If you're thinking about going to a gym but have never been before, don't worry! You may think that the trainers at the gym will look down on you as you're completely new to working out in this way or you might even have a preconception that other people at the gym will be looking at you, thinking they don't know you as you've never been before and therefore believing you don't belong there.
The truth is, the trainers will be extremely welcoming, helping you to get started on all of the equipment that's available and for the other gym users, you'll soon realise once you're there working out, you hardly notice what's going on around you.
Whilst this is all well and good and it will have hopefully put your mind at rest somewhat as to some of the common preconceptions, it leaves open the question of what you should actually expect in a gym.
If the only films you've watched featuring gyms are the Rocky series, you're going to be in for a shock when you see the modern day variations.
Sparklingly new equipment; bright and airy workout areas; several variations of each piece of equipment; there are even swimming pools, cafes and childcare facilities in a lot of them.
Looking at what's available in a gym in terms of the equipment, unless you're going to a highly specialist area, you should expect to see the following four types of equipment.
1. Treadmills - arguably the most common piece of equipment in gyms around the country, treadmills allow you to walk, jog, run or sprint any distance you like. Plus, you can more often than not increase the incline so it's harder to run and most now come with pre-determined programs for you to follow.
2. Rowing machines - possibly one of the most underused pieces, rowing machines are actually a fantastic piece of equipment to use as they not only give your heart a good workout, but they are great for slimming down and toning your legs, as well as working your arms.
3. Bicycles - remember when you were a child and would ride up and down the road on your bike, breaking into a sweat? Well, you're going to be aiming for that again here.
Similar to treadmills, most bicycles have pre-determined programs that you can follow so you can warm up, pedal slowly, race and then warm down again without having to fiddle with all of the buttons.
4. Standalone weights - they may seem like pieces of equipment that are from gyms from decades ago, but most gyms around the country still have available standalone weights for you to use.
And don't worry, they start at particularly low weights, so there's no chance of you causing yourself any harm - or embarrassment - by trying to pick up what you thought was the lightest weight.
Aside from these four pieces of standard equipment, there is likely to be a whole host of specialist equipment, from items available to help build your pectorals to those to help stretch and develop your hamstrings and calves.
Whichever gym you go to, don't be worried or apprehensive - go in, enjoy yourself and feel the benefits afterwards.
Author Resource:-
For more information about gym accessories, visit the Fitness First, web shop.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.massagebyben.com/articles/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites 