If you’ve never been to the gym before or it's been a long time since you’ve stepped foot in one, you’re bound to have some questions. We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the gym to hopefully make your first trip all the more enjoyable. For more information on specific services and facilities, check out our FAQs or Support Centre, and for a breakdown of how to use our equipment, check out our equipment hub.
What should I eat before a workout?
It’s really important to make sure you fuel your body so that you have enough energy for exercise. Avoid eating anything too heavy (you don’t want to feel sluggish) and make sure you leave enough time for your body to digest your food.
Snacks like a banana, a smoothie or a protein bar will give you the energy boost you need before a workout.
You can use our checklist below to make sure you have everything you need when you visit your local Gym Group gym
Track your fitness progress, listen to music & access The Gym Group app
Secure your belongings in one of our handy lockers
Stay dry, stay clean and stay focused with your gym towel
Fuel your fitness journey - stay hydrated and keep those energy levels going!
Ensure a clean and comfortable post workout experience
Freshen up and feel refreshed - our changing rooms have you covered
1. What should I wear to the gym for the first time?
Wearing comfortable, breathable clothing and trainers that provide proper support is essential. If you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, you’ll feel a lot more confident stepping onto the gym floor and getting to work. Try wearing clothes made from cotton, bamboo fibre, or fabrics designed to wick away sweat, as they’ll keep you cool and comfortable while you workout. For more on what to wear to the gym, check out our blog “What to Wear to the Gym for the First Time”.
2. How do I get rid of first-time gym nerves?
If you’re feeling nervous, don't worry, you’re not alone! It's really common to feel nervous about starting at a new gym. There are a few things you can do to make your first trip easier like visiting during quieter hours, bringing a friend and having a workout plan so you know what equipment you want to use. These things will make your first trip to the gym feel much less daunting!
3. What do you do with your stuff when you're working out in the gym?
We have plenty of lockers available for you to store your belongings while you're at the gym. Lockers can be found in the changing rooms and sometimes on the gym floor. As these lockers are available for general use they are not assigned to individual members.
Our lockers don’t come with locks fitted so you’ll need a padlock. You can either bring along your own or buy one from the vending machine for £5.00.
When you’re finished working out for the day, make sure you take all your belongings home with you. We clean out the lockers daily and get rid of anything that’s been left behind. More details on locker usage and other membership rules can be found on our gym rules page.
4. Is there music at the gym, or can I listen to my own?
We do have music playing in the gym, but we know it's not to everyone’s taste, so feel free to play your own music with your headphones! Did you know research suggests that exercising to music can help improve performance? It can improve motivation and how much effort you put in!
Return weights & other equipment to their proper place after use. Remember, everyone is on their own fitness journey so always be respectful and kind
Wipe down machines after you’ve finished with them
If the gym is busy, try to avoid using a machine for longer than necessary so that everyone can have a turn
New to the gym? Our beginners workout plan is designed to help you get started on your fitness journey with confidence. With easy-to-follow exercises and clear instructions you’ll learn how to safely build strength to get a head start on your fitness goals.
Another great way to get started is to join one of our fitness classes, not only will you be guided through a workout by an instructor, but you’ll also have the support of the group
Are there showers I can use at the gym?
Yes, we have showers in our changing rooms. To get in and out, you will need your PIN, so make sure know it!
Don’t forget to keep your kit in a locker and bring your own towels and toiletries if you want to freshen up before leaving the gym.
However, it should be noted that we close the main changing rooms between 12 am and 4 am for cleaning (times will vary depending on individual gyms). If you prefer a nighttime workout, don’t worry, you can use the accessible changing room and showers instead during this time.
After a workout, it's important to eat foods that will help you refuel and recover ideally within 30 – 60 minutes. You should try to include both protein and carbohydrates as these will help replenish your energy levels and help with muscle recovery. Need something fast? Grab a snack / refreshment from one of our vending machines!
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As a general rule, it’s recommended you exercise 4 – 5 times a week if you want to improve your general fitness as this will allow time for a balanced workout with time for your body to recover. However, how often you go to the gym will depend on your general health and how much time you can dedicate to working out each week. The most important thing is that you try to remain consistent with your routine as this is where real improvement comes from.
The Off-peak hours will depend on the individual gym, and you can view these on your gym page under Off-peak Hours. However, this type of membership is currently only available at a select few gyms for new members. To see what packages are available at your local gym you can check out the individual location pages under the Find a Gym section of the website
If you have more questions about our gyms you can find lots of frequently asked questions in our Support Centre and in The Gym Group App
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