Gym-ing 101

 For many, stepping into a weight room can set your pulse racing before your workout has even begun. With eyes constantly watching, your palms sweat — finding a spot to sit or stand can seem like an impossible task. 

Fitness centers can be intimidating for people who are unfamiliar with the layout, how to use equipment or how to workout in general. Knowing what to expect can be crucial to better understanding the gym and feeling more confident when using a facility.

So where do we begin?

When in Doubt, Ask for Help

Don’t hesitate to ask others how to use machines, including staff at the Wade King Student Recreation Center. Cameron Guzman, a Western junior and rec center employee, uses his expertise in fitness to help gym-goers. 

“Adopting a non-judgmental mindset in the gym is one of the most beneficial things you can do to make it an inclusive space for all,” Guzman said.

If you’re looking to pick someone’s brain, rec center employees are happy to provide the answers you need, according to Guzman.

“All of us are either kinesiology students or have lots of experience in the gym and can help,” Guzman said. “If you have questions about form or the benefits of different exercises please ask us.”

From TikTok to YouTube, social media holds countless workout plans and tutorials for all levels of gym-goers to learn new workouts. Some popular examples include:

• Yoga with Adriene

• JPG Coaching

• Hailey Fernandes

• Tylerpath

• Move With Nicole

Take Gym Etiquette Seriously

Certain practices make going to the gym more comfortable for all parties. Learning proper etiquette in the weight room is important, but it can be challenging for newer lifters.

“Some examples of gym etiquette could be wiping down your machine after you use it, not interrupting someone while they’re mid set, or putting weights away after you’re done using them,” said Graham Baskin, a Western third-year.

The gym is a large part of Western third-year Morgan DeCaprio's life. In terms of etiquette, DeCaprio stresses the importance of following unspoken rules to make the gym more safe. 

“Crossing through someone’s space in the middle of a set can pose a safety issue,” DeCaprio said. 

Other unwritten rules in the gym include:

• Don’t stare — people want to enjoy their workout without prying eyes

• Allow people personal space

• Don’t hoard machines or equipment for extended periods of time

• If someone is using a machine you want to use…

• You can also ask them how many sets they have left

• Or you can ask to ‘work in’ with them, meaning you use the machine during the rests in between their sets

• At a squat rack, don’t begin lifting if the person directly across is already squatting, wait until their set is done

• Generally, you should avoid being on the platform at all, as this may distract your neighbor from their lift

The Gym is for EVERYONE

Gabby Wright, a Western senior, power lifts and trains at Western Washington University’s rec center regularly.

“Although the gym can seem like a very male-dominated and masculine space, it’s important to remember that this space was built for everyone, and queer people and women should have the right to feel comfortable in that space,” Wright said. “Don’t be afraid to take up space that is rightfully yours as much as it is anyone else's.” 

Visits thus far into fall quarter since Nov. 11, 2024, are estimated at about 36,557 male and  62,518 female visitors, according to Associate Director of Facilities Robert Hosfstetter. 

“One interesting observation is that while there are more individual female student users, male students tend to visit more frequently,” Hosfstetter said. 

Besides the rec center, there are many other gyms in the Bellingham area. Jerad Crawford is the owner and trainer at Fitness Evolution

“I’ve spent a good portion of the last 25 years of my life in gyms, and I can honestly say that the biggest ‘gym rats, meatheads and gym bros’ are usually the most humble and willing to help out the new person,” Crawford said.

No matter the workout goals one has, the gym can be a place where everyone is accepted. At the rec center, there are a variety of workouts to choose between, from sports courts, climbing, fitness classes, cardio machines and mats to weights. 

For a more structured workout, the rec center offers student-taught fitness classes. Classes include spin, yoga, weight lifting, abs and glutes, pilates, Zumba and full body conditioning and are priced at $30 apiece.

“I think that we should all celebrate and congratulate every person that walks through the door… because getting to the gym is harder than the work we do in the gym sometimes,” Crawford said.

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