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The frustrations with this is just one of the reasons Coach Hayley Akradi, CPT, who’s been training members at Life Time for more than a decade, created her new digital training program, The Body Blueprint. After years of honing in on the strength-training methods that resulted in real change in her body, she mapped them out into this program so that others could benefit from the same demonstrated approach.

“I think it’s frustrating for people who see somebody on Instagram and say, I want to train like them so I can look like they do. And then they go to their link in bio and buy, say, a three-day booty-building program that was designed to put money in their pocket — not as something they actually do,” Akradi says. “The Body Blueprint is my program. In this moment, I’m on week five of it. It is quite literally how I train to live my life.”

We spoke with Akradi to learn more about The Body Blueprint program and how it’s informed by her personal approach to health and fitness.

Life Time | Your personal experiences have influenced your philosophies around fitness and health. Can you tell us about your approach and how that came to be?

Hayley Akradi | In 2010, I graduated high school and got my first membership at Life Time, and that is when I really discovered strength training. I was taking yoga and strength group classes, as well as some Alpha classes. I started to understand how I could manipulate my body with different training techniques. About five or six years later, I decided I was going to hire a coach and go into the sport of bodybuilding.

But things took a little bit of a turn when I took a trip to Mexico and got salmonella. I was very, very sick, but I got back to the United States, received treatment, and thought I was getting better until I started experiencing pain in my right leg. I knew it wasn’t an injury, but was told it was by a doctor and sent home from their office.

The pain got worse and worse and I had so much swelling I couldn’t get my pants on anymore. It felt like there were knives floating in my leg. Anytime I would move or breathe, there was so much pain. I checked myself into the ER and they did a bunch of tests, but told me I was fine and sent me home.

I ended up getting stuck in my closet because I couldn’t move off the floor. I checked myself into the ER again and was admitted to the hospital. Over three days I saw about six doctors and ended up being sent home again without them figuring out the cause.

Six months went by where I couldn’t walk without crutches. All the muscle I had built had completely atrophied. I ended up being seen at the Mayo Clinic where I finally got answers: I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition caused by a gene called HLA-B27. It’s a reactive arthritis you can get based off of one of three different infections — one of them being salmonella.

I saw a rheumatologist who recommended intense medication which came with a multitude of negative implications, and so I decided to go the holistic route. I found an amazing holistic doctor who I still see to this day and we worked on ridding my body of inflammation through diet and other lifestyle practices. Within two weeks, I was on the training floor again.

I didn’t have any muscle left by this point, but I started over. I got back into bodybuilding and made it to the national level.

That takes us to about 2018, which is when I realized the stress I was putting on my body related to my bodybuilding efforts was causing my autoimmunity to become out of control. So, I started training in a new way — still to manipulate my body, but without so much cardio and output, and without my cortisol levels going through the roof. I was training in a way that let my body calm between sessions.

This is a long story, but this is how The Body Blueprint program came to be — I took all the different pieces I loved from training and put them together in a way that wouldn’t stress my body. The way I train, the things I do before, between, and after training, it all comes from a very holistic approach.

LT | The Body Blueprint program is designed to build strength and hypertrophy without overstressing the body, which is very intentional. Tell us more about the program — what outcomes can someone expect from it and who’s it best for?

HA | I’m excited for people to go through The Body Blueprint and have the same experience and outcomes from it that I have. I called it the “blueprint” because it is quite literally the blueprint of how I train every single day. It’s an eight-week program available to anyone in the Life Time app.

The goal is to build strength and muscle while also being able to burn fat and improve your body composition. It’s not a weight-loss program; it’s a program where your muscle comes up and your body fat goes down. You can expect to look and feel different in your body.

I would say it’s for intermediate and above levels because it is important to have a foundation for how to properly move in weightlifting exercises. But for beginners who want to get into this, I have a lot of videos and notes in the program where I coach you through and help explain what movements should look like.

