Foreword
Hi! My name is Lizzy Nguyen ('25), and here's a resource on the W&L Fitness Center located in the Richard L. Duchossois Athletic and Recreation Center (DARC). I'm not a professional physical trainer or even a varsity athlete (the dedication is insane), but I am passionate about promoting healthy, sustainable lifestyles through my in-person interactions, Instagram account, and now this website.
I know how intimidating the gym can be when you're starting out - I remember awkwardly standing around with my phone because I didn't know how anything worked and I didn't want to look stupid. I also know how a busy schedule can make fitness difficult on top of other existing challenges, so I thought I'd share what worked for me on how to approach it in a realistic, beginner-friendly way.
This resource should benefit folks at any point of their fitness journey ranging from beginners looking to up their confidence to more experienced people looking for more familiarity with what W&L's Fitness Center has to offer. It's something I wish I had back when I was initially working up the nerve to get in there, and I hope it helps.
Stay happy and healthy, folks! Good luck with everything, I know you can do it!
Lizzy Nguyen, '25
This website features:
The Space
Maps of each main section with full equipment guides color-coded by targeted muscle group
Pictures of the equipment as it appears at W&L
Linked tutorial videos from YouTube
The Basics
A guide to basic gym etiquette
How to be respectful and blend in at the gym even if you've never been there before
My biggest tips/recommendations for and thoughts about forming healthy habits inside and outside of the gym
The most important things I've learned from my own several-year journey
Sample workout and mobility routines
September 9th, 2024 update:
Enjoy a finalized version of the guide!
Moving forward, I'll be looking for ways to improve content and organization - thank you for visiting this site!