Finally joined a "real" gym... going at 6pm?!

thepiratemd
thepiratemd Posts: 65
in Fitness and Exercise
darn.. on one hand I'm super pumped about finally belonging to a gym with a huge selection of free weights

on the other hand, it's a 24 hour place, and the only time I'll be able to exercise most week days is around 6pm...the RUSH time....

bleh...hopefullly It's not too crowded. Anyone here go to a big gym at those times, and have things work out?

Replies

  • haroon_awan
    haroon_awan Posts: 1,208 Member
    Yep, I normally go after work, sometimes 5-7pm. It sucks because my gym is very small and there is only 1 power rack. I've had to wait 45 mints to squat before because it's a first come first serve type thing.

    A 24 hour gym would be quite big, no? I think you'll be fine.
  • kellster111
    kellster111 Posts: 113 Member
    I belong to a 24 hour gym, mine is quite large but does get busy between 5-7, I try and avoid those times if I can, but sometimes I have to go then. Make sure you are flexible with your workout as you may not always be able to get on the piece of equipment when you want to, always have an alternative so you don't spend half your time standing waiting for someone else to finish.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    I workout at a big gym... and it's NOT 24 hrs- it closes at 11 PM 4 days a week, 10 On friday and 7 Sat/Sun.

    It's definitely going to be harder to get in there at 6... but you'll find once you get in there and get familar with it- you'll feel more comfortable and figure out what you can get done. You'll start seeing the same faces and getting used to being there- it feels like much less of a fight to get equipment.

    Also biggest thing- don't be afraid to A. Ask how many more sets they have

    (if it's a cable tower or something easily adjustable- they may let you work in... if they just started ask politely- do you mind if I work in)
    if it's a bench or squat rack- don't bother- it's a huge pain in the *kitten* to work in on that type of equipment.

    B. Don't be afraid to just change your workout- you may not get a piece of equipment when you want it- happens all the time. I want to squat- someone's in there doing curls.... I give them the strong side eye.
  • ChrisLindsay9
    ChrisLindsay9 Posts: 837 Member
    I work out during peak busy time as well. Here are some suggestions:

    1) Have a plan of action, with some flexibility in case you to move things around.

    2) Take a longer warm-up, or incorporate some light stretching or lightweight exercises in between sets if the piece of equipment you need is being used.

    3) If you see a piece of equipment that you need to use is busy, ask the people if they can let you know when they have one or two more sets (tell them where you'll be and stay there so they can find you). I usually will say "no rush, I just need to use it so if you can let me know when you have 1 or 2 more sets, I'd appreciate it. And when they let you know, don't hover too close. Just put a towel or water bottle there and give em some room.

    4) Don't be shy about asking to work in. But if someone asks to work in, then he or she should try to match the pace of the person already there. And help put on/take off plates. And don't give advice/suggestions unless prompted. Heh.

    5) If you are able to work in with someone, it doesn't necessarily mean that a conversation is going to happen. In most cases, when I work in with someone, if that person is listening to music, then I won't talk with him (unless it's to clarify what plates to put on/take off).

    Get a feel for what exercises are popular on what days. In many gyms, I've seen most of the bench pressing fall on Mondays and Tuesdays (and sometimes, Fridays). Popular days for squats and deadlifts seem to be Mondays through Wednesdays.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    ^^

    excellent advice

    also about the Monday = bench day LOL

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