Starting the gym? Nervous advice needed

Chantelelee

Hi
IV been on my journey for a while , I have excerised at home because of my youngest being at home half the day and my ex wouldnt allow me to go the gym.
Things have changed my daughter is in full time school and I'm now not with my ex so I am looking at starting the gym not just for the equipment but to hopefully make some friends also , but I have no idea where to start on the machines I have never been in a gym and worked out and and keep talking my way out of it .
Has anyone got any advice on first time things to do I feel like I will sign up go walk around feel stupid and never return 😅

JBanx256

FIRST OF ALL, from what you've said (your ex not allowing you to go to the gym), CONGRATS on ditching your ex!

OK, now that we've gotten past that...

Does your gym have personal trainers? A lot of gyms offer at least one freebie session just to familiarize you with the equipment. That way you'll at least know the movement etc. They (PT) may also be able to give you a basic, beginner-level routine to at least get you started in the right direction.

Once you get comfortable with the machines/equipment, there's a thread on here somewhere (I'm sure someone will chime in with the link) that has a TON of different routines/programs that you look at and find something that matches up with the equipment you have available to you, your schedule and goals, etc.

And PLEASE don't stress out about feeling stupid walking around not knowing what you're doing. I've 100% been there and I'm sure most everyone else who has ever set foot in a gym has felt awkward and goofy like WTF AM I DOING?!? too and you feel like everyone is looking at you and thinking you're an idiot, but the reality is, people are generally more tied up with what they are doing and aren't paying any attention to you at all BUT if you ask someone for help, 99% of people are happy to assist. It's cool seeing other people working toward (and achieving) their goals, so MOST people will want to see you succeed (I say "most" because there are jerks in the world, right?).

Retroguy2000

It's certainly daunting at first. The gym probably has tons of machines, most of which you don't need, certainly to start out with.

They'll surely give you a tour of the equipment. They might offer a free session with a trainer too. You could also go at an off-peak time at first, to reduce decision paralysis.

I would recommend you start with machines first, rather than free weights. The three basic machines you'll need are the seated chest press for push, the seated row for pull (it probably has a close grip V style handle), leg press machine and I'll add in reverse lunges too (no machine, that's you with or without added dumbbells). These machines are super simple to use. On the seated row and leg press, don't lock your legs straight.

That will give you a solid full body workout. Don't waste your time doing a few isolation exercises only while there, which is what many of the machines are designed for.

Get used to the basics first, and go from there. You can get into preferred training splits, advancing to free weights, etc. etc. later.

springlering62

I’ve done Curves (utter waste of time and effort), 24Hour Fitness, LA Fitness, a World Gym, a local hospital owned super-gym, and my current small, competitive gym. Each has their own personality, and you need to find the one that fits most comfortably for you.

24Hour was OK, it was very generic, not always so clean, good selection of equipment, not so good free weights. You had to “time” arrival to ensure a good rotation. The PTs there frankly sucked.

LA Fitness had a good group class schedule, pool, good assortment of equipment and was generally clean. Instructors ran the gamut from high quality to warm bodies with absolutely zero clue what they were doing.

World Gym was fabulous. Clean, tons of equipment, great group class schedule, very qualified instructors, spin and boxing classes. It cost a little more but was well worth it.

The hospital gym is unique to our locale, and is far and away the best equipped, staffed, class schedule, amenities, qualified trainers, medical personnel including dietician, amazing nursery. You might see if you have anything similar nearby. Most people here don’t even know it exists, or don’t know it’s open to the public. My husband still goes to this gym almost every day. They also include a wide range of rehab and elder group classes, which is unique.

But my personal hands down favorite is my small hometown gym. It may be concrete block, and stuffing coming out the vinyl, but everything is meticulously clean, oiled, carefully tended, owners are hands on, folks will offer to spot one another without being asked. If someone’s going to PR, everyone stops to cheer them on. Even though I’m older and not of their class, no one talks down to me. The owner personally vets anyone offering training service, and has no qualms about revoking membership for any number of things that piss her off.

