Might be going to a gym

zebra08lm

I’m nervous to go to a gym and plan to sometime next week. Any tips? I know form is everything so I will watch some how to videos for things but I know I won’t know what machines to use and am nervous to ask people. Do you think the staff would help me get started instead?

claireychn074

Congrats on deciding to go! The first time you walk in is scary and most newbies think everyone’s looking at them (I did anyway). But we’re all too busy with our routines, and don’t have time to stare at other people. See if you can book an induction - most gyms offer an hour. Then they can show you the machines and how to use them. Some gyms will offer to write a programme for you, or there may be classes you can join. Don’t ever be afraid to ask the staff - or regular gym goers - for support or help. Everyone has to start somewhere, and even though I am now confident in the gym I will still ask for help if I need it (particularly if I can’t reach a piece of equipment as I’m quite short).

I didn’t go into a weights gym until I was in my 40s and it felt incredibly intimidating. It’s turned out to be the most supportive and welcoming place I’ve ever exercised, and I have a great crowd who support me - even though I’m old enough to be their mum!

Don’t be afraid, hold your head high and go and have fun 😀

i_fraser11

Exactly what Claire said. Just go do your thing!💪🏻😃

Xellercin

Back in the day you always got an intro session where the trainers showed you how to use the machines. Ask if they can offer that to you.

ninerbuff

Get a trainer. Regardless if you're SHOWED how to use a machine, that DOESN'T mean you'll do them right. People slump in them, cave their chest on presses, let their shoulders go forward, etc. Bad form is not unusual for beginners and better to learn the correct way.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

sijomial

Yes you should get yourself a gym induction.
You will be far less nervous if you know what the equipment does and how to use it.

A big thing to share with your gym instructor is your fitness goals. Have a proper think about what those goals are before you get there.

Enjoy!

SaintGiff

I have been in and out of gyms since the 80s. While some things have changed (everybody in headphones now) the basics are the same. Here are just a few tips...

The staff will absolutely help you get started. They will also try to sell you training sessions. Be careful there, as one of their most effective sales techniques is to point out your flaws and that is not awesome for self esteem.

No one is watching you. Literally no one. Stop thinking that everyone is watching you.

Ask. Do not, for the love of everything holy, do not interrupt someone's set to ask them a question. But if someone is not actively doing a thing, just ask. Then take everything you hear with a grain of salt because...

Most of the answers you get will be very much the same. A generation or so before you could get all kinds of advice, some good and some bad, and then sort of put it all together as you went. Now everyone just spouts the latest YouTube crap so there is a bit less diversity in thought. But still ask.

I did not even look at your profile to see if you are male or female, but I am going to say this either way. If you ask two people about something and get two different answers, believe the woman. Particularly if she looks like she knows what she is doing. I say that as a man who, as I said earlier, has spent more hours in the gym than you have probably spent living. Without fail the women who have success do so because they learn to work smarter. They have to. Men can just go in there as noobs and throw the weights around willy nilly and get gains. Testosterone is a hell of a drug, right? But women? They have to scratch and claw for every speck of gains. They grind. They know how to work and they know how to get the most out of each movement.

Seriously, no one is watching you. Stop it.

DO NOT TAKE A SQUAT RACK FOR THINGS OTHER THAN SQUATS.

Likewise, do not take a dedicated bench press bench for things other than benches. What that means is that some benches will have the built in stands attached to hold the bar for benching. Don't use on eof those for dumbbell presses or whatever. That is just a dick move.

JBanx256

I know it's easy to SAY "don't be nervous," but a lot harder ACTUALLY not be nervous, but everything is gonna be OK!

MOST gyms will offer a free orientation session, so you can at least get a crash course on the different equipment and how to use it. A lot of gyms will offer X number of free sessions with a trainer when you first sign up, so don't be shy - ASK!

Once you're in the gym, you're gonna feel/think that everyone is watching you and silently criticizing you...but I guarantee you they're not! Sometimes between sets, I'll kinda zone out and realize that I'm looking directly at someone, but I'm actually looking through them, because I'm in my own head with my music blasting etc, I couldn't even tell you what they were doing or wearing because I'm just not paying attention to them. Most people at the gym are focused on their own workouts (or in some cases, checking themselves out in the mirrors, haha) and have no idea that you even exist.

Don't be scared to ask other gym members for pointers/advice or a spot! Obviously don't come barging in on them in the middle of their set, but once they're done with their set, it's all good. Most people are more than happy to help out in any way possible. If someone is really friendly, you may end up with a training partner, or at least someone who can show you the ropes.

Basic gym etiquette: wipe down equipment after you use it; if you see that someone is waiting on the equipment you're using, offer to let them work in (or at least don't dilly-dally in between sets playing on your phone and making them wait longer than necessary); never curl in the squat rack (it's called a SQUAT rack for a reason!), always re-rack your weights; observe proper personal hygiene but don't douse yourself with perfume/cologne/body spray/whatever before you come in either, etc....

Just remember - EVERY. SINGLE. PERSON. in that gym were newbs at one point too. Everyone there has been what you are going through. YOU GOT THIS!