I also love this program because when you’re done with week eight, you can go back to week one and do it again — and keep continuing to get stronger.

I’m excited for people to discover a different way of strength training that’s going to help them get to where they want to be with their body composition but without overtraining and being overstimulated. These workouts help you for life — they don’t put you over the edge.

LT | How is The Body Blueprint laid out and what does a week of exercise look like?

HA | The Body Blueprint is a mix of strength and hypertrophy. It’s not done in phases, but rather combines the two. Each week includes five strength-training days, along with a sixth full-body training day. It’s structured as follows:

• Shoulders and core day
• Quad-based lower-body day
• Glute- and hamstring-focused lower-body day
• Back and biceps day
• Chest and triceps day
• Full-body day

Each day features a primary movement. For example, on shoulders and core day, you’ll perform an overhead press. While that movement stays consistent throughout the eight weeks, variables like sets, reps, and volume will change. The main move is complemented by accessory movements, which you’ll perform as supersets, triple sets, isometric holds, and eccentric movements throughout the course of the program.

While time for recovery is built into the program, the full-body day is optional if you’re ever feeling taxed.

LT | How does recovery look in your personal exercise routine?

HA | I absolutely have off days where I’m not working out — but that doesn’t mean I’m not moving. NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) is super important. There’s usually a day where I’m coaching Ultra Fit. One day I week, I take my baby, Daria, to gymnastics. Those days movement looks different, but I’m still moving. The days when I’m training harder are usually the days when I’m in the office and sitting more.

You want to make sure you’re thinking about recovery and have a couple of days where you’re not working out super excessively. I also do a Dynamic Stretch session once per week and I love the infrared sauna for recovery too.

LT | Are there certain health and fitness habits that are non-negotiables for you?

HA | I always eat before training and never work out fasted because for me, I’m always reaching for MMF, or momentary muscle failure, which is something we talk about in the program — but having the energy to lift that heavy requires me to get protein and carbs in prior in the morning. I’m usually getting about 30 to 40 grams of protein and 40 grams of carbs. My morning routine is very much the same: I drink electrolytes right away, then I eat, then I caffeinate, and then I lift.

I also always come into the club with a plan for my workouts, and I schedule them on my calendar. I know that every Monday is my shoulders and core day. I know every Wednesday is my quad-based leg day. I put those on my calendar and always show up for myself.

Sleep is also a huge priority for me. I have a baby at home — I need energy for her and I need energy for my workouts. I also need to be recovered. I sleep seven-and-a-half to eight hours every night. My 20-month-old wakes up at 5:15 a.m., so that means I’m getting ready to lay down and fall asleep by 8:30 or 9 p.m. (Learn more: “Coach Hayley Akradi’s Sleep Secrets for Better Health and Performance“)

I eat non-inflammatory foods 80 percent of the time. I don’t eat seed oils. I don’t eat really anything with added ingredients. I try to eat as much from the ground — such as grass-fed beef, organic chicken, fruits, and vegetables — as I can. (Learn more: “How Coach Hayley Akradi Hits Her Daily Protein Goals.”)

LT | What advice would you give to those who are trying to figure out the training program that’s right for them?

HA | I would encourage looking at what you can be successful at and sustainable with. What I mean by that is, if you have three days to work out and you choose a six-day-a-week program, you’re probably not going to be successful at it and you’re probably not going to sustain it. If you’re that person and you want to work out six days a week, you can absolutely get there, but first, you need to feel like you’re successful at something.

The Body Blueprint is a six-day-a-week program so it’s something you do have to put a little bit more time into — but you are absolutely going to see body composition change. As long as you can sustain it and feel successful at it, then it’s the right program for you.

LT | I’m interested! How can I sign up for The Body Blueprint?

 HA | The Body Blueprint can be found in the Life Time app. It’s available to anyone who has the app, regardless if you’re a Life Time member of not.

The post What Is The Body Blueprint Program? appeared first on Experience Life.

