If you have ever been to a gym before, whether as a member or a guest, I am sure you had to sign a liability waiver. The waiver waives the right to hold the gym accountable for any injuries that may occur during your visit. As a gymgoer and an employee at a gym, I have seen countless injuries due to improper gym safety and poor form. If you are planning on going to the gym, it is important to have a good understanding of both before you sign the waiver and blindly get started.
General gym safety is crucial when being in a gym. It doesn’t even involve you lifting weights. First, abide by all gym rules. They are there for a reason for these rules and they should not be ignored. One of these rules is usually disallowing gym bags outside of the locker room. This is to prevent people from tripping and potentially injuring themselves. Most gyms offer free day lockers, so I recommend bringing a lock and using them to store your belongings during your workout. Another rule is to put your weights back. Weights are very easily tripped over and can be difficult to notice if you are not paying attention. It takes a few seconds to put them back, so please do. It is also important to always be aware of your surroundings. The last thing you want is to bump into someone lifting hundreds of pounds of weight, potentially injuring yourself and them.
When it comes time to get started there are a few things that you should practice. The first is warming up before lifting weights. It is always a good idea to stretch before a workout. Doing so reduces your risk of injury and will increase your flexibility during the workout. Next, you should use an appropriate weight to do your exercises with. Lifting very heavy weights to look cool is not a good idea and can result in injury. It is also very important to drink adequate water throughout your workout. Throughout my time working at a gym, I have seen almost a dozen people collapse from dehydration, and it is easily avoidable.
Focusing on your form in the gym is one of the most important things you can do. You should follow the diagrams on machines and watch videos on how to do exercises properly. If you are still curious about how to do something I recommend working out with someone or asking a fitness trainer to assist you. Doing so will allow them to spot you and give you proper training advice.
Although you now have this basic knowledge of gym safety and form, I encourage you to do your research and watch videos as well. You can never be too careful when using gym equipment. That being said, don’t let this discourage you from going to the gym. This should give you more confidence that you know what you are doing before you step foot inside of one!
Works Cited
“Gym Rules.” FDL YMCA, www.fdlymca.org/gym-schedule.html.
“How to Use the Proper Form for Weightlifting and Exercising.” How To Use The Proper Form For Weightlifting And Exercising, www.spookynooksports.com/blog/manheim/proper-form-for-weightlifting-and-exercising.
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