Laws of Principles - How to and What to Do - Key Questions to Ask When Looking For Trainers - Part I
PHONE MANNERS: While doing your leg work to look for your ideal fitness facility, sit down, browse the yellow pages, and start dialing.
Call the top choices on your list and feel out the person on the other end of the line.
Ask basic question about price and hours of operation, services offered and what do you get with your membership.
Ask for a free complimentary work-out; most good gyms will offer one to give you a chance to try it out.
The more they give, the better the gym is.
You might already know the answers to these, but you're looking to learn the tone of the person more than the information she's giving you.
If she responds professionally with an inviting voice, you'll know that the people running the gym are cool.
If an angry voice snaps:" Yeah, whatchouwant??" scratch the gym off your list.
Once you feel confident with your choice, visit the facility to confirm the impressions you got on the phone.
MEMBER VOLUME: It's always good to see people who share the same passion for working out.
Looking at all those fit bodies sweating to reach their goals of a healthy lifestyle is both inspiring and, well, stimulating.
But too many buff bods make a gym overcrowded, and this can be a major issue.
At 24-hours gyms, there are plenty of times during the day when no one is present and you have the gym to yourself.
However, those who are limited in time and can only work out during peak hours-early in the morning or at 5:30pm-will encounter problems.
First among them is parking.
After an eon searching for a spot, saying "ahhhh screw it" and going back home is a lot more appealing than spending more time searching.
If parking becomes an issue, you will need to reorient your schedule and go to the gym during lunch hour.
You can go around 8pm, where most of the members have already completed their work-out and headed back home.
With the parking issue resolved, you tackle the second issue: finding an available machine.
All treadmills are busy.
What do you do? Many gyms have fifteen to twenty minute limits for cardio equipment to allow other members to use the equipment.
Being selfish and keep the machines for half an hour will only earn you nasty looks from members standing behind you.
Once you pass the twenty-minute mark, you'll hear them grinding their teeth and politely asking you to get your ass off of the machine.
If you choose to ignore them, welcome to World War III.
Be fair and smart.
You are there to work-out your muscles, not your tongue.
EQUIPMENT: Make sure the equipment is not dated from "Louis XIV" era.
You joined a health club to get healthy, not injured: an old treadmill can send you to the emergency room.
Check that the cables on all weight training equipment are stable, that dumbbells and barbells are in good shape, and that bench presses are sturdy before you decide to use them.
It's your responsibility to make sure that the equipment is in safe use.
You want good quality equipment, good cardio machines, and nice (and nice-looking) staff.
Be very demanding about this.
Remember, the gym will eventually become your second home.
You want to feel comfortable since you'll be spend six days there each week.
Most of the staff is there for looks, not knowledge: they'll only anticipate minor problems.
If you do find a problem with a piece of machinery, report it to avoid someone else getting hurt.
ATMOSPHERE: Ahhhhhhhh! The atmosphere of a gym.
It depends on its membership.
Some people are looking for an atmosphere straight from "Cheers," where everybody knows your name.
Others want a fitness center where they can train in peaceful anonymity.
I would say a good medium is up to the individual.
If you're uncomfortable with a fitness center where all you see are muscle-buffed morons groaning at every rep, or where you see new members coming out with the latest summer collection apparel, look for a more conservative gym.
If you want to socialize, look for a gym with plenty of people chatting around a bunch of available machines-none in use.
There are plenty of both types.
This is the beauty of oligopoly in America.
We encourage competition.
MANAGEMENT ATTITUDE: The staff makes the first impression when you enter a gym, but management is who you seek when problems arise.
Staff has limitations to its decision making.
Management will serve your needs when they require premium attention.
Look for respect, politeness, honesty from management.
Ask them all questions you need to clarify any misunderstandings.
Don't be shy.
Bother the hell out of them before you decide to send your monthly membership fee their way.
CLIENTELE: Actually, they're called members! The same people that you'll see every single day if you keep a steady gym schedule and are dedicated to making a positive change in your life.
If coming to the gym is a two-month New Year's resolution, don't bother reading the rest of my spiel.