What I’ve found at all the gyms is, people are so focused on their own workout they totally ignore other people. You might “make some friends” attending a regular group class, but otherwise none of the gyms have been social centers. The most socializing I get at the gym, outside of my trainer, is with the dogs that come and sit while their owners train, another unique feature of a small gym.

As far as I know, no one at any gym ever said anything about the fat chick working out, and I’m hypersensitive to that kind of thing. They just don’t pay attention.

DoubleG2

Congrats on making the decision to go to the gym. Check out the Gaining Weight and Body Building forum - there are many excellent posts and experienced lifters to bounce ideas off of.

The idea of going to the gym can be intimidating with all of the machines, and noise and people working out. But, it is so rewarding. My two cents:

Explore a few gyms local to you. Gyms are like people - they have the own personality, whether a sleek corporate gym or crossfit gym in the back of a warehouse. I belong to two - the YMCA close to my house and another smaller local gym. Most gyms will allow you to 'drop in' for a workout. Kick the tires so to speak. You'll find the right place for you.

Once you choose a gym, you need to have a plan, that is a structured program that will enable your body to get progressively stronger, i.e, gainz! We all love gainz!! Here is a great post of potential programs: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

You may want to book a session or two with a personal trainer just to help get you started.

And my last bit of advice - just go and lift consistently. Whether machines or dumbbells or barbells - it's all good. @Retroguy2000 gave good advice about a push/pull/legs workout as opposed to isolation lifts.

While it's not a social thing for me, I do notice some people chit chatting between sets. I think most people are dialed into their own workouts. And as @ JBanx256 said, 99% of people will be happy to answer questions or point you in the right direction.

Best of luck!

callsitlikeiseeit

youve gotten some good advice, and spring and banx up there im good friends with and both know what they are talking about.

I too, have been a member of lots of gyms, some larger, some smaller, some ive liked, some i havent. in nearly all of them... people are not going to be overly concerned with what you are doing, for the most part. Most will help if you ask, just don't interrupt them in the middle of what they are doing

my one recommendation would be, especially if you are in an area where there are multiple gyms to choose from, is to do trial memberships at several before committing to one, and actually USE that trial to get a true FEEL for that gym at the time of day you are going to be working out. Because, as mentioned, they all have their own personalities and 'vibe'.

I am currently a member at 2 gyms. The local Y, which is closer to my house, I've been a member of for years. It is small and sad but convenient, especially for very basic equipment. It is mostly a social center for older people (60+), though at certain times of the day there are younger people in it. Being a Y, they do offer classes, though none that interest me. I can use other locations and sometimes use the pool in the town 45 minutes away if I will be there near a water aerobics class time.

My other gym is a smaller local gym, and is better for weight training, and is more younger people. It has better equipment, overall, and personal trainers (which I use one). Since I work with a trainer there, I haven't done much 'people watching' to see how social people are, though it does seem to be less than the Y, at least from what I have noticed. But, could be time of day, too- you just never know. They do offer some classes at an additional charge (around $5 for members, not sure how much for non members), but class times don't really align with my schedule, if I recall correctly).

If you are looking to make FRIENDS, I would probably go for more of a class environment. I think that when most people are at the gym working out individually (cardio, weights, whatever), they are not really focused on chit chat and making friends, so much as getting their workout in and getting out. A class environment lends itself to a little more socialization and chit chat.

snowflake954

Every gym is a bit different, but just remember when you enter, every person there walked in that first day and was new there. The reception is used to people coming in for information and starting for the first time. Go and just ask and look around and sign up for a try out. If you have several possibilities in your area, do this for all of them, and then choose the one that suits best. It doesn't take long to fit in. Just ask questions and especially ask when the gym is less busy. Don't worry--they don't want people using their machines if they don't know how (those machines cost a bundle), so they'll take the time to show you.

Good luck and enjoy yourself.