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Gym Etiquette and Simple Exercises for Workout Rookies

New to the gym in the New Year? Here's what you need to know.

 
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Cobra
In the "cobra" exercise, you'll be working your back by squeezing your shoulder blades together for two to three seconds and then releasing. Clyburn said it's important to keep your core (stomach area) tight, your chin tucked in, your feet on the floor and your arms out at a 45-degree angle. "No shrugging," he said. Perform 15 reps.
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Photos

January has just begun, meaning all of you weight loss/fitness/exercise more/get off the couch-resolution makers are (hopefully) still enthusiastic about your goal.

Now let's match that enthusiasm with some education.

Cameron Clyburn, fitness manager and personal trainer at a local 24 Hour Fitness, met with Patch to offer some tips to workout rookies to get this new year going right.

Clyburn, who said he studied kinesiology with an emphasis in fitness, nutrition and health at San Diego State University, demonstrated six simple exercises (shown in the photo gallery) and offered the quick tips below:

  • Bring a towel (or use the gym's towel service) and always wipe down equipment after you're done using it.
  • No phones on the floor. Keep your cell phone (and the conversation no one else wants to hear) in the locker room.
  • Clean up after yourself. Put weights, exercise balls and other equipment back when you're done with it. As Clyburn said, "Your mom doesn't work here. Please clean up."
  • Share. In gym lingo, this is called letting someone "work in." Instead of hogging machines, if someone asks to "work in" with you, trade off sets with them so you can each get your workout done, with a bit of rest in between sets.
  • Ask questions before you hurt yourself. If you're not sure how to use a machine, ask a staff member to show you the proper form.
  • Keep it fresh. And by "it" we mean you. Wear deoderant, watch your language and if needed, take a shower before you come.

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