Too embarrassed to join the gym

Dawn1996r

Most people are embarrassed to go to the gym because of their size but for me it's because I do not know how the hell to work out all the equipment.

I don't know whether I should just spend my entire time at the gym on a treadmill or mix it up with weights but then I don't know how much weights I should lift (I'm very weak) ha!

I'm worried people are going to think I'm a right idiot and I don't know really what to do in a gym.

Any tips?

Also what do you wear to the gym (FEMALE)

Any help is really appreciated

randomtai

The people that work there should be able to show you how to use the machines.

MalcolmX1983

Almost everyone felt like that at one point.
Find a personal trainer.
Stick with them for a month or two.
Get them to help you with good form, a routine, and a nutrition plan.

After two months, you'll be more than confident to work on your own.

MalcolmX1983

If you can't afford a pt, watch some videos on YouTube.
I recommend getting someone qualified to do a form check though.

aub6689

I hear this a lot, but honestly we all look stupid at times. Each time I join a new gym (I move a lot so this happens), I have to get used to new equipment. I have awkwardly fondled machines and had to squint to read how the hell I adjust them for my height, I have scaled cable machines like a jungle gym to adjust the pulleys to lower settings and I have found that what is 30lbs on one machine, can feel incredibly different on another. I've been lifting for years and still have awkward times. I would start with dumbbells. Prepare by having a plan and having youtubed the exercises. Start with a light weight and if the reps were easy to crank out, grab the next weight up, if they were too hard, grab the next weight down.
No one will think you are an idiot. Many people who have been lifting a while actually love to help others get into it.

I wear a tank and compression tights

Shawshankcan

Wear what you are comfortable in to move around, and running shoes.

You can look up beginner workout programs and YouTube how to do it Or buy/borrow a book OR hire a trainer.

I suggest the first two opens, Google and books from the library. There are
Numerous books for beginner weight training.

nordlead2005

There are plenty of resources on the internet and in books. Find a plan and read it over so that you understand what you want to do in the gym. Basically, you should be prepared before you go to the gym rather than just floundering around and making stuff up after you get there. For example, if you want to do StrongLifts5x5, then read the program, read how to do the lifts properly, how to set the safeties, etc... Then, go to the gym and learn in person. You could hire a trainer to show you proper form and if you wanted you could even tell them which program you want to do and have them teach it to you.

If you know what equipment your gym has, then you can find a program that both suits your needs and works with the equipment you have available.

justincooper405

I was super embarrassed when started.... I went to bodybuilding.com for free work outs and chose a 5 day program for beginners... their plans come with tips and videos.

After a couple months of that with great results I started going to a coach / trainer for help with proper form to ensure I could start lifting heavier safely.

All in all the embarrassing period was only about a week for me I quickly felt comfortable and could see that half the people were just like me - they we were there with no experience and just wanting to get fit

kpeterson539

Pertaining to "what do you wear"....and yes, I am a female.....it's all pretty simple. It yoga style bottoms with a tank top. As long as I have freedom to move.

I lift while I do a negligible amount of cardio. I learned the machines and free weights but getting a trainer for a short period of time. I also read A LOT and check out certain websites. Bodybuilding.com has a great video library to look at to see proper form. Also this website also has programs to follow.

Please do not worry about being weak. You are probably stronger than you think. Plus, lifting/machines will help see progress by the amount of weigh, reps, and sets you can accomplish.

JeromeBarry1

It's ok and not funny to lift with an empty bar. If that's hard, do it. If that's easy, do it anyway. Add plates the next day. Don't bench press without a spotter. That's all I know.

minniestar55

Ask at the front desk of the gym if they provide an induction where a gym employee takes you around & shows you how to safely use the equipment. Most gyms I've used offer this service free to members. You can also ask is they have a program to help you put together a workout routine based on your goals, this might be free or you may have to pay extra. Or you can go to a PT in your area who can provide that service for a fee. As far as what to wear, sports bra is important; then either jogging pants or running tights, a top, & a good pair of shoes. No need to spend a fortune on the clothes, if you're in UK you can find bargains at SportsDirect. Don't ever be embarrassed to go to the gym, everyone was new once!

