If you find that your gym is often busy, you can make a few changes to your workout routine so that you don’t miss out.

There is nothing worse than missing out on a workout because other people are using the equipment you need at the gym.

As January and February are typically the busiest months for the gym, Gavin Cowper, fitness expert and owner of Exersci, shares simple equipment swaps so you don’t miss out on key exercises and derail your progress.

Swap bench press for dumbbell bench press

If you’re planning a chest workout but benches aren’t available, you can use dumbbells instead.

“The bench press is a classic chest exercise, but benches are often crowded,” Gavin says. “Use dumbbells instead, lying flat on a bench and alternating presses with each arm. This increases time under tension, corrects imbalances, and engages stabilising muscles better than a barbell.”

Swap barbell squats for Bulgarian split squats

While barbell squats are popular for leg training, you could swap them for Bulgarian split squats.

“Barbell squats are great for leg strength, but squat racks are often busy,” the expert states. “Try Bulgarian split squats instead, place one foot on a bench behind you, hold dumbbells at your sides, and lower your back knee while keeping your front knee aligned with your toes.”

This exercise targets your glutes, quads and hamstrings and helps improve your core stability and balance.

Swap leg press for goblet squats

If you can’t get to the leg press machines, try goblet squats to build quad strength.

“The leg press is a popular option for building quad strength, but the machines can get busy,” Gavin says. “A goblet squat is a simple alternative that can be done anywhere. Hold a heavy dumbbell close to your chest with both hands and squat low while keeping your chest upright. This not only targets your quads but also strengthens your core and improves your squat technique.”

Swap pull-ups for dumbbell farmer’s walk

Instead of pull-ups, try a dumbbell farmer’s walk to build upper body strength.

“Pull-ups build lats and grip strength, but a dumbbell farmer’s walk is an effective alternative,” he recommends. “Hold heavy dumbbells at your sides, walk straight, and keep your core tight and shoulders back. This builds grip strength, strengthens your shoulders, and stabilises your upper body.”