How to Make Lifting Weights More Enjoyable

Are you tired of lifting weights? Strength training is important, but you wish it were less boring.

You’re happy to take dance classes and play tennis. You’re less enthusiastic about raising heavy objects and lowering them back down.

You start making excuses to skip a day, and soon it’s been months since you touched a dumbbell.

The benefits of weight training are too valuable to miss. In addition to building muscle, you strengthen your bones and joints, reduce your risk of heart disease, burn calories, and enhance your mental health.

Keep your workouts on track by making strength training more fun. Try these suggestions for livening up your sets and repetitions.

Optimizing Your Environment:

1. Shop around.

Find a gym that matches your personality and ambitions. You may like roughing it in a bare-bones body-building gym.

Or you may prefer a fancier fitness club with steam rooms and smoothie bars.

2. Go outdoors.

Curl your biceps on your patio when the weather permits.

If it’s difficult to transport your weight room, do bodyweight exercises instead.

3. Listen to music.

Any activity requires less effort when you’re playing your favorite songs.

Create playlists that energize you.

4. Buy equipment.

Working out at home might make you weary of having limited options. It’s great to have the budget and space for a full gym.

therwise, you can still make things more interesting with resistance bands and kettlebells.

5. Dress appropriately.

You don’t need a special wardrobe to lift weights. However, you might feel more motivated if your outfit is comfortable and flattering.

In any case, wear things that let you move freely and stay dry. Gloves and straps can take pressure off your hands and wrists if they become sore spots.

6. Hang a mirror.

If you're comfortable watching your reflection, it may assist your workouts.

You can check your form and see the progress you’re making.

7. Find a partner.

Social support can help you reinforce any positive new habits. It’s especially useful with weight training.

In addition to providing encouragement, you can protect each other from injuries.

Modify Your Workouts:

1. Vary your routine.

There are thousands of weight-lifting exercises to experiment with.

Visit your local library or independent bookstore. Watch videos, or ask a trainer to show you some new moves.

2. Pay close attention.

Be more mindful of your workouts. Focus on how your muscles feel when they contract and relax.

Strengthening your mind and body connection will make your movements more effective.

3. Set new goals.

Give yourself challenges to strive for. Aim to bench press 25 more pounds or take an inch off your waistline.

4. Lift heavy.

Increasing your workout intensity helps you see results more quickly and spend less time in the gym.

Proceed gradually, and stay within a safe range that still enables you to use the correct form.

5. Warm-up.

If you feel stiff, give your body more time to prepare for your workouts.

Ride a stationary bike or lift light weights for about ten minutes.

6. Wear a smile.

Acting happy can help you enjoy yourself more.

Visualize pleasant images while you sweat.

7. Do other activities.

Supplement your weight training with other exercises that build strength and condition your heart.

Do something you enjoy, like swimming or Pilates.

8. Take rest days.

Your body needs days off to recuperate. Savor the knowledge that your muscles are growing stronger while you play with your children or work on your hobbies.

You can make lifting weights more fun with a little planning and creativity.

You’ll be more likely to exercise consistently and reach your fitness goals.

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Good Gym Etiquette: The Do’s and Don’ts

Going to the gym is a great way to get some exercise, move your body, and enjoy benefits to your overall health and wellbeing.

When you are working out in the gym, however, there are a few etiquette rules that you should be mindful of.

These help keep other users safe and happy and make the gym a pleasant place to be.

To help you make the most of your gym experience, we have put together some of the most important do’s and don'ts, allowing you to enjoy your workout with total peace of mind.

Do: Dress Appropriately

When you are working out in a public space such as a gym, it is important to ensure that you are wearing appropriate attire. That is, clothes that are neither too small, nor too loose and baggy.

Wear suitable workout gear, and you will be fine.

Baggy clothing can also be a safety hazard, as it risks getting caught on the machines and causing injury.

Don't: Take Your Phone Onto The Gym Floor

The gym is a place to work out and get in shape, not a place to update your social media or carry on loud conversations.

Be considerate of those that you are sharing the space with, and keep conversations and noise to a minimum. Ideally, keep your phone in your locker.

Having your phone with you also increases the risk of it getting lost, stolen, or damaged.

Do: Wipe Down The Machines After Use

This one is common sense, as well as basic courtesy.

Carry a sweat towel around with you as you complete your routine, and use it to wipe down the equipment as you go, leaving it hygienic and ready for the next person.

Some gyms are very strict on this, and you could find yourself facing a warning if you walk away from a machine without wiping it down.

Don’t: Get Too Close

Personal space is important when working out, so make sure that you are aware of other people.

In some cases, when the gym is busy, you will need to get a little closer.

If the gym is empty, however, avoid taking a machine right beside someone - this is likely to make them feel uncomfortable.

Maintaining space allows everyone to focus on what they are doing, and this makes for a harmonious environment.

Do: Put Weights Back Where You Got Them From

This one is a guaranteed way to make trainers and staff fall in love with you, and ensure that the equipment is ready for the next person.

Once you have finished lifting weights, return them to the rack.

Always remember to wipe them off before placing them back.

Final Thoughts

The gym can be a wonderful, supportive environment, and provide the motivation that you need to stay in shape.

By following a few simple steps, you will be welcomed with open arms.