But if you're serious and decide to work-out every day of the week, and mix both cardio and weights, you will eventually see the same faces and attitudes on a daily basis, whether you like it or not.
The gym should be considered your "Garden of Eden", where you can come and work out at your ease, without anyone bothering you.
You might even develop a couple of great friendships or something beyond.
You want to make sure that when you enter this serene place, all your worries and anxieties are left behind and that are ready to get your body pumpin'.
CLEANLINESS: We're not asking anyone to be like "MONK" and be a neat freak.
But cleanliness should be a factor in making your decision.
Cleanliness and neatness are two outstanding qualities that define the ownership and membership.
They are signs of responsibility and respect.
Staff members need to work hard to make the facility look proper.
Having members sweating on every machine can be a difficult task for staff to stay ahead of but most do their best to make the place look as hygienic as possible.
It's also the responsibility of each member to put their weight away so the next user can enjoy the machine and everyone can come back with a huge smile.
You now know how to select the most appropriate fitness facility for your needs.
Congrats! Hopefully you make a wise decision, sign all of the paperwork, get yourself the little keychain swap card and enter your new gym.
You'll feel great about yourself, look awesome, yaddah yaddah yaddah.
Soon the staff and members will ogle you, so you'll need to know how to behave in a gym.
You want to be liked, right? You don't want to piss off the wrong people.
Here are a few tips on proper gym etiquette.
FOLLOW THE RULES: Every gym will have posted notices plastered around the facility.
Take time to read them; they are there for a reason.
Most of these posted notes are actually rules for the use of cardio equipment, such as the fifteen or twenty minute rule.
Respect them.
Even if you barely get a sweat after fifteen minutes, make sure you respect the rule.
If you need help with your cardio regimen, ask a personal trainer.
After fifteen minutes, you'll find yourself sweating bullets.
Other gyms also have rules on perfumes and colognes, again for a reason: sweat and heavy fragrances do NOT match well and the smell can be unbearable.
Go easy on the fragrances.
KEEP YOUR DISTANCE: Be aware of what's around you.
Some gyms use every available square inch of space, but prime aerobic real estate is still hard to come by.
Sometimes the machines can be so close to each other it's scary.
It becomes like a minefield in a war zone; you're walking like you are avoiding explosions.
So when you lift dumbbells or drop them on the floors, make sure there are no feet lying around the drop spot, including yours.
Do not add clutter to an already cramped area by bringing in your gym bags and place them on the floor.
It is hard enough to avoid falling on a bench or equipment, do not add your gym bags to the equation.
This is the reason why the gym architects designed locker rooms.
CLEAN UP YOUR MESS: The rule of replacing the weight back to its place is universal.
Every single gym in this planet will require it.
If you can't understand why you need to put weights back in their place, ask a staff member.
The courtesies of hygiene extend beyond the weight room floor.
There is a myth that sumo wrestlers never wash their uniforms.
They say that by washing them makes them weaker.
We're not sumo wrestlers; fresh gym clothes are a pre-requisite for entering the gym.
Sweat has bacteria and it's also gross.
Bring a towel to wipe off your equipment when you're done polluting it.
You would want to same from the other members.
Good hygiene is very popular; bad hygiene can make you the most hated member of the gym.
LOOK THE PART: Fitness gear (and the body it covers) is something to see and enjoy, but some members show up with colors so bright that you need sunscreen.
The gym is not a fashion show.
Wear sweatpants and T-shirt.
Lycra is only okay if you have a smokin' body.
And if you want to approach one of those Lycra-clad hotties, keep a breath mint handy.
They are sweet to the mouth and to other members as well.
MOVE YOUR ASS: Those doing supersets often sit on the machine while resting, prohibiting others from using it.
We understand your passion to diversify your work out.
In fact, we encourage it.
But if another member asks to "working in" with you, don't show them your ugly face.
They're doing you a huge favor.
Here's why: when you work out intensely, it's never a good idea to sit down to rest.
Always walk around the equipment to let your blood flow around your body.
FAILURE IS NOT SEXY: Those who are trying to lift more than they can to impress the opposite sex should just chill out.
