Reddit mentions of Master Lock 647D Padlock, 1, Black

I'd highly recommend a small battery like this one. I found my infinitely useful while traveling, especially for these 2 main purposes:

1. When I want to charge my phone in the hostel, I can just leave it in the locker hooked up to the battery so it won't get stolen. I can then later just leave the battery out to charge. (Only a $20ish item lost if anything happens)
   
   
2. It's great for long train or bus rides that don't have power
   
   Also, for padlocks, make sure you don't buy a full size one, because the shackle will often be too big for lockers. Something like this masterlock worked really well for me. (3/16" shackle width fit everywhere. Any bigger and for some lockers it may not have worked. For your luggage buy the TSA approved tiny little locks that are usually 1/8" width shackles).
   
   Before you leave, scan all of your important documents (passport, itinerary, flight info, etc), and stick it up on dropbox.
   
   At hostels, if you ever need to pay with something by credit card, try to do it on your iPad rather than a hostel computer. It's more annoying, but it will help you avoid keyloggers and getting your CC # stolen. You could try to install ubuntu linux to a USB drive, but that might be a bit too techy for you.
   
   For money, get a Charles Schwab High Yield Checking debit card. This is the most amazing travel card anywhere - ATM fees are reimbursed worldwide, and there's no minimum balance or foreign transaction fees.

I have one of the Titalium locks, and they're pretty nifty, but I think they might be counterproductive for hostels. As soon as your lock calls attention to itself, you've lost the biggest battle. Those locks are harder to pick, but even a weaker lock will already be stronger than the brackets and/or hinges in your average hostel locker.

I'd recommend this. It has the same shackle diameter as the Titalium 64TI/30, but it's far less conspicuous. It also doesn't have a TSA key bypass like most luggage-style locks.

Well, this turned out longer than I though. Sorry about the wall of text.

Hey man, congrats on enrolling. Once you start going and notice how good you feel it will be hard NOT to go. The hardest part is forming the habit. Also, a lot of people overdue it when they first start and end up extremely sore and in turn - don't go back. So take it easy at first and ease your body into it.

Since I’m bored at work I’m just going to ramble along here about what I use.
For attire I wear Adidas tank tops and Champion basketball shorts – both I got off Amazon.

If you’re not comfortable in a tank top then a normal shirt will do. I just find having sleeves to be annoying when working my upper body – but that’s just preference.

I'd suggest a good pair of cross training shoes (not running shoes). I linked the Reebok crossfit shoes as I definitely recommend them. They are super light, sturdy, and fantastic for working out. I've had the same pair for 6 years and they just won't quit.

I'd also suggest and iPod or other small Mp3 device. Most people use headphones and I must say I can't workout without it. Just walk in, crank up the tunes, and do your thing. Most people do the same and it really helps you focus and tune out all that's going on around you.

I wear gloves, but not everyone does. During heavier lifting sessions my hands get torn up, to prevent it I wear gloves. Not mandatory, but something that may interest you.

Water bottle – make sure you bring a big water bottle. I use this one. But anything will do as long as it’s big enough. Drinking water is extremely important.

Towel, most gyms sell hand towels. It’s good etiquette to use, especially if you sweat a lot.

Gym bag - I use this one. It's small, holds my shoes, workout clothes, etc. and the water bottle I linked above fits perfectly in the mesh compartment. This is obviously optional but I found it extremely beneficial to have.

Lock – I use this one to lock my car keys/phone up in one of the gym lockers when I get there. Not necessary but you will need to carry your keys/phone/etc during your workout.

Routines (routines vary indefinitely) depending on your goals, preferences, etc. I’ll give you my schedule so you at least have an idea, but please know there are virtually endless workouts you can do.

I focus on working my way up the body throughout the week. I generally workout 3 days per week for about an hour and a half. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday are the days I go but again this is totally my schedule. I go Monday and Tuesday because I’m rested from the weekend, break Wendesday to rest, and then finish up Thursday and give my body a rest Friday – Monday. Please keep in mind this is my schedule and yours can be anything you want it to be.

When I get to the gym I do 5-10 minutes on the elliptical, rower, or stairs to warm up and break a sweat. After warming up I stretch out (important to deep stretch after your body is warm, not before it) – this is a full body stretch, not just the body parts I’m working out that day.

After about 10-15mins of stretching I get into my workout. Again, focus on warming up the muscle group before you start to add any type of heavier weight.

I work the following muscle groups on the following days:

Monday – Legs/Core (3-4 exercises per muscle group)

Tuesday – Chest/Back (3-4 exercises per muscle group)

Thursday – Arms/Shoulders (3-4 exercises per muscle group)

After the workout – depending on my current goals, I’ll do some Cardio (usually 10-30 minutes or so). I rotate between the elliptical, bike, stair master, and sauna.

If I can suggest one thing over all else it’s to familiarize yourself with the exercises for each of the main muscle groups and how to do them correctly – emphasis on correctly. You can go to google and type in “Back workout” and you’ll find endless back workouts. Pick out 3-4 exercises for each muscle group, watch some videos on Youtube, and get an idea of how to do it.

To give you a starting point, 3 exercises per muscle group and do 3 sets of 10-15 reps per after your warmup set.
Every day I see people in the gym trying to lift more weight then they can do correctly, and in turn their form is terrible. Bad form is a fast-track to injury. Focus on doing the exercise correctly and then up the weight from there.

One thing to keep in mind is the body will adapt to your routines if you don’t adjust them. There are tons of workouts for each muscle group. Spend some time up front educating yourself about the exercises and build a few different routines. Don’t be afraid to bring a note pad with your routing written down – people do it all the time. It’s actually a good way to keep yourself accountable. You can record the weight you lifted, the date, etc. It’s a good way to see progress.

I’m sure I missed a lot but hopefully this helps. Try not to be overwhelmed. Take it slow and just know the gym is a really positive environment.

Cheers

Edit: Formatting and spelling