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In late October 2025, the inaugural LT Games hybrid fitness competition is taking place at Life Time Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn. The event is open to athletes nationwide who want to test and prove their hybrid fitness abilities. (Learn more: “Calling Hybrid Athletes: All About the LT Games at Life Time.”)

The LT Games features 17 stations designed to test strength and endurance, and preparing to compete requires time and effort. To help athletes feel equipped to take on the challenge, Life Time developed an eight-week digital training program to set you up for success at the games.

To learn more about the LT Games 8-Week Prep training program, we talked with Tommy Pomatico, CF L-2 coach, senior manager for signature programming at Life Time Westchester in Harrison, N.Y., and creator of the LT Games 8-Week Prep training program.

Life Time | What is the LT Games 8-Week Prep training program?

Tommy Pomatico | LT Games 8-Week Prep is an eight-week program designed with the purpose of preparing someone to participate in the LT Games; it’s available in the Life Time app.

This is a six-day-a-week training program (Monday through Saturday), along with one designated rest day. Each day is designed with intention and has a specific goal we’re trying to accomplish. As you go through it, you’ll progress through volume, intensity, and density.

Saturday workouts simulate competition day and feature all the same movements week-to-week, but with a progression in volume throughout the program. By the time you reach the final week, you’ll be performing the movements at the exact same level as in the actual LT Games competition.

This program familiarizes athletes with the competition movements, how they’re going to feel, what paces they should be holding, and how they’re going to break up movements. The goal is for athletes to be as prepared as possible for the competition by practicing it through the program.

This training program is designed for anyone and everyone looking to compete at the LT Games — it’s for anyone who’s up for the challenge.

LT | Can you walk us through what each day of the week looks like in the program?

TP | The training plan is programmed Monday through Saturday. Athletes can expect each daily workout to last between 60 and 90 minutes. Here is a breakdown of what each day will be focused on:

Monday: Monostructural Conditioning Day
This involves doing aerobic work on the machines used in the LT Games: the rower, the ski erg, and the treadmill. The workout is performed threshold-style, teaching the athlete how to push faster paces on each of those machines.

Tuesday: Strength Day
In the LT Games, there is a lot of weight involved for a lot of repetitions, which this day will help prepare you for. It’s focused on building full-body strength, which is helpful for keeping your ligaments, tendons, and joints healthy.

Wednesday: Motor Work Day
On this day, we’ll mix multiple types of modalities like gymnastics, conditioning, and weightlifting into one session. Athletes will have to do this in the workout at the games.

This day gives athletes an opportunity to work on movements that are performed in the competition at a higher level of intensity — they can expect their heart rate to rise while their muscles feel like they’re screaming. It’s also an opportunity to work on technique for each movement.

Thursday: Rest Day
Your choice of rest is up to you, but we recommended stretching, spending time in the sauna, and applying ice to sore muscles. Light walking is also good for keeping the body loose.

Friday: Aerobic Day
We’ll focus on being in zone 2, with the first goal being to build your aerobic base so you can exercise for long periods of time. The workout itself is longer — think being comfortable exercising for 40, 50, 60, and up to 70 minutes.

The second goal is to not overdo it because Saturday is the hardest workout day of the week.

Saturday: Competition Simulation Day
Athletes will be doing the LT Games workout every single week in an interval-style format to prepare them for the event. We’ll start with less volume and gradually progress to the volume of the LT Games by week eight. This will be the most challenging session of the week.

LT | Is this training program designed to be completed on your own? What type of equipment is required?

TP | This program is designed for athletes to complete individually at the club on their own. The plan is clearly laid out for you in the Life Time app. However, you are always welcome to engage with a Life Time Dynamic Personal Trainer or coach who can help you work on any individualized areas of opportunity in your training and provide a more personalized experience.

Life Time is also a place of community, so if you do better training with others, we encourage you to find another member to train with — and then you can compete together on event day!