It's much more like that you'll hurt a joint, pull a muscle, or take a trip to the ER than impress someone.
So keep all the groaning and yelling at home.
This is not the jungle.
Call the top choices on your list and feel out the person on the other end of the line.
Ask basic question about price and hours of operation, services offered and what do you get with your membership.
Ask for a free complimentary work-out; most good gyms will offer one to give you a chance to try it out.
The more they give, the better the gym is.
You might already know the answers to these, but you're looking to learn the tone of the person more than the information she's giving you.
If she responds professionally with an inviting voice, you'll know that the people running the gym are cool.
If an angry voice snaps:" Yeah, whatchouwant??" scratch the gym off your list.
Once you feel confident with your choice, visit the facility to confirm the impressions you got on the phone.
MEMBER VOLUME: It's always good to see people who share the same passion for working out.
Looking at all those fit bodies sweating to reach their goals of a healthy lifestyle is both inspiring and, well, stimulating.
But too many buff bods make a gym overcrowded, and this can be a major issue.
At 24-hours gyms, there are plenty of times during the day when no one is present and you have the gym to yourself.
However, those who are limited in time and can only work out during peak hours-early in the morning or at 5:30pm-will encounter problems.
First among them is parking.
After an eon searching for a spot, saying "ahhhh screw it" and going back home is a lot more appealing than spending more time searching.
If parking becomes an issue, you will need to reorient your schedule and go to the gym during lunch hour.
You can go around 8pm, where most of the members have already completed their work-out and headed back home.
With the parking issue resolved, you tackle the second issue: finding an available machine.
All treadmills are busy.
What do you do? Many gyms have fifteen to twenty minute limits for cardio equipment to allow other members to use the equipment.
Being selfish and keep the machines for half an hour will only earn you nasty looks from members standing behind you.
Once you pass the twenty-minute mark, you'll hear them grinding their teeth and politely asking you to get your ass off of the machine.
If you choose to ignore them, welcome to World War III.
Be fair and smart.
You are there to work-out your muscles, not your tongue.
EQUIPMENT: Make sure the equipment is not dated from "Louis XIV" era.
You joined a health club to get healthy, not injured: an old treadmill can send you to the emergency room.
Check that the cables on all weight training equipment are stable, that dumbbells and barbells are in good shape, and that bench presses are sturdy before you decide to use them.
It's your responsibility to make sure that the equipment is in safe use.
You want good quality equipment, good cardio machines, and nice (and nice-looking) staff.
Be very demanding about this.
Remember, the gym will eventually become your second home.
You want to feel comfortable since you'll be spend six days there each week.
Most of the staff is there for looks, not knowledge: they'll only anticipate minor problems.
If you do find a problem with a piece of machinery, report it to avoid someone else getting hurt.
ATMOSPHERE: Ahhhhhhhh! The atmosphere of a gym.
It depends on its membership.
Some people are looking for an atmosphere straight from "Cheers," where everybody knows your name.
Others want a fitness center where they can train in peaceful anonymity.
I would say a good medium is up to the individual.
If you're uncomfortable with a fitness center where all you see are muscle-buffed morons groaning at every rep, or where you see new members coming out with the latest summer collection apparel, look for a more conservative gym.
If you want to socialize, look for a gym with plenty of people chatting around a bunch of available machines-none in use.
There are plenty of both types.
This is the beauty of oligopoly in America.
We encourage competition.
MANAGEMENT ATTITUDE: The staff makes the first impression when you enter a gym, but management is who you seek when problems arise.
Staff has limitations to its decision making.
Management will serve your needs when they require premium attention.
Look for respect, politeness, honesty from management.
Ask them all questions you need to clarify any misunderstandings.
Don't be shy.
Bother the hell out of them before you decide to send your monthly membership fee their way.
CLIENTELE: Actually, they're called members! The same people that you'll see every single day if you keep a steady gym schedule and are dedicated to making a positive change in your life.
If coming to the gym is a two-month New Year's resolution, don't bother reading the rest of my spiel.
But if you're serious and decide to work-out every day of the week, and mix both cardio and weights, you will eventually see the same faces and attitudes on a daily basis, whether you like it or not.
