Crowded Gyms. Image credit: Crossfit.

One of the best ways to avoid missing workouts is to go to the gym first thing after work. Leave for work with your gym bag. When your work day ends, eat your pre-workout nutrition and go straight to the gym.

Most work 9 to 5 and apply this trick. That’s why gyms are crowded between 5-7pm. So you end up losing time waiting for the Squat Rack to be free. Worse, you’re forced to drop exercises. Here’s how to deal with crowded gyms.

Make Them Hurry up. A lot of gym go-ers don’t have a plan. They spend more time resting between sets & looking around than working out. They’re wasting their time & yours.

“How many sets do you have left?” Euphemism for hurry up. The guy without a plan will answer: “1 or 2 more sets & I’m done”. Let him finish his workout, do some dynamic stretching, prepare your weights.

Workout in Between. But some will answer “4-5 sets left” or “just started”. You can’t wait that long. Answer: “I’ll do my sets in between as I’m short on time”. Be confident but friendly. They have to rest between sets anyway.

Even if it’s 2-3 guys doing different exercises than you. Say it. It’s good for your confidence. Make their life easier by (un)loading the barbell. Ignore remarks. As long as you get what you want, it doesn’t matter what they say.

Avoid Monday’s. “Monday is National Bench Day, Tuesday is National Bench Day Part II” – Guni, Forum member.

Monday & Tuesday are also the busiest days at the gym because of the feeling of guilt after a weekend eating junk food. If your schedule allows it, work out on We/Fr/Su or Tu/Th/Sa or Su/Tu/Th.

Use The Gym during Less Crowded Hours. You can leave towels, water bottles or alternate with your training partner. But people will complain if you do giant sets, using 4 pieces of equipment in a crowded gym.

Do those things when the gym is less crowded. Wake up earlier, workout in the afternoon or weekends. Gyms are calm between 5-6am, 1-3pm & 8-10pm.

Build a Home Gym. You’re motivated & have space? Build a home gym. No more driving to the gym & back, no more waiting, no more remarks. Best investment ever if you’re serious about your training.

I want to hear your tips on how to deal with crowded gyms. Share them in the comments below.