As you may have read last week, Student Government along with University officials have commenced plans for FAU’s first Student Wellness Center. As such, since Pump isn’t just my name, I feel it’s my duty as unofficial captain to give a bit of commentary on workout etiquette and procedure. I know most of you see working out as a social hour to show off your sweet new spandex or the first appearance of your triceps, but there’s more to a solid pumping than all that. So here’s Pump’s Top 5 workout tips:
1.RAISE YOUR HEAD AND BREATHE: When your working the back muscles and shoulders, don’t be staring down at the floor all pouting and steaming with a bright red face. Raise your head or you are in risk of injuring your neck. And with all exercises, breathing is a vital element to the best workout. Remember your heart is the muscle that’s always pumping and it needs that stale, body odor filled air to get the most out of the experience. Breathe in as you constrict and out as you push the muscle. I prefer to breathe in my nose and out my mouth, but you might reverse the technique for variety. Relaxed, controlled movements are essential.
2. EASY WITH THE MIRROR: Can you take it easy on your obsession with the mirror. I see guy’s virtually making out with themselves as they do curls or bar work with free weights. Your not in your bathroom, it’s a little unsettling for the rest of us. And please, none of the posing afterwards. Your allowed to look in the mirror only as you are working out, the inspection process should be left for the home.
3. AEROBICS ARE FOR DUDES TOO: I recommend all dudes take an aerobics class at least once to gain respect for the practice. It’s hardcore and it works out muscles that traditional weight a doesn’t. The only thing girly about the classes is the music and the movements. But if you slip on your own iPod and manly up the movements, a conventional pumping is intensified with some aerobic class techniques.
4. PUT THE GEAR BACK WHERE IT BELONGS: When you use a free weight, don’t just throw it back on the rack in any old place, keep that stuff organized for the next pumper. There’s nothing worse than having to search all around or remove three weights to get to the one you need. Each rack is for one size weight. Be a team player.
5. EASY ON THE BANTER: Get in and out. There’s nothing worse than two dudes or chicks hanging out chatting up a storm between sets on machines or equipment. I don’t want to have to hussle you along, but I will if I have to. You only need approximately three to five minutes between sets otherwise you might as well come back next week.
