Newbies: Tips For Your First Trip to the Gym
After a bunch of people asking, I’ve finally decided to put together a comprehensive guide on what you should be bringing with you to the gym on a daily basis. Most of this stuff is common sense, but there’s some pointers in here that you probably haven’t considered.
Ready? This is what you’ll need to bring in your inventory:
1) Water bottle. A 20 oz water bottle is a good call. If you’re doing a high impact workout, you’re going to need to stay hydrated. If you don’t bring a water bottle with you, you’ll be running to the water fountain in between every set, at which point some vulture might swoop in and steal your machine when you’re gone. You need to be drinking water throughout, so jump on it Tonto!
2) Bring a towel with you! Look, if you’re doing your routine properly, then you’re gonna be sweating bullets. Keep the towel with you…lay it down on the pad where your head is going to rest, and then use it to wipe down the machine after you’re done using it. The person using it after you will appreciate it. Also, you can use it to wipe down a machine BEFORE you get in on, just in case the grease-monkey didn’t do it when he finished.
3) No flair. Alright junior, no headbands, wristbands, and other pieces of flair…unless you need them to keep the hair out of your face Less is more. Trust us on this one. You look ridiculous. You definitely don’t want to be “that guy.”
4) Sneakers. Never wear flip flops or anything open toed. Not only will they not let you in, but if the gym does let you in, you’ll be susceptible to a dropped weight, stubbed toe, etc. Crocs are not acceptable. In any situation. Ever. Glad we got that out.
5) Ankle Socks. If you have em, go with it. If not, go get some. You don’t need to be wearing huge white tube socks scrunched up at the ankles (or even worse, pulled up!) Less is more.
6) Leave your t-shirts with coyotes at home…we’ll discuss how you shouldn’t even own those to begin with in a later chapter. I recommend 100% cotton t-shirts. Personally, I can’t wear any sort of Under Armor clothing; these dry-fit shirts are made from 100% synthetic fabric, which does a number on your back if you have sensitive skin, often causing more harm than good. 100% cotton.
7) For your sake,and everybody else’s sake, stick to boxer briefs or tighter boxers under those shorts. For the love of God, please don’t go commando. “Bart: Homer, do you wear boxers or briefs? Homer: Nope!”
Remember what you’re wearing when you’re lying down on the bench or doing leg presses, because you could be giving the gym a free show. Don’t need your Linus and Charlie Browns hanging out (2 points for you if you got the Arrested Development…and if not, SHAME on you, go watch that show now).
8 ) If it’s warm, athletic shorts. We recommend baggy shorts…stay away from the short shorts and spandex, unless you’re into that kind of thing. If its colder, warm-up pants or sweatpants are okay. Please, do us all a favor and don’t wear the grey sweatpants with the elastic at the bottoms. Those were cool when you were in 2nd grade. The most important thing is to BE COMFORTABLE.
9) Mp3 Player, loaded with your favorite workout music. You’d be surprised how much a good workout song can help you out on each set. Also, the music will help you stay focused, avoid distractions, and in “the zone.” Nobody can hear you, nobody can bother you, its just you and the weights.
10) Last but not least, don’t forget to bring confidence, your game face, and a slight amount of dignity.
Remember, you’re goal is not “to look good at the gym” but to go to the gym to look good, and better your life.
Alright Reineer Wolfcastle, ready to hit the weights?
-Steve
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