4 minute read
Gym - a versatile hobby for everyone
Exercising in the gym is becoming more and more popular. Many people aim to be fit to improve their wellbeing and to shape their bodies. The gym is not an expensive hobby, and you can go to the gym at any time of the day. The gym has several health benefits, both mental and physical.
Most of us are nervous about going to the gym for the first time. However, there is no reason for that because the gym is for all of us. You can go to the gym in any condition. At the gym, everyone is focused on their exercises, and if necessary, you can get help from other trainers or staff. You can also bring someone to the gym who is experienced in the field.
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There are several health benefits to going to the gym. For example, it protects against type 2 diabetes and lowers blood pressure. Gym training builds muscles and strengthens bones and joints. Training is also helpful if you have neck and shoulder pain. When you work out at the gym, you notice positive changes in your body and daily life. You can cope better, sleep becomes more manageable, and you are more energetic.
Exercising at the gym supports mental health as well. It is rewarding and pushes your confidence when you recognize your progress of change. In addition, a fulfilling hobby lifts the everyday mood. Exercise increases the pleasures in our brains. For many people, going to the gym is a form of therapy. It’s the best feeling to put music on your headphones and lift more weights than the last time. Some like to work out alone. Others prefer to have a friend around. I have been to the gym in both Finland and Macedonia. In Finland, we have very differently priced gyms, from the cheapest to the most expensive. Prices range from about 20 euros to 60 euros. Also, in Macedonia, prices range from 20 euros to 40 euros. I was a little surprised by the prices of Macedonian gyms, which may be why people may not be able to go to the gym. There are several 24/7 gyms in Finland and a few in Macedonia. Currently, gyms in both Finland and Macedonia are open despite the corona situation. It is important for fitness enthusiasts to maintain good hand hygiene and to clean the equipment after each use. You should not come sick to train, and it is good to keep your distance from other trainers.
Gyms often have personal trainers who can help you work out. They have training for this, but the profession is not title-protected so that anyone can be a personal trainer. Hiring a personal trainer is always more expensive but also profitable. There is no price tag for your well-being. We each have different reasons why we want to be fit. Some want to do it to look better. Some want to promote their health. It is good to think about your own goals and motivate yourself to exercise! Today, people are increasingly interested in their well-being, and the gym is one good way to promote their health. Getting started in the gym is not as difficult as you might think. What you should bring are exercise clothes, a water bottle, and good shoes. Even though every gym looks different, they usually have similar equipment. Visit multiple gyms and choose your favorite one. If you don’t know what to do at the gym, hiring a personal trainer or asking a friend for help is one good way. Of course, there is always useful advice on the Internet as well. In the beginning, it is essential to remember to work out calmly and be patient. In addition to training in the gym, it is vital to get enough sleep and eat. It would help if you gave yourself enough time to adapt to a new hobby and keep in mind that everybody started at some point. In the beginning, it is best to go to the gym 2-3 times a week. You can work out your whole body, i.e., upper body and lower body. Large load movements are great such as squats, deadlift, bench press, and pull-ups. Other good moves include dumbbell row, various pulleys, step squats, and push-ups. Before training, it is important to do initial warm-ups such as rotating for a moment and stretching so that the muscles are ready for training. Start with small weights and add weights little by little. Investing in the right kind of technology is essential!
The most crucial thing in a gym workout is an open and positive mind and a desire to learn something new! Sometimes you have to seek discomfort to learn something new and develop. Always remember: YOU CAN DO IT!
Niina Koivula
