For the past year or so, I've become a gym rat. It started as a casual college hobby to relieve the stresses of classes, but now it is an obsession, a lifestyle and the biggest part of my daily routine. Since I spend so much time in gyms and rec centers, I've seen and learned quite a bit. From the routine to unusual, all the bases have been covered. Here's a few things I've learned:
1. Never make eye contact.
Whether it's exercises that put you in awkward positions (ex: hip thrusts, good for building glute strength but extremely sensual) to rest set eye contact, just avoid it. As anyone who has ever been in a public locker room knows, you will see some scary stuff. From excessive body hair to geriatric genitalia, old men seem to gravitate towards unnecessary nudity and away from using towels like decent human beings. Just do what I do and gloss over and try to make it out without any permanent damage.
2. Do your homework.
We've all seen people doing unusual to unnecessary exercises. This is easily avoidably by doing a little research on YouTube or any other website. Having a general idea of how to use a machine or do an exercise will decrease wait time for those impatient patrons and make you look like an expert. Even if you're not, you can at least fake it.
3. Know your limits.
Ego lifting is stupid. Lifting too much, without full range of motion or proper form is just a waist of time. You just look bad and the improper form can lead to a higher likelihood of injury. If you can do a weight but need a spotter, just ask, most people would gladly take a minute of their time to help you nail a set and avoid potential disaster.
4. Do your own thing.
No one cares what you're doing. Even if you think people are watching or judging, they're probably not. (Unless you're doing something stupid, see above.) Others are too busy with their own stuff to notice what is going on. There will also be scores of people trying to tell you what to do, what supplements to take, and everything else under the sun. Some will say you work out too much or need to try this or that. Stick with your guns, so you keep loving what you do.
5. Have fun.
The main reason I never take rest days is because I genuinely enjoy the gym. It's no different than anyone else who is passionate about their preferred sport. I never take myself seriously in the gym, but I am focused on the task at hand. Although, there is a certain breed of lifter than casuals a bunch of commotion, buildup and other nonsense before their set just to get attention. Please do that, it's obnoxious.
Everyone eventually finds their niche, and I have found mine in the gym. Whether I make it a priority too often, or spend way too many hours there, it does not matter. I have fun and have met so many good people through working out. So I'm going to keep pounding protein shakes and doing triple-drop-sets, because there's no other way I'd like to spend my free time.