The gym should be considered your "Garden of Eden", where you can come and work out at your ease, without anyone bothering you.
You might even develop a couple of great friendships or something beyond.
You want to make sure that when you enter this serene place, all your worries and anxieties are left behind and that are ready to get your body pumpin'.
CLEANLINESS: We're not asking anyone to be like "MONK" and be a neat freak.
But cleanliness should be a factor in making your decision.
Cleanliness and neatness are two outstanding qualities that define the ownership and membership.
They are signs of responsibility and respect.
Staff members need to work hard to make the facility look proper.
Having members sweating on every machine can be a difficult task for staff to stay ahead of but most do their best to make the place look as hygienic as possible.
It's also the responsibility of each member to put their weight away so the next user can enjoy the machine and everyone can come back with a huge smile.
You now know how to select the most appropriate fitness facility for your needs.
Congrats! Hopefully you make a wise decision, sign all of the paperwork, get yourself the little keychain swap card and enter your new gym.
You'll feel great about yourself, look awesome, yaddah yaddah yaddah.
Soon the staff and members will ogle you, so you'll need to know how to behave in a gym.
You want to be liked, right? You don't want to piss off the wrong people.
Here are a few tips on proper gym etiquette.
FOLLOW THE RULES: Every gym will have posted notices plastered around the facility.
Take time to read them; they are there for a reason.
Most of these posted notes are actually rules for the use of cardio equipment, such as the fifteen or twenty minute rule.
Respect them.
Even if you barely get a sweat after fifteen minutes, make sure you respect the rule.
If you need help with your cardio regimen, ask a personal trainer.
After fifteen minutes, you'll find yourself sweating bullets.
Other gyms also have rules on perfumes and colognes, again for a reason: sweat and heavy fragrances do NOT match well and the smell can be unbearable.
Go easy on the fragrances.
KEEP YOUR DISTANCE: Be aware of what's around you.
Some gyms use every available square inch of space, but prime aerobic real estate is still hard to come by.
Sometimes the machines can be so close to each other it's scary.
It becomes like a minefield in a war zone; you're walking like you are avoiding explosions.
So when you lift dumbbells or drop them on the floors, make sure there are no feet lying around the drop spot, including yours.
Do not add clutter to an already cramped area by bringing in your gym bags and place them on the floor.
It is hard enough to avoid falling on a bench or equipment, do not add your gym bags to the equation.
This is the reason why the gym architects designed locker rooms.
CLEAN UP YOUR MESS: The rule of replacing the weight back to its place is universal.
Every single gym in this planet will require it.
If you can't understand why you need to put weights back in their place, ask a staff member.
The courtesies of hygiene extend beyond the weight room floor.
There is a myth that sumo wrestlers never wash their uniforms.
They say that by washing them makes them weaker.
We're not sumo wrestlers; fresh gym clothes are a pre-requisite for entering the gym.
Sweat has bacteria and it's also gross.
Bring a towel to wipe off your equipment when you're done polluting it.
You would want to same from the other members.
Good hygiene is very popular; bad hygiene can make you the most hated member of the gym.
LOOK THE PART: Fitness gear (and the body it covers) is something to see and enjoy, but some members show up with colors so bright that you need sunscreen.
The gym is not a fashion show.
Wear sweatpants and T-shirt.
Lycra is only okay if you have a smokin' body.
And if you want to approach one of those Lycra-clad hotties, keep a breath mint handy.
They are sweet to the mouth and to other members as well.
MOVE YOUR ASS: Those doing supersets often sit on the machine while resting, prohibiting others from using it.
We understand your passion to diversify your work out.
In fact, we encourage it.
But if another member asks to "working in" with you, don't show them your ugly face.
They're doing you a huge favor.
Here's why: when you work out intensely, it's never a good idea to sit down to rest.
Always walk around the equipment to let your blood flow around your body.
FAILURE IS NOT SEXY: Those who are trying to lift more than they can to impress the opposite sex should just chill out.
It's much more like that you'll hurt a joint, pull a muscle, or take a trip to the ER than impress someone.
So keep all the groaning and yelling at home.
This is not the jungle.