16 Ways to Get More Out of the Gym [PHOTOS]

No matter how long a person’s been going to the gym, there’s always more to be learned. From new equipment to gym etiquette to tips for properly moving and caring for your body, Greatist’s got you covered. We've found 16 more ways to get more out of the gym for newbies and veterans alike.

1. Work with a personal trainer.

Find someone who will bend over backwards to help you leap to new heights. Studies suggest people who work with trainers are more likely to stick to an exercise routine than people who work out on their own.

2. Work out with a partner.

Photo by: theseanster93

Hitting the gym with a buddy can increase accountability and keep spirits high.

3. Stay hydrated during workouts.

Photo by: DaveC71

It’s worth the effort to stave off a sticky mouth, headache, and fatigue.

4. Avoid the crowds.

Photo by: Indigo_Veil

Go during the off hours to prevent pile-ups at the weights or cardio machines.

5. Take a class.

Don’t be a wallflower. Join a class to have fun, meet people, and shake up your normal gym routine.

6. Avoid distractions.

Stay focused to get the most out of a workout.

7. Try new activities.

Photo by: Altus

Even if your body isn’t built for a particular sport, your muscles can still benefit from adding new activities to your routine.

8. Don't be scared of free weights.

Photo by: Simon Davison

Dumbbells and barbells can offer a great full-body workout, even in a small space.

9. Share the equipment.

Photo by: bionicteaching

There’s no need to squabble. Let someone else work in and crank out some supersets while waiting your turn.

10. Up the resistance.

Photo by: cobalt123

Regularly increase load in order to maintain strong muscles and lower the risk of osteoporosis [1].

11. Go, even if you're tired.

Photo by: Ed Yourdon

We know; you’ve had a long day. But working out might actually cure the sleepiness that’s dragging you down.

12. Fuel up afterwards.

Photo by: DonnaGrayson

Reach for a high-protein snack to speed recovery post-workout.

13. Get proper rest between workouts.

Photo by: fortherock

Make sure to give those muscles adequate recovery time before heading back to the weight bench.

14. Do some stretches.

Photo by: fhisa

Even if you’re not the most flexible dog in the room, your body can still benefit from stretching pre- and post-workout.

15. Don't forget to wash up.

Photo by: coolmonfrere

Good hygiene post-gym visit helps prevent the spread of germs. Bonus points if you can find someone to help you.

16. Surprise yourself!

Photo by: xopherlance

You might be capable of things you never imagined.

How do you get more out of your gym experience? Share your tips in the comments below.

2
About the Author
Laura Newcomer
I'm the Happiness Editor at Greatist, so I'm particularly interested in the ways our mental and physical health intersect, as well as how...

Works Cited

  1. The effects of progressive resistance training on bone density: a review. Layne, JE, Nelson, ME. Nutrition, Exercise Physiology and Sarcopenia Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Massachusetts. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 1999 Jan;31(1):25-30

Comments Leave a comment

spresinal

16 fun and visual ways to go a step further or maybe say to yourself, YES, I am doing the right things to be a healthy motivated person. There are no right or wrong ways, it's the doing and the keep doing that keeps you on the path to success.
Thanks for the wonderful read
Suzanne

Sue Schoenfeld

priceless

Create new account

Latest Greatist