Terrified to walk in to Gym..just bought membership

UFITYETXX

I usually work out at home with videos but working as a preschool teacher...Im exhausted when I get home so I havent been exercising like I want so I joined 24 hour fitness to work out on my lunch breaks...Im terrified to walk in...I dont have a game plan, dont know where to begin...I dont know what to wear! Lol...I dont want to stick out like a sore thumb and I cant afford a trainer...Please any tips, advice, encouragement would be great! Yes I know Im being a baby...

mschicagocubs

First off, don't be scared. Everyone at the gym is there for the same reasons ... to get healthy. Whether it be to gain muscle, lose weight, ...if you are there, people at the gym respect that.

I know sometimes people that are more fit than you are intimidating. It took me 4 weeks to do certain things at my new gym because I wasn't comfortable yet. Once I did it, I realized no one was even looking at me, and now I just don't care what I look like lol

What are your fitness goals? Are you just wanting to do cardio? Weight lifts? There are a lot of great workouts for beginners online and using youtube to make sure you are doing the lifts correctly are available if you do not want to seek a trainer.

UFITYETXX

I want to lose about 20 pounds and gain muscle for sure. I will definitely watch some lifting videos. Great idea. Thanks!

Leonidas_meets_Spartacus

Usually most of the gyms have one introduction work out with a trainer free. Check with your gym, if they do have an intro session free. If they don't, just decide what you want to do based on your goals. No one is perfect, just do to your best of the abilities and remember you are still much better than folks who sit on the couch eating donuts.

Fiona_Cami89

Don't be scared, you have as much right as anyone else to be in there! From personal experience, it is daunting walking into a gym where there are gym bunnies hopping around and muscly men pumping iron, but eventually you'll get to the 'what does it matter what they think' stage.

As far as outfit choice is concerned, I would say, pick something comfortable and loose/nice and airy (nothing worse than skin-tight clothes on sweat, am I right?! haha).

If you're really unsure about where to start, ask someone who works there, that's what they're there for! They're getting paid after all, might as well ask them how things work/what they recommend. Or just try things out on your first visit, see what you enjoy! You're paying, you call the shots! x

Jlennhikes

I think no matter how one looks, everyone is always worried about what other people think. So I just remind myself that they're thinking about themselves, not me. And you have a right to be there as much as anyone, right? Give yourself the freedom to try different things and stick with what you like to do. I went from weights and cardio and walking to yoga and cardio and running. I switch it up when it starts to get boring.

michelefm1l

I felt the same way when I first started and still feel that awkwardness at times (everyone else looks skinny, I don't know how to work this machine, what if I'm doing it wrong....etc) I finally had to get to the point that I don't care what I look like or how awkward it is figuring out the machines. Just walk in like you're a pro at it, and watch others to see how they operate them. Or you can always ask somebody and they'd gladly demonstrate it for you. Good luck!

frinkeaa

I find that using an MP3 player blocks out people and it makes your workout more entertaining as well. Watching YouTube videos as well as having the proper shoes and equipment will make you feel even more confident! I was scared for a while too, but it really doesn't matter because everyone is there for the same reason, you'll do great.

caveninit

I usually wear leggings or capri length jogging pants and a t- shirt to the gym. Most people don't really pay much attention to anyone else, so try not to be nervous. You can start easy..jump on one of the bikes or treadmill to start. Most gyms do an orientation for new members if you ask..at least the gyms I have joined do..where a trainer takes you around and shows you how to use the machines. Have fun!

UFITYETXX

You guys are awesome, thanks!

Marcia315

I hung out on the elliptical or treadmill and watched what other people did.

dakotababy

The first day, i did not overwhelm myself. I just focused on getting on a treadmill and walk. The next time I went, my focus was to get onto a machine that I knew how to use, and so forth. Eventually, I felt comfortable going into the gym and knowing what I was doing.

NotAResolution

When you get there you will quickly find people that are in the same boat you are in. Most folks will gladly answer any questions you have. Everyone went to the gym for the first time at one point.

postrockandcats

It's funny how the gym can psych you out. I was out of the gym for two months due to an injured foot and then being sick and it was like this weird mental block to get back in the groove.

Just do it. The first time it's weird, but not as weird as you think. Find one thing you're comfortable doing (the treadmill is my thing) and just do that for a bit before branching out. Don't worry!

gonefishin1282

The MP3 player is a great idea...I usually plug my ear buds into my phone and jam out to some Pandora on my phone.

luadams2

I cannot work out without earbuds and some good music. Tune everyone out! Enjoy that workout!

Birthdaygirl56

Everyone offered great advice. You might even find a work out partner there. My experience is that people will respect you for taking those first steps and then coming back. Please let us know how you progress!

Jengirton

I also advise just walking; take it slow until you get used to the environment. Just remember you have every right to be there! It will get easier, so don't give up!! :-)

Joehenny

Op I almost snapped my neck in two under the squat rack and nobody even stopped to check if I was okay. You'll be fine.

beanerific518

Think about your first day at anything new: school, job, etc. You were probably nervous thinking you would feel like an outcast, not belong, etc. And now those things feel like old hat. The gym is no different. So be strong, take this first step, and in a few months you will be able to smile about how you are feeling right now. Just remember most people at the gym just keep to themselves and do their thing.

