Scared of Joining the Gym

zzzt

JaneSmith1 wrote: »

I did it! And no one pointed and laughed!
Thank you everyone for ur help!

Congratulations. I know it's often daunting, but once you've been a few times you realise there was nothing to worry about.

I was the sort of person who would never have gone to a gym. I assumed I would be made fun of or laughed at for doing the wrong thing, and I am a naturally shy and anxious person so the idea of all these people seeing me was already scary enough. But one day when I wasn't quite myself I joined up and went and discovered that I enjoy going to the gym.

I started off with some personal sessions with a member of staff (they were free at my gym) where someone introduced me to things and told me which exercises I should be doing and with what weights. Otherwise I probably wouldn't have had any idea which equipment to use and would have been too worried about looking silly to try.

Eventually I didn't need the sessions any more. I moved away and joined up with new gyms and now I just do my thing and I'm still going years later.

JaneSmith1 wrote: »

Now I just need some tips for what to do at the gym!!!

What are your goals?

It's not a bad idea to have a one-on-one session with a trainer if you are new. Even if you ignore everything he/she says it will at least get you trying some new things you might otherwise not have done. Don't be afraid to do weight training if you are a woman. You won't end up big and muscular, but it's one of the best ways to raise your metabolism and lose weight (better than hours of cardio, though cardio is important too).

ppiper

Off peak hours might be a good place to start - less people around means you can relax more and do your thing. Otherwise, going in the back at group exercise classes also works. Good luck!

katejo

zzzt wrote: »

Don't be afraid to do weight training if you are a woman. You won't end up big and muscular, but it's one of the best ways to raise your metabolism and lose weight (better than hours of cardio, though cardio is important too).

How much difference does it make? I have only done cardio so far. I only need to lose a little bit, perhaps 7-8 lbs.

katejo

I am not sure which targets to aim for. I have been on the bike and treadmill (using a gradient and different speeds) but i am not sure whether i should take a notebook to write down what I have done. The next time, i could try and complete the same distance but more quickly or with a steeper gradient or effort level. I feel that i need targets if I am going to keep it up.

zzzt

In terms of losing weight, what you eat is far more important than the exercise you do. Exercise is good for health and fitness, but you have to be careful that you don't end up eating more because your body often demands more calories after exercise.

VanMan2007

Unless OP has smashed all her fears and his conquering the gym, here are my thoughts.

I am probably the guy who intimidates you! Big, muscular, lean, smashes the cardio machines, etc, etc!

But I didn't start from there. We always start from somewhere, and mine was with a 43" belly! I felt uneasy when I first went into the gym. Intimidated, and yes, a little scared. But ALL of the people there are there to improve themselves, just like you.

Small, but consistent, steps. Progress, not perfection!

The thing is: when I see new people come into the gym, who are overweight, or who have physical challenges, I say "Good for you for making that enormous step of courage!"

So those "perfect" people in the gym probably all came from exactly where you are! And they are probably very supportive of your efforts and committment.

Just dive in, give your best, smile and enjoy it!

heartbreak_star

VanMan - so true! What a great post

HBS x

belfastgirl23

katejo wrote: »

I am not sure which targets to aim for. I have been on the bike and treadmill (using a gradient and different speeds) but i am not sure whether i should take a notebook to write down what I have done. The next time, i could try and complete the same distance but more quickly or with a steeper gradient or effort level. I feel that i need targets if I am going to keep it up.

I always use a notebook and my experience is that people who are serious about their training do!

Winter_Jasmine

VanMan - I think exactly the same when I see really big people at the gym or in the pool, I have nothing but admiration for them.

Katejo - I've been going to the gym regularly for five years (mostly doing cardio classes)and I exercised on my own before that. Up to joining my new gym six weeks ago I'd never done weights. One of the trainers at my new place set me up with a nice little weights programme, a mix of free weights and machines. I'm also doing a kettlebells class (as well as swimming and a cardio class once or twice a week) I've lost 4kgs and 4.5% body fat in six weeks so I'm back down to a size 8/10. I'm starting to get lovely muscle definition that I've never had before and I'm getting smaller, not bigger. I put this down to doing weights for the first time in my life. I'm 35 so I'd virtually given up hope of ever getting really toned but I'm well on my way now!

Edit: I must add that I have been really careful with my diet too, but I've done that loads of times and not had these results!

katejo

What is a Kettlebells class please ?