Reclaim the gym!

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrunt! We’ve all heard them down the gym, the men making frankly unspeakable noises while lifting weights.

Once my ears were pounded by one guy taking it to a whole new level - he actually continued grunting for a good two minutes after he had finished lifting.

Utterly bizarre.

As a non-grunter, I often ask myself – is all this macho moaning really necessary?

The simple answer is no, it’s not. These nonsensical noises are akin to primal assertions of territorialism.

And worse than simply being annoying, they put people off venturing into the weights area.

Lifting weights, or resistance training as it is known, is not just for the grunters – everybody can benefit from pumping some iron.

Getting to grips with dumbbells and barbells will not only strengthen your muscles, but also burn off some of that fat.

And if you’re worried you’ll end up with unsightly muscles to rival Arnie – a fear I know puts some women off - in fact pumping iron is a great way to trim and tone.

I also know many men who find the weights area intimidating, particularly those of a skinny build.

Again, fortune favours the brave – whether you want to bulk up or not, resistance training can help you achieve any fitness goal.

So ignore the grunting guys and get yourselves into the weights area. Just try to keep it down!

In fact, I think we should start a movement right now. We’ll call it ‘Reclaim the gym’.  Let’s make the weights area a place where your average Joe and Joanna can finally feel comfortable.

If you don’t have a clue how best to pump that iron don’t be afraid to ask a personal trainer or other fitness professional for advice – most will be more than happy to give you some tips.

Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. People who are willing to learn will always make the best fitness gains.

Even as a trainer, I try and pick up something new each day. There isn’t a soul on earth who has all the answers.

Some people like to think they do, but they really don’t! Normally the ‘know it alls’ are the same guys who grunt like an overexcited orang-utan.

Just ignore them. Reclaim the gym!

For more about Matt visit www.mattpt.co.uk