Including regular exercise in your routine is one of the best decisions that you can make for your overall health.
We are always happy to see new patrons at the Fitness Centre in January! We strive to make sure that everybody has a positive experience at the Fitness Centre, so we’ve compiled these tips to help make sure that your experience is a good one.
Come prepared
When heading out to the gym make sure to pack:
- Your student/membership card
- Your membership is required to gain access to the gym and there are two swipe points: the Welcome Centre and the Fitness Centre.
- Proper workout clothes
- Proper workout clothes are suitable for vigorous exercise (no jeans or dress pants). Shirts must be worn at all times and not show inappropriate content.
- Indoor workout shoes
- They must be worn at all times (although there is an option to remove them on the stretching mats if you are wearing socks). Sandals and flip flops are unsafe to work out in and therefore not allowed.
- Lock and water bottle
- Bags are not allowed in the Fitness Centre and staff members cannot hold on to them for you. If you forget your lock at home, you can buy a new lock or rent a temporary locker from the Welcome Centre. Lockers are available to use for up to three hours at a time. If you are planning to shower after your workout, we also recommend packing a towel and any hygiene products that you use.
Prep your body
Before heading to the gym, ensure that you have eaten and are well-hydrated. Once you arrive, make sure to warm up! If you are using a cardio machine to warm up or work out, please sign up for the machine at the desk in the Fitness Centre. A staff member will be happy to show you how to do this. Machines can be booked for up to thirty minutes at a time.
Warming up properly is important to prevent injuries that could keep you from returning to the gym. At the end of your workout, cool down and stretch. This also helps to prevent injury and promote muscle recovery. Make sure to eat well after you work out!
Read part 2 which includes more tips!