For most of us the reason we choose to join a gym is to help maintain a healthy lifestyle, loose weight or tone up in what some of us refer to as “problem areas”. When choosing which gym we join, we may look at which is the cheapest, which has the most to offer us, or the one we live closest to.
I believe that joining a gym has more benefits than working out at home. Not only do they have a variety of professional equipment that allows us to train different parts of our body, they also have trained fitness instructors to assist us in our fitness goals. Fitness instructors are there to ensure we know how to use all of the equipment safely and to write up fitness plans to cater for our needs.
When we first join a gym it is important that we are shown how to use all of the equipment properly; this usually involves us been given an initial induction by one of the fitness staff. After the induction, staff at most places will usually fill out some paperwork with us as proof that they showed us how to use the equipment. This acts as a legal document if we do become involved in an accident whilst using the gym.
All gym equipment should be frequently checked to make sure that it is in working order, and does not pose a danger to those using it. It is essential that those who choose to use the free weights at a gym know how to do so safely, as failure to do so can cause damage to the muscles in the body.
If you do become involved in an accident whilst using your gym then you should report this to a fitness instructor immediately. They will then assess your injuries and fill out an injury report about how it appears the injuries were sustained. If you feel you need medical attention for any injuries sustained you should inform a medical attendant that the injuries were caused when using the gym in question. If the gym has been negligent in their duty of care for you, you may be able to claim for compensation from them.
When using a gym it really is important that you know how to use the machinery correctly. If at any point you feel unsure, you should ask a fitness instructor to assist you.
