Got a gym membership.... D:

aubyshortcake

Heya, there was a really good deal on groupon for Gold's Gym right by my house, so I got it. ^.^ I've been slacking really badly, so I really want to get back on track. I just got Strong Curves and plan on doing the beginner program.

Now, I am a complete gym noob. I've never used a "real" gym before......is there anything I should know going in? Etiquette? Appropriate footwear? How to tell if I'm doing it wrong and avoid injury? Honestly feeling a little nervous so any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated, thanks!

JoRocka

yay!

good for you.... I'm really busy at work (still stalking MFP though so not THAT busy) but here's a quick run down and a copy from this that I typed up

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1195898-never-been-to-a-gym-going-tomorrow-so-scared-help-please



ust remember ... it's just a room. with stuff in it- and people doing stuff.

like an office- or wal-mart or anywhere else.

Everyone has done a good job so far- but really- it's just a room. A few things to keep in mind.

Don't be a Di*k. This is the golden rule of life- it covers a multitude of sins- I suspect you won't be in this category- it's the easiest way to avoid issues.
> use your please and thank you's
> Re-rack your weights
> ask if you have a question
> re-rack your weights
> wipe down equipment you used
> re-rack your weights
> don't spit everywhere
> re-rack your weights
> don't be afraid to ask "how many sets do you have left"
> re-rack your weights
> if someone is NEAR a piece of equipment are you interested in and not working grab their attention and ask if they are using and can you work in- or how much longer they will be.
> RERACK YOUR WEIGHTS
> use your own water bottle if you want- but don't just leave it when you are done- take your garbage with you.
> wear what you are comfortable in- but if you happen to be comfortable in booty shorts and a sports bra- or an extrmely tight/low cut shirt- expect some looks.
> don't wear jeans if you can help it- I mean you can-go ahead- but it just makes you look like an idiot and a tool.
> shorts that are so short your cheeks hang out- meeeehe- go ahead if you want to- but it's going to get you looks.
> Wear two shirts or a padded bra under your sports bra if you have nipple fear. A lot of people get hard nipples working out- it's common- a lot of people do it. It is what it is- but it's something to be aware of that it happens- and if having them out makes you wildly uncomfortable- dark shirts- doubleing up- or using a lightly padded none push up bra under your sports bra are all ways to combat this problem.

> you will sweat- it's okay. even crotch sweat- it happens.
> take a book to write down what you do if you want- lots of people do it.

Biggest trick is knowing what you want to do when you get there. Part of the uncomfortable is standing there or wandering around not knowing what you are doing. So have a plan- have a back up plan. This will save you a lot of fumbling about.

Look at the pictures on machines- make sure you adjust them properly- they have pictures and diagrams to help- it's okay to look at them.

You'll be fine. Use the staff- ask questions- and just say- sorry I'm new here if some one gives you a hard time- but don't let them run you off. You pay to use the facility- so you can use it to.

Oh- and re-rack your weights.

89nunu

Not much to add to this.
But what really helped ne was the thing about having a plan! Take your workout notes with you and watch lots of videos on YouTube before you go so you got an idea what the exercise should look like before you do it (maybe even have a dry run with a can/broomstick at home so you got the movements down before you grab some weights)

And don't forget to re-rack your weights!

caseythirteen

Great advice already! Just remember that everyone is there for the same reason so no one is staring at you for any negative reason. Have a plan of attack, put your music on and go for it! It's only new the first time and just keeps getting easier and easier. I laugh at myself now for how long I waited to head over to "that side" of the gym.

aubyshortcake

Thanks everyone! I'm excited to get started, hoping to go on Sunday so I can really take the time to familiarize myself with everything. My ultimate goal is to go 3-4 times a week before work

Thank you for the encouragement! This skinny-fat situation needs to end lol