This training is best completed inside of a Life Time because of the equipment involved: You’ll use the treadmill, rower, and ski erg, as well as a jump box, barbells, wall balls, and dumbbells.

LT | What advice would you give to someone embarking on the training program?

TP | Listen to your body. If there are days when you’re feeling beat up and tired, take an extra rest day rather than forcing the workout.

For the more experienced athlete who has been training hard for, say, a year or two and is comfortable with this type of intensity, I recommend following this program exactly and not adding anything extra to it.

LT | What excites you most about this training program and the LT Games?

TP | I believe the LT Games is a very good middle ground between the fitness competitions currently offered to the public: It’s not too easy, but it’s also not too hard. I truly believe anyone can do it. However, it is tough enough that you have to practice and prepare for it to be successful and feel like you can accomplish it, which is why I’m excited we have this program to help empower people to do just that.

LT | I’m interested! How do I access the LT Games 8-Week Prep program?

TP | You can enroll in the LT Games 8-Week Prep training program in the Life Time app. If you’re interested in training to compete in the LT Games, you can register for the LT Games here.

Even if you’re not planning to compete in the LT Games but are interested in hybrid training, this program can help any participant increase their strength and aerobic endurance.

Keep an eye out for more LT Games events to come in 2026. This training program is here to help you prepare for those, too!

The post All About the LT Games 8-Week Prep Training Program appeared first on Experience Life.

I’m a busy mom with a full-time coaching career who takes an anti-inflammatory approach to eating. I am able to reach my goal of 130 grams of protein per day while maintaining a commitment to clean, whole foods and spending only about 90 minutes per week on meal prep. There’s a way to do this that you’re likely not seeing on your social media pages — unless you’re following me.

As someone who lives this balance daily, I’ve developed strategies that allow me to nourish my body with adequate protein without compromising my decision to maintain a holistic approach to nutrition.

What Does a Holistic Approach to Nutrition Mean to Me?

My nutrition approach is not just about consuming certain macros — it’s about choosing foods that support my body’s natural functions and minimize inflammation. My non-negotiables include:

• Minimizing highly processed foods
• Eliminating inflammatory seed oils
• Choosing whole-food sources first
• Being mindful of food quality and sourcing
• Listening to my body’s response to different foods

Taking this approach has transformed how I feel, perform, and recover. But it does require more intentionality when you’re trying to hit specific nutrition targets, especially for protein.

Protein Quality Matters as Much as Quantity

Based on my body weight and activity level, my personal daily protein goal is 130 grams. (If you’re curious about the training I’m fueling for, it’s outlined in my Body Blueprint program, which you can learn more about here.) I could technically get to that target through various means, including protein bars, bottled protein shakes, and processed foods engineered to be protein rich. But not all protein sources are created equal, especially when we consider their inflammatory potential.

Conventional protein sources can contain:

• Artificial additives and preservatives
• Inflammatory oils
• Added sugars
• Dairy from conventionally raised cows
• Factory-farmed animal products

These have the potential to cause negative health effects — and may even interfere with the very recovery processes we’re trying to support through high-protein intake. Consider buying options that are organic and pasture-raised, grass-fed, or wild-caught (depending on protein source), as well as those that are free from artificial hormones and antibiotics. It’s also important to seek out fish that’s low in mercury and other heavy metals.

There’s a pervasive myth in fitness circles that getting adequate protein requires compromising on food quality — protein bars with mysterious ingredients, powders with artificial sweeteners, heavily processed meat products. My experience proves otherwise.

My Daily Protein Distribution Strategy

Rather than treating protein as something to “get in” in whatever way possible, I approach it as an integral part of each meal. I typically distribute my targeted 130 grams of protein throughout the day like this:

Breakfast (approximately 30 to 35 grams)

My morning protein often comes from a few sources:

• 3 pasture-raised eggs (6 to 7 grams of protein per egg)
• Chicken sausage without additives (about 14 grams of protein per serving)

These are complete protein sources that deliver essential amino acids. The eggs also provide important nutrients like choline, which supports cognitive function and metabolic health.

