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Gym Day

Unleash your inner superhero and conquer new fitness challenges! Pump up the energy, make gains, and unlock your full potential!

Body & Health Hobbies & Activities Sport & Fitness65

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Drive gym memberships and trial sign-ups by positioning September Gym Day as a motivational reset moment for lapsed members and newcomers alike.

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Challenge: Bring a friend to the gym on Gym Day and unlock a free month together
Try 3 new workout classes this September—tag us for a chance to win free gear
Lapsed gym member? Gym Day is your sign to restart—find local free trials near you
From treadmill to HIIT: Discover your new favorite workout this Gym Day

How to celebrate

Work Out at the Gym

Those who already have a gym membership but forget to use it can enlist the help of Gym Day as a motivator. And for those who already go to the gym every day? Perhaps get in a few more reps. Or, even better, bring a friend along to make this workout even more fun. The support of the people at the gym is what makes it so special! After working out on Gym Day, go ahead and do it again the next day, or at least a few times a week. Create a new habit and see how great it feels!

Try a New Workout at the Gym

Some people get into a routine at the gym by lifting weights or running on the treadmill. Yet, doing the same thing can tend to get boring. A gym is like a playground where you can do it all! Gym Day is a fun time to try out some new and different types of ways to work out. For instance, try out a hot yoga class, enjoy some rowing, or get a full body workout with HIIT. Whatever type of exercise is new and interesting, whether zoning out with headphones or enjoying time with a friend, this is a great time to get fit.

Consider Getting a Gym Membership

For those who don’t have a membership to a gym, this is the perfect time to join up with a sports club, YMCA or fitness center. On Gym Day, check online to see which local gyms offer a free trial membership or training pass, whether in celebration of the day or just because. And while there, if this particular fitness center doesn’t already know about Gym Day, be sure to spread the word and let them know that they should be celebrating too!

FAQ

Did ancient cultures have gym-like facilities?

Yes, ancient Greece had “gymnasiums” where men exercised, socialized, and discussed philosophy. These spaces combined physical training with intellectual pursuits.

What’s the origin of the word “gym”?

The term “gym” comes from the Greek word “gymnasion,” meaning “school for naked exercise,” reflecting the ancient Greek practice of exercising unclothed.

Are there any myths about early exercise practices?

In the 19th century, doctors warned women that cycling could cause “bicycle face,” a supposed condition with bulging eyes and a clenched jaw. This myth discouraged women from biking.

How did the first sports bra come about?

In 1977, two women sewed two jockstraps together to create the first sports bra, addressing the discomfort women faced during exercise.

Do different cultures have unique gym traditions?

In Finland, “sisu” embodies a cultural focus on resilience and physical endurance, leading to popular activities like ice swimming and sauna sessions.

What’s a common misconception about strength training?

Many believe lifting heavy weights makes women bulky. In reality, due to lower testosterone levels, women are less likely to gain significant muscle mass from strength training.

How did Victorian-era women approach fitness?

In the 19th century, “figure salons” offered women vibrating belts that promised weight loss without effort, reflecting societal views against women engaging in strenuous exercise.

Are there any unusual fitness practices from history?

In the early 20th century, some believed that passive exercise machines, like vibrating chairs, could reduce fat without active effort. These devices were popular in “reducing salons.”

How did early 20th-century gyms differ from today’s?

Early gyms often focused on gymnastics and calisthenics, emphasizing bodyweight exercises and agility over weightlifting. Equipment like pommel horses and parallel bars were common.

What’s an interesting fact about the modern fitness industry?

The concept of group fitness classes gained popularity in the 1980s, with aerobics leading the trend, influenced by figures like Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons.