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Jan 13

New year, new you: Local fitness experts offer advice, etiquette for new gym goers – Midland Daily News

Fitness Comments Off on New year, new you: Local fitness experts offer advice, etiquette for new gym goers – Midland Daily News

Amanda Austin of Essexville, left, and Adrienne Gibson of Hope, right, kick punching bags during a kickboxing class Thursday at Edge Fitness and Training Headquarters in Midland. (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net)

Amanda Austin of Essexville, left, and Adrienne Gibson of Hope, right, kick punching bags during a kickboxing class Thursday at Edge Fitness and Training Headquarters in Midland. (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net)

Amanda Austin of Essexville, left, and Adrienne Gibson of Hope, right, kick punching bags during a kickboxing class Thursday at Edge Fitness and Training Headquarters in Midland. (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net)

Amanda Austin of Essexville, left, and Adrienne Gibson of Hope, right, kick punching bags during a kickboxing class Thursday at Edge Fitness and Training Headquarters in Midland. (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net)

New year, new you: Local fitness experts offer advice, etiquette for new gym goers

If you're one of the people who made a New Year fitness resolution, you're not alone. Many gyms and fitness facilities around the country are seeing increased number of users this time of year, and Midland is no exception.

Brian Patrick, owner of Edge Fitness and Training Headquarters in Midland, said he sees an uptick of members, maybe 20-30 more, come through in January. However, he said February tends to be the gym's peak time.

However, come spring, the numbers tend to taper off again, he said.

Edge, located at 1403 Washington St., unit 26, is one of Midland's membership-based 24-hour access gyms.

Patrick said he has a love-hate relationship with New Year's fitness resolutions.

"I love it because it motivates people to get into the gym and start living a healthier lifestyle and start their fitness journey. And then I hate it because nobody ever sticks with their resolution at the same time," he said.

Over at Greater Midland, wellness coordinator and certified personal trainer, Shelby Rancour, said the fitness centers have seen an uptick in numbers this time of year as well.

"I would even say it kicked in a little bit early this year," she said. "I think people wanted to beat that New Year's resolution, but it's definitely been a little bit busier at both of our facilities this January."

Greater Midland has two fitness centers -- one at the Greater Midland Community Center on Jefferson Road, and the other is North End Fitness Center, located on Wackerly Road.

Advice for new gym goers

One thing both Rancour and Patrick said is important for new gym goers to do, is to step out of their comfort zones.

"Most people are really intimidated by coming into a gym because it's foreign - a lot of times they're not sure what to do. But that's how you grow," Patrick said. "Don't be intimated by walking into a new place and trying new things."

Rancour echoed his thoughts.

"My motto towards working out is that your change begins at the end of your comfort zone," Rancour said. "So, if you're looking to see growth, whether it be weight loss or increased muscle, you kind of have to step outside of your comfort zone a little bit. So, just being willing and open to different opportunities."

In addition, they both suggested setting realistic, obtainable goals to keep motivated. Patrick said setting unrealistic goals can cause a person to give up.

With that, Rancour suggested setting other goals than just weight, since the number on the scale can also be discouraging. She said it's better for a person to focus on how they feel, how their clothes are fitting, and their energy levels.

"We tend to be creatures that like instant gratification so if that's the only aspect you're looking at, is the number on the scale, then you're going to get burned out pretty quick," she said.

Another piece of advice Rancour offered is to keep a fitness journal, something she personally does. She said even if it's a simple notebook, tracking progress and workouts can help a person stay motivated to keep going.

"You're going to have good days and you're going to have bad days, so it's nice to reflect on those good days," she said. "Or, six months down the road if you're like, 'man, I had a bad workout today' but if you look back at where you were six months ago, chances are it's still better than it was six months ago. So, it's encouraging to keep going when you see how far you've already come."

Also, if you're at a gym and need advice or have a question, don't be afraid to ask an employee - that's what they're there for, Rancour said. She also pointed out there are a variety of gyms, so each person should find which one fits their needs best.

In addition to finding the right gym, everyone should find the activities and workouts that fit them best. If a person doesn't enjoy what their workout, they won't stick with it.

"Just try something new; find something that you actually enjoy doing and stick with it," Patrick said. "If you hate running on a treadmill, don't go to a gym that's nothing but treadmills because you're going to quit."

Proper gym etiquette

Proper gym etiquette can range from place to place, however, being aware of a few basic tips can make going to the gym for the first time a little easier.

Patrick said there are two main things to always make sure you do when at a gym - put your weights away and wipe down the equipment when you're done.

"We're a small-staffed crew so if I have to walk around for an hour a day putting weights away, it's a workout for me," he said.

Rancour said another good piece of etiquette is to make sure you have a pair of shoes dedicated to the gym. She said it would even be a good idea to keep them in your car, so you always have them ready to go.

"With ice and snow, you don't want to work out in your boots and most gyms don't like people on the floor in those either," she said.

And both Rancour and Patrick said gym users should always be respectful and courteous of others at the gym.

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New year, new you: Local fitness experts offer advice, etiquette for new gym goers - Midland Daily News

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