I always pair my protein at breakfast with carbohydrates — usually two sourdough bagels or strawberries or an apple. Because this is the meal I eat before I strength train, the combination helps give me an edge for my training session. This approach can vary for each individual based on their meal and training timing.

Lunch (approximately 40 to 45 grams)

Midday is when I focus on heartier protein:

• Grass-fed beef (about 22 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving)

I often eat this in the form of a nourishing bowl with plenty of vegetables and anti-inflammatory herbs and spices. Sometimes it’s also accompanied by quinoa (one of the few plant sources with a complete amino acid profile).

Grass-fed beef contains a healthier fatty acid profile than conventionally-raised beef, with higher omega-3s and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may help reduce inflammation.

Dinner (approximately 35 to 40 grams)

My evening protein sources rotate between these options:

• Pasture-raised chicken (about 26 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving)
• Wild-caught salmon or other fatty fish (about 22 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving)
• Occasionally other clean animal proteins like pasture-raised pork or lamb

I intentionally incorporate fatty fish like salmon at least twice a week as it’s a source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. The protein is almost secondary to me as salmon has an incredible nutritional profile.

Snacks and Supplements (approximately 15 to 20 grams)

To bridge any remaining gaps to meet my protein goal, I turn to:

• Grass-fed whey protein powder (for those with certain preferences or sensitivities, you can also turn to plant-based options; I prefer LTH Grass-Fed Whey Protein)
• Grass-fed beef sticks without additives or preservatives
• Plain Greek yogurt from pasture-raised cows, on occasion

This daily distribution strategy typically brings me to my 130-gram target while also allowing me to consume clean, whole foods.

Complementing Protein With Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Protein doesn’t exist in isolation in my nutrition plan. I strategically pair my protein sources with a variety of nutrient-rich foods:

• Abundant fresh fruit for hydration, fiber, and antioxidants
• Diverse vegetables for phytonutrients and fiber
• Herbs and spices (such as turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon) for their anti-inflammatory properties
• Healthy fats like avocados and olives

This comprehensive approach ensures that while meeting my protein needs, I’m also obtaining other necessary nutrients. These other food sources are an essential part of my nutrition strategy that’s focused on fighting inflammation (rather than contributing to it).

A Note for Those With Autoimmune Conditions or Food Reactions

As someone who is managing an autoimmune condition, focusing on clean, whole foods and anti-inflammatory nutrition strategies is invaluable for how I feel and function each day. Here are some benefits I’ve found from starting with single-ingredient, high-quality protein sources (always consult with your healthcare provider for your unique circumstances):

• Identify triggers more easily. It’s often simpler to identify the food(s) that might be causing a reaction when you’re eating whole foods (with single or minimal ingredients).
• Minimize exposure to common allergens. Some processed protein products may contain dairy, gluten, soy, or eggs, which are known for being foods people commonly react to.
• Reduce overall inflammatory burden. By removing inflammatory ingredients, you can give your immune system a break and potentially see an improvement in symptoms.
• Customize based on individual tolerance. Some may do better with plant proteins, while others might thrive on animal sources. A whole-foods approach allows room for personalization.

Practical Tips for Implementation

By prioritizing nutrient-dense protein sources and planning thoughtfully, I consistently hit my protein goal while also maintaining a diet that supports my holistic approach to nutrition. The key is planning ahead and making quality protein a priority, not an afterthought. If you’re inspired to adopt a similar approach, here are some practical starting points:

• Calculate your personal protein target based on your body weight and activity level. (Learn more: “How Much Protein Do I Need?”)
• Audit your current protein sources for inflammatory ingredients and quality.
• Plan your meals around whole-food proteins first, then add carbohydrates and fats.
• Batch cook quality proteins to ensure you always have healthy options available.
• Reserve supplements for genuine gaps rather than making them your primary protein source.
• Listen to your body’s responses to different protein sources and adjust accordingly.
• Consider the full nutrient profile of your protein choices, not just the grams of protein they contain.