A plan is always key to setting a goal, no matter what that goal is. Luckily we live at an age where so much information is at our fingertips. I have heard that New Rules of Lifting is a great book for those just getting into weight lifting. Maybe for cardio sign up for a 5K in 8-10 weeks and do the Hal Higdon 5K training plan. If your budget allows, perhaps a few sessions with a personal trainer.

Good Luck!!

tycho_mx

You're doing the right thing. Courage!

As with most things in life, most people in a gym go with the purpose of using the gym for what is for: working out. And most are reasonably courteous. It is just that we tend to remember the sss-hats more.

I suggest looking for the coach/person in charge of the gym. There is almost always one (otherwise there are insurance liabilities). Say hi, I am new and terrified! Most will laugh, and set you up with an introductory session where they will describe the protocol for the gym (e.g. are there maximum use times for the cardio machines? can you reserve in advance?), and teach you how to use the machines safely.

Even better, some will actually help you to design a workout plan according to your objectives. Note that sometimes these people are not really experts (e.g. physiotherapists, registered coaches, etc.) so your mileage may vary. But since you're a beginner everything will be new, and it's better to receive some guidance.

If the people in charge are jerks I'd avise finding some other gym. An healthy workout environment starts with the right personnel - if that doesn't exist then you'll get no help if someone else is being unpleasant to you.

GymTennis

In reality, nobody cares about you at the gym.. Yes, you'll catch an occasional glance or something, but most of those glances will be for a simple reason.. You're standing or working out in front of someone and they just happen to look at you for a second

As for various exercises performing, there's a ton of material on you tube.. Have a look at a particular exercise you plan to incorporate in to you workouts.. Just to get an idea how it's done if you're so concerned you won't know what to do once you get there.. Good luck..!

craftywitch_63

Just ask where to begin, most gyms have trainers that can help. I have a tablet and I watch Netflix while I'm working out on the treadmill or elliptical (I'm half way through the British series Being Human).

Personally, I wear a loose tank top and a loose pair of shorts all year round. I want to wear cute clothes AFTER I leave the gym - not while I'm in the gym sweating my *kitten* off!

debbie7373

I know how you feel. I joined a gym about a week and a half ago. The first time I went to work out I sat in my car for an hour before I convinced myself to go on in. I sat there and watched quite a few younger and more fit people walk in. I felt so out of place. Finally a couple that looked to be about my age drove up and went in. It gave me the boost that I needed to get out of my car and go in. After I went in and started on the elliptical I began to relax and started to enjoy my workout. No one even noticed me trying to figure out things. A couple of ladies even smiled at me. You'll be fine. We are all doing this to get healthier.

shapefitter

I usually work out at home with videos but working as a preschool teacher...Im exhausted when I get home so I havent been exercising like I want so I joined 24 hour fitness to work out on my lunch breaks...Im terrified to walk in...I dont have a game plan, dont know where to begin...I dont know what to wear! Lol...I dont want to stick out like a sore thumb and I cant afford a trainer...Please any tips, advice, encouragement would be great! Yes I know Im being a baby...

Did you get an induction? Have you been to a gym before? I doubt the gym will let you near any of their equipment, if you don't know what you're doing. It's in their interest that you don't cause injury to yourself, or others in the gym. So, I suspect you'll be given an appointment to suit you, for your free induction. Also, most gym's have a designated area, for women only, which is something you can *kitten* at the free induction. Good luck!

beautifulwarrior18

I have found a great way to feel more comfortable is to approach one of the employees and just ask them to show you around that you've never had a gym membership and don't know where to begin. They'll show you some of the equipment and how to use it.

Shaky44

Usually most of the gyms have one introduction work out with a trainer free. Check with your gym, if they do have an intro session free . . .

I'm pretty sure 24-hour fitness does offer this at all locations.

From the perspective of the trainer, s/he is trying to get you to sign up for more training sessions. Make sure that they answer any questions that you have. If you need to be shown how to use a treadmill, they should do that - even if it's not high on their list of things they "want" to do.

Don't worry about not knowing what you are doing at a gym. Once you figure out what you're doing, you'll realize that there are a bunch of people who think they know who don't. People go to a gym to workout, not creep on other patrons (with a few exceptions).

jakki_brown

I LOVE my 24 Hour Fitness membership! It's always nerve racking, but in no time you will feel a part of the gym and will have no worries. If you want to feel more comfortable trying out new equipment, go at a time that isn't busy. There will be less pressure and you won't have to worry about people waiting for you to figure it out and get done with it!

Enjoy it! The gym is the best thing you can do for yourself!

And yes, 24 HF does offer a free training session. If you opted out to begin with, they will still honor it!

UFITYETXX

Great advice everyone!! Im walking in today! Lol

nenshali

You're not a baby at all, I had similar issues.
The best you can do: Planning.
Write down whatever scares you.
You don't know what to wear? Go to your cupboard and search for some clothes you can use for your workout, that you feel comfortable in. Think of either a workout plan or ask a trainer for help you, especially if you are going there for the first time, I can highly recommend doing that!

And after some time, you'll realize that it really isn't that bad, that people won't look at you as much as you worried about and that it's no big deal. You can do it! :flowerforyou:

sphkhn

UFITYETXX thanks for making this thread. I'm joining today! I am just so bored of work out videos and I don't like being stuck at home. Also I'm doing a c25k and it is supposed to snow tomorrow so I need a treadmill asap. I was scared of going in as well.