gym here are a few tricks to kick start your workouts.

Ask for help
Most gyms are filled with experienced and well educated personal trainers; next time you see one ask him/her for a few pointers. Most personal trainers won't mind sparing a moment to help you learn a new exercise or help you polish your technique. If you require more than a few minutes, ask the trainer for a consultation. Many personal trainers offer this service for free as a way to get to know you before becoming a client.

Assess yourself
Remember those physical fitness tests you used to take in PE class? Below is a list of websites that provide similar tools to give you a fitness benchmark and to determine if you needed more exercise. You can find fun and interesting ways to assess your fitness at these sites:

PresidentsChallenge.org
Bodymass Calculator
Great List of Fitness Tools

You can also approach the staff at your gym and ask for a fitness evaluation. Depending on the gym's policies you might be able to get your assessment for free. Once you know your level of fitness you can decide if you want to make the necessary changes in your workout to improve or if you'll need the help of a professional.

Get a plan
It's crazy to think most people working out in gym do not have a plan. Approximately one in ten people actually have an organized fitness plan. I don't know many people that would invest in the stock market, take a vacation, or drive to a new location with out a road map. Somehow we got the idea we just needed to join the gym and the rest would take care of itself. Not exactly! There are plenty of excellent fitness plans to choose from that are designed to reduce fat, build muscle, improve flexibility, and keep your workouts fresh.

Keep track
Keep a fitness journal! Record how you felt during the workout, the time of day you worked out, the music you listened to, the sets, reps, and training loads. Stay committed to your program by tracking your results. It will be very satisfying to review your training logs after a few months of training. The progress achieved will be visible both in the mirror and on paper. In the coming months, HyperStrike will be releasing a very unique assessment and tracking tool. Included will be several motivational tools designed to keep you on the path to results.

Find a workout buddy
Partner up for better workouts. A partner will be there on the days you feel like skipping the gym and heading out to eat instead. A workout buddy will help you squeeze out that last rep and lift that extra weight. If you're having trouble finding time with your partner or spouse, hire a personal trainer to work with both of you. Personal trainers can find ways to include a healthy dose of friendly competition between you and your partner. Plus, a partner provides support and motivation outside the gym.

If you've been doing the same set of exercises at the gym and your results have plateaued, it's time for an intervention. Pick any of the above mentioned ideas and approach the gym with a fresh perspective. Remember, gyms are not boxes filled with equipment, but rather a place where like minded people gather to improve their lives. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for some help. If you don't currently belong to a gym, but want to join one - check out our new "find a gym" widget located on our HyperStrike home page. Enter your zip code and a list of local gyms will appear. Fill out the simple form and receive a free pass to workout.

Happy training!
Back to top

Latest Related Articles By Topic:

Beginner Fitness

Exercise Motivation

Exercise Training

Fitness

HyperStrike Workout

Injury Prevention

Nutrition Health