Adopting a Holistic Protein Perspective

Meeting your protein goals while maintaining a holistic, anti-inflammatory diet isn’t about finding loopholes or “magic” products. It’s about leveraging the power of whole foods and being mindful of sourcing and intentional with your choices. Framed this way, you can see protein as not only a muscle-building macronutrient, but also as a vehicle for comprehensive nourishment.

By choosing quality, whole-food proteins and thoughtfully distributing them throughout your day, you can support your performance and recovery goals while honoring your body’s needs for nutrition. This isn’t just about physique or performance: It’s about creating sustainable health practices that serve your body for the long-term.

The post How Coach Hayley Akradi Hits Her Daily Protein Goals appeared first on Experience Life.

As someone who values peak performance in both my body and mind, I’ve worked to develop a set of sleep habits that have transformed by recovery and energy levels. (If you’re curious about the training I’m recovering for, it’s outlined in my Body Blueprint program.) Here, I’m explaining how I approach sleep and why it works for me.

My Sleep Schedule

My regular sleep routine spans from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., giving me a full eight hours of rest. I’ve found that this timing aligns with my body’s natural circadian rhythm and ensures I wake up feeling refreshed rather than groggy.

This is the schedule I follow every single day. Maintaining this schedule, even on the weekends, helps prevent the “social jet lag” that can come from irregular sleep patterns. My body knows exactly when to wind down and when to wake up, making both transitions smoother. Consistency is key.

My Sleep Hygiene Habits

A 12-Hour Fasting Window

One of the strategies I’ve found to be most effective for sleep is stopping my food intake 12 hours before breakfast. This means if I plan to eat at 5:30 a.m., my last bite of food happens by 5:30 p.m.

Giving your digestive system a break certainly helps with sleep quality, however, I’ve also noticed that my heart rate drops earlier in the night when I finish eating sooner, allowing my body to focus on recovery during sleep rather than processing food.

A Screen-Free Sanctuary

My bedroom is a tech-free zone. No phones, tablets, or TVs allowed. This wasn’t easy to implement at first, but the benefits have been worth the adjustment.

Without the blue light from screens suppressing my melatonin production, I find I fall asleep faster and experience deeper sleep cycles. Plus, removing the temptation to check notifications or scroll through social media has made my bedroom truly feel like a sanctuary for rest.

A Wind-Down Ritual

As a mom, finding moments of solitude can be challenging. That’s why my pre-sleep hot shower has become more than just a hygiene practice — it’s a form of self-care that signals to my body and mind that it’s time to relax.

The shower serves multiple purposes:

• It’s a rare moment of uninterrupted alone time
• The warm water helps release physical tension
• The temperature change afterward helps trigger sleepiness
• It creates a clean slate for sleep, both literally and figuratively

I’ve found this simple routine to be incredibly restorative. It also allows me to transition from “mom mode” to restful sleep more effectively.

The Results of Prioritizing Sleep

Since implementing these sleep hygiene habits, I’ve noticed significant improvements in:

• My energy levels throughout the day
• Recovery time after workouts
• Mental clarity and focus
• Emotional resilience during stressful situations
• My overall patience as a parent

Finding Your Own Sleep Rhythm

While these practices work for me, the key to quality sleep is finding what works for your unique preferences and circumstances. The consistent elements that I’d recommend considering are:

• A regular sleep schedule
• A calming pre-sleep ritual
• A sleep environment free from distractions
• Attention to how eating patterns affect your rest

Sleep isn’t a passive activity — it’s an active investment in your health and performance. By treating it with the same intention as your workouts or nutrition plan, you can unlock a powerful tool for overall wellness.

