by Eddie Alexander

Created on: October 20, 2008   Last Updated: October 30, 2008

Techno music, excessive grunting, and unnaturally large humans admiring themselves in the wall-to-wall mirrors: these are a few standard features at most modern health clubs. The gym offers a very unique environment, complete with its own etiquette and set of social norms. Thus, many behaviors that society generally considers rude or inappropriate are completely acceptable in the gym setting. For instance in the gym, it is perfectly normal for you to ask someone how much they weigh. Can you imagine discussing your coworker's weight the next time you're at the water cooler? Probably not. You will also notice the unique and often revealing dress code of the gym. Indeed the high number of bare male nipples may seem a bit strange at first, but just remember that those mirrors are there for a reason.

The bottom line is that the weight room can be an intimidating place at first. That's why we've compiled a a few tips that will insure you become part of the gym culture in no time.

The first part of becoming a healthy and happy gym member is physical education. We're not talking about the kind that involves kick ball and running the mile every Monday. Physical education means developing a basic understanding of how your body works and how to exercise using proper technique. It also means finding a fitness program - a workout routine and diet- so you will go to the gym with a sense of purpose.

Your physical education can come from two main sources: a personal trainer, or a book on the subject. If you choose the former, you will probably work out with a trainer one hour per week. Your personal trainer will show you the proper technique for every exercise you perform. More importantly, they will develop a workout routine and a nutritional plan that is specifically tailored to your needs. The problem is that personal training is expensive; expect each one hour session to cost $50 or more. The alternative is to teach yourself by reading a book on the subject. The books are often motivational and very easy to read. They act as a personal trainer in a way by explaining proper technique and providing fitness program for you to follow. Aside from the lower cost, one advantage of this method is that you will gain a deeper understanding of how your body works. In other words, you will know what to do and why you're doing it.

Once you have a program, the only other hurdle is getting used to the gym environment. You may feel insecure about your physique as you see all of the elite athletes working out around you. While understandable, this inferiority complex is very counterproductive. It may discourage you or cause you to try and lift more weight than you can handle in a futile attempt to keep up. This pitfall is easily avoided when you understand the narcissistic mindset of the typical gym-rat. (Again, just think of the mirrors.) These people want to get stronger and look better; they aren't judging you because you just dropped a dumbbell on your foot. Nor do they care that it was a 5-lb. dumbbell. In fact, they probably didn't even notice.

Armed with this knowledge, you can enter the gym and workout with confidence. You'll be getting results and fitting in before you know it. Who knows? You might even start appreciating all those mirrors.

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