A lot of people make very poor use of their gym time. They have a subscription and they do take the time to go a few times a week, but they’re not really doing what they should to get the best results.
What are some of the biggest mistakes people make in the gym, the kind that waste a lot of their time?
1. Going without a music player – The gym is full of distractions. It’s easy to get sucked into some conversation with someone you know or even with a complete stranger. Working out with headphones is the best way to deter people who will try to waste your time with idle conversation or for you to be tempted to talk to anyone. You’re there to exercise, nothing more.
2. Going with the wrong friend – Some friends are great workout buddies and some aren’t. You need someone who’s at the same mental state that you are, who’s there to workout not to chitchat. Some exercises like the chest press actually require a spotter, so working out with a friend is a good idea, but not if they will waste your time.
3. Working out in front of a long TV show – This usually happens when you’re doing cardio. You’re on the treadmill or elliptical or whatever and you’re watching TV in the mean time. This is actually a great way to pass the time. But if you plan on doing 30 minutes of intensive cardio and end up doing 60 minutes of low intensity cardio just to finish the show you’re watching, you did not do the workout you had planned and this is bad. Make sure the TV fits your workout plan.
4. Working out with your cellphone – Whenever I see someone working out with their phone, I know that there’s a 95% chance that they’re full of themselves. There, I said it. Unless you’re a doctor on call or otherwise need to be reachable at all times, the cell phone stays in your locker. Don’t worry, they’ll call back if it’s really important.
5. Romanticizing the gym – The gym is a great pickup location. We all know it. However, trying to pick up women or men doesn’t make for a good workout. Either you’re working out or socializing. The two rarely mix well together. First, finish your workout and then take 15 minutes to socialize. Don’t do it in the middle of your workout.
Don’t let these 5 mistakes turn your workouts into a time black hole. Make sure to use your gym time well.
