Working out at the gym can be intimidating, especially if you haven’t been to the ARC yet. Everyone seems to know what they’re doing, and deciding which machines to use and how to use them can be stressful. Here are some helpful hints for navigating the ARC and making your workout enjoyable.
1. The Weight Room
The weight room, immediately to the left when you swipe in, can be super intimidating if you haven’t gone in before. Inside, there are treadmills, ellipticals, free-weights, and a variety of weight machines. If you haven’t been inside before, going with a workout buddy would make the experience less intimidating. Plus, the cardio machines are in the back corner, so you don’t have to worry about people looking at you!
2. Group Exercise Classes
If you’re looking for more of a full-body workout, a group exercise membership is for you. It’s only $25 a quarter, and there’s a variety of classes offered. Some classes include: spin, step, interval training, and Zumba. The instructors are super nice and welcoming to all levels and you can’t beat the price!
3. Weight Machines
There are a handful of weight machines next to the basketball courts. These are nice because there’s absolutely no pressure of being in a full room of people lifting weights. The machines are very easy to use and always have a picture with instructions on the side. So, don’t worry if the machine looks unfamiliar because there will be instructions on how to use it!
4. The Track
I was initially nervous about running on the track, as I’m not the fastest runner in the world. But, once you start using it regularly, it’s a breeze. First, make sure you’re running in the same direction as everyone else. Second, if you’re more of a jogger like I am, make sure you stay to the right, so faster runners can pass you in the left lanes (just like driving a car). They have cubbies for water bottles on the left-hand side of the track as well. If you’re listening to music while using the treadmill, it’s nice to have an armband for your phone. Also, they have little machines in the corners of the treadmill along with weights to round out your cardio!
5. Clean Your Machine!
After using a machine at the ARC, it’s important to wipe it down for the next person. Running on a sweaty treadmill is just plain gross. Throughout the ARC are paper towel dispensers with spray cleaners so you can clean the machine after use. Make sure you spray the towel, and not the machine!
6. Use the Buddy-System
The best way to make sure you actually commit to going to the gym is to make a friend go with you. Not only is it less intimidating to go with someone, but it helps hold you accountable to your exercise schedule.
Getting in the rhythm of going to the gym is the best way to conquer your fear about going. It’s important to remember that no one is watching or judging you while you exercise, because everyone is just focusing on their own workout. The more you go, the better you’ll feel!
Thumbnail courtesy of Kirsten Burrell