Garam Samosa

I can’t explain the number of times that I have gone to the gym with a full workout plan and my mind determined on what equipment I am going to use in what order and find that a particular machine or weight or equipment is occupied. Whether it be the floor space, dumbells, barbells, plates, a cable machine, treadmill, or cross-trainer and so forth. It is quite annoying and off-putting when you’re at the gym. Not to worry, there are fortunately some quick and easy modifications that can help you continue on through your workout. Today’s post is about a few ways that I have modified my equipment used to ensure I still get a decent workout in. I hope this helps you out as much as it does for me.

Before I get onto the post, I have linked the other posts in this series just in case you missed any:

1. Getting Fit | A Few Things to Consider
2. Getting Fit | Motivation
3. Getting Fit | My Top 5 Instagram Fitness Bloggers
4. Getting Fit | How to Fight Cravings
5. Getting Fit | 3 Things Not to Say to People Who Are Trying to Lose Weight
6. Getting Fit |How I Clean Up My Diet
7. Getting Fit |My Top 5 Snacks
8. Getting Fit | 3 Things Not to Say to People Who Are Trying to Lose Weight | Part 2
9. Getting Fit | Finding a Balance Between Healthy and Unhealthy Eating
10. Getting Fit| Resistance Bands Are Underrated

Disclaimer: Under no circumstances am I a professional so if you do start to workout or a food plan make sure to consult with a professional before starting. You are perfect the way you are and in writing this series I am not trying to say that everyone needs to work out or be on a food plan. The final say really comes down to your health, needs, wants and most importantly you. If you don’t what to workout or go on a food plan then don’t; as long as your doctor or nutritionist clears you.

Now let’s get on to the post:

Dumbells or Weighted Plates for Barbells

The gym I go to only has a small range of fixed barbells and I can literally only use one weight which happens to be the most common one as well…:( So when it is being used I opt for a pair of dumbells or weighted plates and perform my set with those. Not only can I continue through my workout but I can also focus on my movement and technique.

Dumbells or Weight Plates for Kettlebells

I literally use a kettlebell for one exercise (Kettlebell swings) and I again can only use 1 specific weight which again happens to be the most common one. So with a firm grip, I often find myself using a dumbell or a weight plate.

Cable for Weights

On the really busy gym days, I find that the weights (dumbells, barbells, kettlebells, and weighted plates) are all taken; well the ones that I use. So I use the cable machines to mimic the movement and work on my range of motion and natural movement. I find that with a weight you have to stand a certain way and move in a certain to avoid injury. Whereas with the cable machines, I find that the movement feels more natural.

Resistance Bands for Cables and Weights

Now when almost everything I do is used up or occupied, I grab a resistance band and again try to work on my range of motion and natural movement. I have a whole post about resistance bands; check it out here if you missed that one.

Bodyweight Cardio Exercises for Cardio Machines

Just like weights, cables machines and resistance bands, cardio machines can get occupied; shocker, right? So on the days where I want to do a cardio-only workout and the machines I would like to use are occupied I do bodyweight exercises that bring my heart rate up. For example jump squats, mountain climbers, planks, burpees, skipping (or air jumper), high jumps, step up, toe taps and so much more.

Going to the gym is hard enough on its own and when the gym is busy or something doesn’t go to plan it can be very off-putting. When this is the case, just take a breath and think about the movement and muscle group you are focusing on.

Hopefully, these tips help you out as much as they do for me.

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As always, thank you for being the Samosauce to my Garam Samosa!!!

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