Gyms - Please reassure me!

jenniewb

suited-aces wrote: »

There are two types of people in the gym:


1) those who are just as insecure as you and are too worried about themselves to worry about you; and


2) those who are super-confident and will be too easy looking after themselves (and admiring themselves!) to worry about you.

Totally agree with this! Although I'd add a few more to the list which has developed over years of gym use!



3. People who go to the gym to either walk on the treadmill set uphill (as high as it can go) whilst dangling at the wrists and reading a magazine or on their phone chatting or texting (same people will sit on/hog the powerplate doing the same)


4. People who are slightly obsessive and feel the need to exercise every day, several times a day not through vanity or showing off but more because they are obsessed with a PB (that's 'Personal Best' to a layman!) or keeping themselves fit or healthy, they have no concerns for anyone else because they are stuck in their own health trip (or nightmare!)
If you look closely you'll see these people in the gym every day or seemingly all the time, they don't see you, they only see the numbers on the machine, fitness tracker or scales (whatever demon of choice).
(I will add the reason I know this was because I used to be one of those people, annoyed with person type number 3 because they'd hog all the machines in plagues for hours making it impossible for anyone else to get any use out of the machines!!)


The rest of us are normal types, probably too bored to notice anyone else!! But seriously, if anyone is sat staring at you, they are either jealous of your outfit or so bored with so little going on in their lives that they feel the need to watch for yours. Please don't worry about people worrying about you, they are not the type of people you should feel any concern being judged by.


And my best tip for getting on at a gym is to try a few classes if you can. Start off with a group class which is aimed at basics or all levels, try to watch the classes as they queue beforehand to work out which group of people you think you will feel most comfortable working out with and then sign up for a class and see how it goes. If you can build some gym friends it will make it feel easier to keep going back.


If you can find a trainer to speak to about introducing you to the machines, see if they can help you create a fitness plan to keep going back to. It's worth getting things checked for a new program every 6-8 weeks if possible. Not just because you may get bored with what you're doing but because your body gets used to what you throw at it and needs something new.

april87

I'm at a Pure Gym elsewhere and I like the fact the times I can use it aren't restricted.

As for the types of people in the gym, there are times when I'm one of those on a treadmill on a high incline with a book. Its part of my LISS cardio which is done at the end of a weight session. I used to wonder why people took books/iPads to the gym, and usually there is a reason.

Gonzo1987

Well i signed up today and have my induction on Friday evening! Thanks guys

Gonzo1987

It's my induction tonight, I'm still nervous, I don't like being out my comfort zone...what do i do when i get there?!

Seabee42

Good luck, don't be scared, all gyms have posers but most of the members will be people just trying to do there own thing.


Classes can be more sociable to if that's your thing.


Everyone had to go for the first time once!

Angry_Bear

Gonzo1987 wrote: »

It's my induction tonight, I'm still nervous, I don't like being out my comfort zone...what do i do when i get there?!

Don't worry about it, it's just for the gym to make sure you know the basics about using the equipment and won't hurt yourself. They'll probably take you round each bit of equipment and show you the basic controls then give you a few minutes to test it out.
Depending on your gym,the person doing your induction might offer to put together a "tailored workout program" for you - you can use it or ignore it. Then they'll probably leave you alone to get on with your workout.

Mr_Singleton

Gonzo1987 wrote: »

Since moving house and living on an unlit road I can't go running after work anymore.

Get a head torch...... I'd recommend Petzl. It's what I use when I'm down in Richmond Park winter trail running and if I have no problem there then you'll be fine on an unlit road!

Think of how much you'll save

Gonzo1987

I totally missed my induction....but I just went on the treadmill instead and did a 5k. SO MUCH FUN

xHannahx

Join for 1 month, see how you find it and move on, we have tried a few different gyms to find a good one. The cheaper ones round here have lower quality equipment and are busier- queue for machines so worthwhile going to a slightly dearer one.

tailsmilesprower

You'll be ok.

Just remember that nearly everyone began like you. The first visit is always the scariest, but a lot of people (especially the regulars) will be friendly. Nobody geberally cares about you though. Everyone is in their own world.

I'd recommend getting a trainer to show you the ropes and how to use the equipment. It will help you avoid injury.

Also don't just rely on classes. They have their role, but they are no substitute to lifting heavy!