Afraid To Ask? We Break Down Common Gym Questions From Reddit

Many gym-goers have questions they would like to ask about fitness, and they don't feel comfortable asking for one reason or another. We decided to go to Reddit to find the most common concerns that people have and have an expert personal trainer answer them for you.
Our CEO, Gary, has 30 years of experience in the industry and is a fully qualified personal trainer, so he's more than qualified to answer these. 

1. Am I doing this exercise right?

Many need help with their form; it's a common problem we find. We can't give specific advice as we can't watch you; however, a good place to start is with lighter weights and focus on controlled movements. Go slow, be mindful of weak points, and if something hurts unexpectedly, immediately stop.
Our recommendation would be to seek out a personal trainer to help you, if you can't, look to online tutorials on how to perform the movement. 

2. How much weight should I lift?

Beginners often ask how to choose the correct weight. Start light and increase gradually as your form improves. Aim for a weight that challenges you for 8-12 reps but doesn't compromise technique. A good rule of thumb here is if you can’t perform 6 repetitions, it is too heavy, and if you can perform more than 12 repetitions, then it is probably too light. Again, ensure strict form to avoid risk of injury.

3. What should I eat before and after a workout?

Pre- and post-workout nutrition is a common concern. An ideal meal is a small, balanced meal with protein and carbs 1-2 hours before your workout. Afterwards, focus on nutrition for recovery, and that replenishes any electrolytes.

4. What are the unspoken rules of gym etiquette?

Simply be mindful of others: don’t hog machines if you've finished your sets; if you want to record your workout, make others aware (check the gym's policy; some do not allow recording), ask politely if you need help and try to treat others as you'd like to be treated.
If possible leave your phone in your bag in your locker or if you need it for music then use it for that. Mobile phones interrupt your focus and intensity and will almost certainly slow down, if not kill, your chance of getting the results you want.

5. How do I stay motivated and consistent?

Many struggle to stay motivated. Setting realistic goals and creating a routine that fits your lifestyle is key. Joining a fitness community or hiring a trainer can also provide accountability. It is also important to use discipline, be disciplined with your diet and work out routine, so if motivation is absent, you can fall back on your discipline to get you through.

6. What gear do I actually need?

Gym gear confusion, from shoes to lifting belts, is a common issue. Start with the basics—good shoes, comfortable workout clothes, and a water bottle. Specialised gear can be added as your training progresses. 

7. How much cardio should I do?

Balancing cardio and strength training is a frequent question. The right mix depends on personal goals. But combining both is best for fitness. Cardio improves heart health, while strength training builds muscle. If you're looking to cover both in one session, light cardio before lifting is a good idea to get the blood moving. You don't want to burn all of your fuel before you start the lifting, which requires explosive movements. After your workout, you can do the other half of the cardio and cool down. 

8. Should I train every day?

Overtraining is a common concern when you are enjoying your working out or are early doors. Rest days are essential for recovery and preventing injury. You may be doing full-body workouts or splits; essentially, you want one to two days of rest for the muscle groups.  

9. Why am I not seeing results?

Slow progress are frustrating, especially if you've been going to the gym for a while. There can be many different reasons, depending on the individual. If your plan was to lose weight and build muscle, generally, it's quite difficult to do both at the same time. If you're smaller and want to get bigger, it could simply be an issue with nutrition or over-exercising. A plateaus is often a sign that you need to take things to the next level, switch things up with your workout, try hitting the muscles from a different angle or try a new type of cardio. If diet is the issue, change that too - reducing carbs is often a kickstarter to increasing weight loss.

Here's a tick list to review: 1. Reassess your workout. 2. Ensure your diet supports your goals. 3. Vary your routine to challenge your body. 4. Increase weight 

10. How long should my workouts be?