Your top gym questions answered

Whether you have had a break from your usual training regime, or lockdown has given you a kickstart to try something new, we’re here to answer some of the burning questions you may have to help you find your way back into RaceFit.

How do I start at the gym? 

If you are new to the gym or it’s been a while since your last visit, we understand you may be feeling a little bit lost how on how to get started, but don’t worry – here are our top 3 tips for starting a gym routine.

1. Set yourself goals. Everyone has different fitness goals ranging from improving cardio to learning to lift weights and everything in between. Goals can help give you direction on your approach to training.
2. Take it easy. When motivation is high, going to the gym and going the extra mile may feel like a breeze. It’s much easier said than done (we know hard it can be!) but don’t forget to go at your own pace, get plenty of rest and build up gradually to avoid burning out and any likelihood of injury.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. While it may seem like everyone in the gym looks like they know what they’re doing, they probably don’t, or they have at least been in your shoes when they first started.

If you would like some guidance, our gym team Ian and Daniel are always on hand to help.

Are gyms safe?

At RaceFit, safety is our number 1 priority, we have been working hard behind the scenes to create a safe environment for you to visit and we’ve made some changes to how we do things. Everyone has a part to play in keeping our gyms safe, and we are asking our members to continue to be vigilant.

If you would like to learn more about the safety measures we have in place to keep our members and staff safe, please speak to a member of staff.

What exercises will target abs?

The good news is that there are a huge variety of exercises that train your abs. Even if you’re not doing moves that focus on them directly, the location of your abs means that they are worked hard by compound exercises that hit both the upper and lower body. Your core is also key to any exercise in which you have to keep your body stable, such as static holds like the plank or tricky balancing acts like the single-leg Romanian deadlift.

The trick is to find an exercise that meets your needs, preferences and goals. What may be best for one person could be different for another person so it’s important to find out what works for you.

Is a personal trainer worth it? 

Hiring a personal trainer can be a great investment for the improvement of your health and fitness levels and in achieving your fitness goals.

There are several benefits you can get from personal training including;

• Correct technique and form
• Training programme tailored to your individual goals
• Keeping you accountable in reaching your goals

At RaceFit our personal trainers can help support you, if you are interested in finding more speak to a member of staff.

How much does a personal trainer cost? 

Our team offers one-to-one personal training to help you reach your desired health, weight and fitness goals. The cost of personal training session cries and is separate from your membership, click here for more information or speak to our team.

How long does it take to get fit? 

This really depends on your personal definition of fit, your start point, how many workouts you do per week, and the end goal of your training.

If your goal is to lose a few kgs, then you should be working towards a plan for at least 10-12 weeks. On the other hand if your goal is to become a sub-three-hour marathon runner, then this could be a goal to work towards for several years, depending on your current fitness levels.

Overall, you should begin to see results from a programme within 6-8 weeks. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to fitness, but as a rule of thumb, if you’re exercising constantly and challenging yourself, that should be enough.

If you have had a considerable amount of time away from the gym, you can expect a period of anywhere between 2-12 weeks to regain your fitness back.

How do I workout in the gym?

There are many ways you can workout in the gym. We have a variety of equipment to help cater to all fitness goals, whether you’re looking to get fit, lose weight or build muscle – you have everything you need to get a great workout in at RaceFit.

We understand that with so much variety and options, choosing what to do can be quite daunting at first, so our team can put together a workout for beginners plan, which will help you focus your visits to the gym.

Can I get fit in a month? 

You can improve your fitness in a month, however, it’s important to keep in mind that drastic changes or results do not necessarily mean good or that they will last.

We encourage people to focus on building healthy habits which are sustainable and health-focused beyond the first month.

How much time should I spend in the gym? 

There is no hard and fast rule on how much time you should spend in the gym. It will depend on your needs, preferences, and goals. In general, people spend about 30 minutes to an hour per workout.

Will the gym help with my anxiety? 

Exercising has been shown to help those suffering from anxiety. The NHS website advises that regular exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, may help to combat stress and release tension and improve mood.