Scared of Joining the Gym

*mudangel*

The hardest step is the first one. Relax and do it!

Agree with the poster who suggested classes. My gym's classes are great - lots of healthy banter and it's a superb way to meet new friends.

You'll always get a few macho types on the machines and chucking weights around, but don't let anyone intimidate you. I used to worry that everyone would gawp at me, but to be honest everyone's more concerned with what they're doing.

Any gym worth its membership fee should give you all the advice you need during induction, but if you forget how to do anything, keep asking them to show you.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!

alleycat`

There are always a few cliques in any form of life.

I'm always amazed at the amount of times i go to the gym and the same people are there talking.

Most of them are in good shape so they obviously do work out but they seem to do it over a lot longer period of time than anyone else.

Eventually they ignore you as you become part of the background noise and aren't interesting anymore.

I suppose every now and again i look like i'm staring at someone when i'm between reps.

Usually i'm either "not there" and staring right through them or sometimes i'm watching a particular exercise to pick up "form" and "technique" tips.

Once you get into whatever it is you are doing you don't really have time to notice what anyone else is up to.

So what are you waiting for...

Introuble28

I was the same as you! 32 (in my case I was pretty overweight too) and I had never been in a gym. The first time I went, I was really nervous but everyone was really nice and friendly and I havent looked back. It was honestly the best thing I have ever done with my life! Go for it, you'll love it! :-)

Little_Vics

I was the same about swimming - just didn't want to be seen in my costume in public. Hated the thought of the walk from the changing rooms to the pool. 3 weeks on I'm up to 800m in 25mins and beasting past skinny bikini-clad girls who don't want to get their hair wet. They may look better but I'm fitter and don't care!

So - do it.

katejo

I will add to my earlier comment . Have been back to gym several times since then and I am still enjoying it. It feels as though it is doing me some good and I haven't felt too self conscious about it .

heartbreak_star

Nice work katejo

HBS x

JaneSmith1

I did it! And no one pointed and laughed!
Thank you everyone for ur help!
Now I just need some tips for what to do at the gym!!!

simonsaid17

JaneSmith1 wrote: »

Guys

I know this might sound a bit daft, as I am a 32 year old woman, but I am scared of going to the gym! I have never been before and I want to go and get fit and for it to get me out of the house at night.

Can anyone give me any tips about not to be so silly! I went to look around a hotel gym and when the gym showed me the fitness suite there was 5 people sat on the equipment chatting and staring at me. Now I know this might be a one off and it has got a lovely pool!

All I want to do is a bit of running and a few weights followed by a float in the pool. Maybe more if someone wants to show me!

Thank you!

Entering a gym for the first time can often be scary, if you join a mainstream gym like DW fitness ect then you will find that 3/4 of the people you see are average people wanting to do the same thing that you.

When people are working out there is a unwritten rule that you dont make eye contact with people in most cases your in the gym to do your thing there in there to do theres, between sets i sometimes look around but never stare.

so dont worry about people watching you that wont happen you just go and start working on reaching your fitness goals of 2013.

if you need any advice regarding workouts feel free to message me with your aims and i will give any help i can.

Good luck

belfastgirl23

JaneSmith1 wrote: »

I did it! And no one pointed and laughed!
Thank you everyone for ur help!
Now I just need some tips for what to do at the gym!!!

Book a few sessions with a personal trainer if you can afford it, they will help you with what to do and also make sure your technique is right.

Well done on going!

Edited to add: try to do weights as well as cardio. This is often the mistake women make when they start training. New rules of lifting for women is a great book if you're interested!

heartbreak_star

Well done Jane

HBS x