With the start of a new year and a new term we all have that new found motivation across campus. Pretty consistently everyday of winter term of the Daskalakis Athletic Center (fondly known as the DAC) has been packed, during both peak and typically slow hours. Whether it’s a cardio machine or free weights you desire, I can promise you you’re not the only one. With New Year’s resolutions in full swing many “year round” gym goers are looking forward to the New Year’s resolutions to blow over. As an avid gym goer I love to see tons of people working on getting in shape or just staying healthy to the best of their abilities! That being said, there are a few dos and don’ts of the DAC that must be followed.
DON’T carry your gym bag around with you
Yes, it is a rule of the DAC that you have to lock up your things so it is an obvious don’t. Also think of others around you working out, whether you are bouncing from machine to machine or running to quickly refill your water, the last thing you want to do is trip over someone’s poorly placed bag.
DO keep your stuff out of the way
With this bitter cold weather we often want to squeeze in our gym sessions right after class or even before. Personally I try to squeeze in my workout in-between my morning and night classes, minimizing the amount of times I have to leave my apartment. With that however comes nothing but bags, my gym bag as well as my school bag tend to weigh me down. Once you’re at the DAC lock up ALL of your things at a locker on the gym floor or in the locker room. Typically I don’t like to keep anything more than my music, water, and notebook with me during my workouts.
DON’T cake on makeup
Okay let’s face it, while we work out we are nowhere near our prime, but the gym is the farthest thing from a runway. Skip the makeup before the gym! Use the gym as your time to focus and get your workout in without worrying about how you look. When you’re sweating your pores open up, you don’t want them clogging up with makeup. I can promise you sweating is way better than mascara running down your face. Own the way you look while you’re working your butt off!
DO keep it fresh
A great workout means you are drenched in sweat and wobbling down the stairs. Just because you work like a man doesn’t mean you have to smell like one! Load up on deodorant before a workout and get ready to sweat! Sweating at the gym is a good thing; in fact it is what we aim for. But ladies let’s keep it clean and classy, carry a sweat towel and towel off in-between workouts or sets to stay fresh!
DON’T pick style over function
Keep in mind what you are doing at the gym when you pack your gym bag. One of my favorite workouts is legs, as much as I hate squats they are great for you! That being said I know that shorts and squats don’t mix and opt for leggings or yoga pants. If you are performing a correct squat your booty will be popping and you want to make sure you are covered!
DO dress appropriately
There is nothing better than a cute new workout outfit to motivate you to get your butt back to the DAC. I can admit I am guilty of over buying gym clothes as motivation to get moving. That being said keep in mind what you are doing! Dress in what is comfortable, but make sure it gives you the range of motion you need for your workout. When looking for workout clothes think functionality, sometimes what is stylish is not exactly functional.
DON’T go during peak hours
If a quick workout is what you are looking for you may want to try to avoid the DAC from about 5 pm to 9 pm. If I am going for just cardio I won’t worry about how crowded it is, but if I am doing weight training I avoid peak hours like the plague. Avoid peak hours to avoid frustration! You may be motivated and ready to go but then just get frustrated once you walk in and see how crowded it is.
DO plan accordingly
Legs and squats are important to me; I always look for an open squat rack on the third floor. It’s intimidating when the squat racks are full with guys who are squatting more than my body weight! To avoid this intimidation I try to go between 9 and 10 am to ensure I can use all the equipment I need. If you plan around crowds and look for slower times you can get in and out with your workout with less frustration. I would also recommend going in between classes! If your schedule allows, use your two hour break to get a workout and quick shower at the DAC in, you will be refreshed and ready to go for class after a good workout.
Whether its new healthy habits or a new workout The DAC is a great place to work out and we are lucky to have such nice facilities on our campus! Best of luck this term with all of your fitness endeavors!