4. Bring Music.
Most places play background music in the weights room, but it is rarely ever what you
want to listen to, and—more often than not—it is playing very softly. Bring your headphones, choose an motivating playlist (one with a good tempo for what you are doing),
and turn it up to whatever level you want! My workout playlist currently includes Ke$ha,
Neon Trees, Gorillaz, Katy Perry, and Skrillex since my gym doesn’t play these on their
radio.
5. Research What You Want to Do.
The internet is loaded with tips and exercises to help you achieve your goals. If you want
to work a specific muscle, you will be able to find at least 10 ways to use it before you go
to the gym. Write it out, make a plan, and don’t hesitate to ask a personal trainer or group
exercise instructor if you don’t think you’re doing an exercise correctly.
6. Cover Yourself!
The gym is not a place for the latest fashions. Be comfortable, but dress in a way that
doesn’t expose what people shouldn’t see in public. To me, there is nothing more uncomfortable than a man in super-short shorts or a woman with her ta-tas about to fall out.
7. Clean Your Machine.
If you touch a piece of equipment, chances are your sweat is on there as well. This goes
for the treadmill, yoga mats, dumbbells, and resistance machines. Everything. Most gyms
provide towels and disinfectant spray, so use them!
8. Don’t Forget Your Own Towel.
Sweat happens. If your gym doesn’t provide towels, bring one or two from home. Personally, I like one to wipe myself off and another to wipe down my equipment.
9. Leave Your Phone in Your Car, Locker, or at Home
…unless it doubles as your music machine. Airplane mode will prevent you from getting
any calls, texts, or emails while you are working out. If you need to take a call or respond
to a text, take it outside the room or away from other members. It is bothersome to others
if you’re talking on the phone next to them while they are working their hardest to achieve
their goals, and chances are if you are chatting with your “bff” while on the elliptical,