Tsartele

Go workout.. life weights.. do the machines.. take a few lessons with a trainer. Check out Vanessa Blanco's videos. She is an MFP'er who teaches other women how to get started and lift weights.. she has a you tube channel https://youtu.be/28NvrEC8yQ8 . Her name on MFP is Viblanco.. she's great

WalkingQueen1979

Hi don't be embarrassed I was scared at first but bc of size and machines. You can do it I love it now I use mainly ellipitical bike and treadmill. Take your time and do what makes you comfortable

sanfromny

Just ask the personnel that work there to give you a tour of the machines. They are happy to help demonstrate them. Trust me, they want you to do it right, they don't want to pay out a liability.
besides most ppl in the gym are quite friendly. Whenever i see someone step on a treadmill or an elliptical and look confused I stop and show them how to get started. The gym is much friendlier than high school!

emdeesea

You young people are afraid of everything! lol Just ask someone - that's why they work there!

Tweaking_Time

MalcolmX1983 wrote: »

If you can't afford a pt, watch some videos on YouTube.
I recommend getting someone qualified to do a form check though.

^^^this^^^

YouTube is awesome for this! In my area, many gym memberships give you a complimentary trainer for your first (or if you are lucky - first and second) visit. Ask at the desk.

khaleesikhaleesi

Maybe try a personal trainer to get you comfortable with what you're doing? Or join a class, or find a friend! I had this same problem-- crippling social anxiety, to boot!-- and I just joined the gym with a friend of mine.

shank35l

You are there for YOU, never them. They don't matter.

Keep telling yourself that every time you feel insecure about starting the golden path to gains.

quiksylver296

What to wear - something comfortable that allows movement. I prefer spandex workout capris and UA dri-fit t-shirts.

As for lifting, just do it. No one is judging! Especially in the weight room, people are there to work on themselves, not worry about what anyone else is doing.

There are beginning weightlifting programs you can use. I personally use Stronglifts 5X5. Five exercises, not too much to learn. Only takes about 45 minutes per session, three time a week. Easy to fit into life. You can check it out at stronglifts.com. You can also download their app to help track your progress at the gym.

BamaRunningGirl

I know exactly where you are coming from. My husband and I started going to the gym in November. Started out on the treadmill. Finally got someone at the gym to should us the weights. Then upgraded to free weights a couple weeks ago. It's really not as bad as you think. Just tell someone at the gym to give you a quick tutorial, that's what they are there for. Good luck!!!

Dawn1996r

I don't think I can afford a PT or even if my gym offer this. It's a very small local gym and is pretty basic as they come which is also more embaressing as I'm bound to bump into people I know.

I'm going to have a look at youtube and go from there, I know the person behind the desk will be able to give me a quick tutorial on most of the equipment.

kpeterson539

Maybe the people who you bump into that you know would be able to help you out? Maybe workout with them or ask for tips?

missycats2004

I joined the gym here were I live and was embarrassed to use the pool in the beginning. I thought everyone was going to be looking at me in my suit .. Hahahahaha. Well the laugh was on me. I was just one of the sheep once I walked into the pool area and now I am a fish and you can't get me out of that pool ... The same will happen with you. Once you just go in there and do it. Even if it's not exactly right you will feel right at home

MissusMoon

I faced the same issue. I found the nicest gal that worked there and asked her to show me. Problem solved! Don't be embarrassed!

mom22dogs

I don't get why people are so self-conscious or embarrassed to work out at the gym. If you don't know how to use a machine, ask. Nobody cares or pays attention really to what anyone else is doing.

rainbowbow

Dawn1996r wrote: »

I don't think I can afford a PT or even if my gym offer this. It's a very small local gym and is pretty basic as they come which is also more embaressing as I'm bound to bump into people I know.

I'm going to have a look at youtube and go from there, I know the person behind the desk will be able to give me a quick tutorial on most of the equipment.

well... first of all you're going to have to get over this. This mentality is going to hold you back from accomplishing your goals and it's just not a good attitude to have in life in general. Don't settle for staying in this fake "comfort zone" you've created for yourself.

