How to avoid gym crowds amid the ‘resolution rush’
(Freeze your gym membership for a month or two and try some of the popular workout programs from BeachBody — like P90X or Hip-Hop Abs).
By Brittany Anas
Twas’ the week before the New Year’s rush, when all through the gym not a creature was stirring — just you, the gym rat. Enjoy it now, fitness friends. Come next week, the eager New Year’s resolution makers will be crowding the gym in their brand-new get-up, causing crowded fitness classes and lines for your favorite ab-cruncher. (Don’t worry, come February or March, things will be back to normal — if past years can serve as predictors).
Here’s 5 ways you can workout in peace come January, amid the “resolution rush” at the gym.
- Help wanted? Inquire if your gym needs any “seasonal help.” Around this time of year, gyms need to offer extra classes or need extra personal trainers on hand to train people with “get in shape” resolutions. If you have fitness certifications, you’ll probably get your resume moved to the top of the list. Essentially, you’ll get paid to lead some of your favorite workout classes — which will help you achieve that financial stability goal you set for 2014.
- Avoid “rush hour.” Most people hit the gym before or after work. If you can be flexible with your schedule, you’ll be able to get a more efficient workout in — without bumping into another swimmer in a crowded lap lane or bumping hips with a fellow classmate in your zumba class. Get up an extra hour earlier. Use your lunch break to hit the gym. Or, channel all the willpower you have and go a little later in the evening. Curious what traffic is like at your gym? Check the Gym Flow app to see if you’re gym’s real-time data is available.
- Do cardio on your own time, and head straight to the weight room. You’ll notice a couple of things about the resolution makers: They usually have brand new gym clothes and they usually clump together near the cardio machines — like the treadmills and ellipticals. If you’re a more seasoned, year-round gym devotee, get your cardio done on your own time — by running a trail or a route in your neighborhood — and then go straight to the weight room at the gym.
- Workout at home. Check to see if you can put a freeze on your gym membership for the next month or two. Many gyms offer this option. Check out the wide selection of workouts that you can do from home with BeachBody workout videos. (Money-saving tip: When you buy with ShopAtHome.com, you’ll get an extra 4 percent Cash Back). Some of the best sellers are Insanity, P90X and Hip-Hop Abs.
Read more articles about BeachBody here.
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