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“Experienced exercisers and Dynamic Personal Trainers can look intimidating because of how they seem to confidently navigate the workout floor or how much weight they are lifting,” says Joe Meier, CSCS, Personal Training Leader at Life Time in Eden Prairie, Minn. “But these are some of the nicest and most understanding people — and they want you to succeed. So, if you’re feeling nervous, don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations or directions on how something works.”

Whether you’re new to the workout floor or just want a refresher, Meier offers his top tips for navigating the flow of this space at your athletic country club.

1. Ask if you can “work in.”

Sharing equipment on the workout floor can be a challenge, especially during a busy time of day. However, Meier emphasizes communication and courtesy.

“Many don’t realize that it’s perfectly acceptable and even encouraged to ask someone if you can ‘work in’ with them when they’re on a machine you want to use,” he explains. “Most people need to rest at least 60 to 90 seconds between sets, so kindly asking a person who is on a machine if you can use the machine while they’re resting is proper etiquette. Take it one step further by noting the weight the person was using or the settings that they had on the machine (like seat height, for example). When you finish your set, you can thank them and return the machine to their preferred weights and machine settings.

“If you’d rather not alternate sets with another person, there is also nothing wrong with asking someone how many sets they have left,” Meier adds. “Just don’t ask while they are actively doing an exercise.”

2. Flag a trainer when you have a question or need help.

At Life Time, Dynamic Personal Trainers are present on the workout floor to help you, according to Meier, and he wants members to feel comfortable approaching one for anything they might need.

“Even trainers who are with a client really don’t mind if a member asks them a quick question about setting up a machine or where something is located, for example,” Meier says. “Just keep the conversation short and thank them afterward. You will not be a bother! There are no questions you should hesitate to ask. Every Life Time team member is there to help you feel confident and comfortable in the club.”

3. Be mindful when sharing space.

It’s important to make the workout floor a welcome space for everyone, and this includes being aware of how we share space when in close proximity with others. Be especially mindful about scents, for instance.

“We’re all sweating on the workout floor, but a quick swipe of deodorant can go a long way in keeping things comfortable for you and everyone around you,” says Meier. “On the other hand, heavy colognes or perfumes can be overwhelming in a space where people are breathing deeply and working hard, and it’s common for people to have sensitivities to fragrance, so try to be considerate of that too.”

4. Tidy your equipment when you’re done with it.

Another way to be respectful when sharing space with other members is to always put your equipment away when you’re finished using it.

“Taking a quick moment to put things back — like plates, dumbbells, or medicine balls, for example — helps keep the workout floor safe from tripping hazards and means that equipment will be accessible for the next person who wants to use it,” says Meier.

“It’s also proper etiquette to wipe down machines when you’re done using them, as well as yoga mats or any other equipment that you may get sweat on,” he adds. “Stations with cleaning wipes are available throughout the workout floor for this purpose.”

5. Stay present while occupying an exercise machine.

Using the machines on the workout floor efficiently can have a big impact on keeping the workout floor running smoothly.

“I sometimes see people sitting on a machine while scrolling on their phone or making a call, and this can slow down or prevent others from being able to get their desired workout in, especially during busier times,” says Meier. “We all get notifications, and taking a glance is no big deal. But to be respectful of all members, be sure to save your scrolling and texting for after your workout. Being present will also help you be more efficient in your own workout — both in the time it takes you as well as what you get out of it. People who are actively on their phones are often less engaged in their form or exertion, for example.”

6. Leave room for others to move around you.

One simple habit that makes a big difference when it comes to supporting the flow of the workout floor is to avoid blocking access to equipment while you’re doing your own exercises.

“The dumbbell rack, for example, is for all members to use, so standing right in front of it during your workout can make it difficult for others to grab what they need,” Meier explains. “Simply taking a few steps back can give everyone the room they need for safe and efficient workouts.”

The post 6 Personal-Trainer Tips for Using the Workout Floor appeared first on Experience Life.