No one expects you to be an expert.
No one expects you to be perfect.
And no one can possibly expect someone in your same shoes to know anymore than you do right here right now.

As far as machines are concerned, it's not rocket science. Matter of fact, machines should make it incredibly easy for you to use as it is generally difficult to use them wrong.

They will have some instructions on each and every machine that look like this.



This tells you which muscles are being worked, how to use the machine, etc.

Now as far as free weights and machines go... START LOW! And don't freak out if something is too heavy for you. I know women experience this less than men (hurt ego), but you may think you can start with a weight that is too heavy, fail, and then feel embarrassment that you failed. Don't worry, it takes some time to know exactly what range you can lift in and where you're at strength wise. Expect it to take some time when you start and know that it will take some experimenting with lots of different weights/ranges.

For free weight you can watch a plethora of youtube videos, but i really recommend hiring a personal trainer for 1 or 2 sessions only just to show you form. It's pretty easy to hurt yourself if you've no clue what you're doing, OR doing a movement that isn't as beneficial as it could be. It's worth the investment in my opinion, because once you know, you know.

I know that it feels intimidating when you begin doing ANYTHING that you're not used to. You feel like people are watching you, judging you, etc. The truth is people don't really care about what you're doing in there. And it's unfair to put these expectations on yourself that are unrealistic.

All you have to do is go in with an open mind, willing to learn, give it a shot, and try your best. That's literally the only thing you can do if you want to improve.

JoRocka

Dawn1996r wrote: »

Most people are embarrassed to go to the gym because of their size but for me it's because I do not know how the hell to work out all the equipment.

educate yourself- plenty of free options out there.
education eliminates fear- and fear is why you are embarrassed.

Dawn1996r wrote: »

I don't know whether I should just spend my entire time at the gym on a treadmill or mix it up with weights but then I don't know how much weights I should lift (I'm very weak) ha!

pick a goal(s)- then find training that supports your goals.

Dawn1996r wrote: »

I'm worried people are going to think I'm a right idiot and I don't know really what to do in a gym.

so what if they do- honest question- so what if they do?

Dawn1996r wrote: »

Any tips?

be like nike and just do it

Dawn1996r wrote: »

Also what do you wear to the gym (FEMALE)

I find generally clothes to be a good start.
sports bra- shoes- clothes that fit you- not to baggy- not falling off- not to tight. sweats and a tank- yoga pants- capris- whatever- TJMaxx usually has an excellent workout gear selection for budget minded folks (or people who just like to spend so budget is better)

lindsay9898

All of the gyms that I have been a member of have given inductions before I was left alone in the gym for their insurance purposes as much as anything! But they ran through how to use the equipment and answered any questions I had at the time. You could also pop into the gym and say that you are thinking of joining but could you have a quick look around first (fair enough request before signing up for membership), someone would likely give you a brief tour and you could see what other women are wearing at the same time.

I understand how you feel though, I have used gyms for years but always just cardio. I have recently been finding keeping my weight down with my usual exercise and eating so one of the changes that I wanted to make was to add in some of the weights machines but was totally daunted by them and didn't use them until I got my husband to show me how!!! If he hadn't been at the gym with me then I would have had to ask the staff who I know would have been helpful.

Go for it!!! If its really bad you can leave and cancel your membership - might be worth asking if they have a cool off period when you can change your mind or allow a few taster sessions first.

piperdown44

Trial and error.
I travel some for work and try and find a gym that has equipment I like (free weights mostly) but sometimes it probably looks like I'm fumbling around with machines because the weight I use at the home gym may not be the same with another piece of equipment.
Like everything else in life, lifting in the gym can be trial and error. Everybody starts from the same place so don't worry about it.
Watch some vids, get a good trainer if you can, and just go in with a plan.

thefuzz1290

Best thing I did when I was 18 and wanted to get in shape was hire a trainer for 2 weeks to show me what to do. I could barely afford it ($250 for 5 sessions), but it was well worth the money. Now granted, the internet isn't what it is today back in 2000 and you can find most stuff on youtube.

EvgeniZyntx

Your gym will show you how to use the machines. Just go.