First day at the gym. A little nervous.
ChoiceNotChance
Posts: 644 Member
So, I've been wanting to start lifting for a long time. Today is the day I start. I'm really excited but a little apprehensive. Not about being a female in the free weight section. Just about not quite knowing how things work. I know what exercises to do, I'll just have to figure out how to go about them. My goal is to decrease BF ( currently at 32%) and increase muscle (duh). My starting weight was 190, CW is 135. I'm 5'1". I've made it so far and this is what I really want to do. Any and all help, support, advice you can give to a newbie would certainly be appreciated. New friends are always welcome!
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Welcome!
My advice would be to start small.
Something I did was just make myself walk completely around the weight room, finding where everything was, acquainting myself with the lay of the land. Then I tried squatting with the barbell a few times. That's all I did my first day! Didn't even do the rest of the workout. Half the battle can be overcoming the trepidation of a new place or experience, and being familiar with the room can help. :flowerforyou:
Hope to see you around the group!0 -
That is great advice. That's exactly how I feel- a little out of my element. Thank you.0
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Oh, and I love that you used the work "trepidation". It's one of my favorites. Usually when I use it, my husband looks at me like I'm speaking a foreign language.0
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I agree, get used to the layout of the room and take some time to figure out how the power rack (if they have one) is set up. Go through the moves, but don't worry about it being a full workout.0
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Welcome!
I wanted to lift for a couple of years, before I finally started. When I finally got up the nerve to start, I found out I love it! I might have to take it a bit slower than some, and that frustrates me at times, but dang it, I'm doing it!
I also agree with getting familiar with the gym and equipment. When I do my short warmup on the treadmill, I always check out the squat and power racks to see if they're in use and which one I can snag. If you're not sure you can start with the Olympic bar, take some time to see what type of fixed weight bars are available and try out a couple to get an idea of where to start on all the lifts.
Good luck and happy lifting!0 -
Hehe, a little caffeine definitely brings out my vocabulary. :laugh:Oh, and I love that you used the work "trepidation". It's one of my favorites. Usually when I use it, my husband looks at me like I'm speaking a foreign language.0 -
I'm going to agree with the "get acquainted with your gym's equipment" theme. It will make it less intimidating. Also, watch a lot of form videos to really visualize the movements that you're going to do. It will help with any anxiety of not knowing what you're doing.0
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I agree with the others, it can intimidating in the beginning and everyone else looks so certain about what they do. Get to know the equipment and bond with it :-) After a couple of times, the bar which felt so heavy and strange in your hands will be like an old friend :-)
I started about five weeks ago and I start receiving "the nod" now :-D
I also agree with getting familiar with the gym and equipment. When I do my short warmup on the treadmill, I always check out the squat and power racks to see if they're in use and which one I can snag.
Haha, I do the same and get upset if one grabs the stuff seconds before I am done0 -
I third? Fourth? The scoping of the squat racks to see which ones are free.0
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So glad I came across this. My husband and I are starting SL tonight at the gym and it's only the 2nd time we have been so I'm terrified lol. Lots of good suggestions in here to make the night easier. : )0
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Here is what happened at the gym yesterday. I wandered around checking things out, as suggested. Saw a trainer (actually an exercise physiologist) and asked if she could show me around a little. She gave me this look and said she really didn't have time but why don't I go focus on some cardio.... SERIOUSLY. I just went ahead and figured out how to squat with the empty bar and do bench presses by myself. Did the OPs with dumbells. I won't feel quite so conspicuous next time.0
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Here is what happened at the gym yesterday. I wandered around checking things out, as suggested. Saw a trainer (actually an exercise physiologist) and asked if she could show me around a little. She gave me this look and said she really didn't have time but why don't I go focus on some cardio.... SERIOUSLY. I just went ahead and figured out how to squat with the empty bar and do bench presses by myself. Did the OPs with dumbells. I won't feel quite so conspicuous next time.
Good for you for not letting her stop you from doing what you want to do. :flowerforyou:
You have a great attitude. I'd say you are well on your way. I might have been intimidated but you went for it anyway. That's why I lift at home so that I don't have to deal with BS like that.0 -
Dang, she sure was on her high horse. Although I'm not sure where that horse will lead her... I don't get why people are so RUDE when some asks for help. If you're busy, fine, just tell them so nicely. No need for sass.Here is what happened at the gym yesterday. I wandered around checking things out, as suggested. Saw a trainer (actually an exercise physiologist) and asked if she could show me around a little. She gave me this look and said she really didn't have time but why don't I go focus on some cardio.... SERIOUSLY. I just went ahead and figured out how to squat with the empty bar and do bench presses by myself. Did the OPs with dumbells. I won't feel quite so conspicuous next time.
Good on you for getting started! Incidentally, I also started my OHP with dumbbells (the itty-bitty 10lb ones, haha)0 -
Here is what happened at the gym yesterday. I wandered around checking things out, as suggested. Saw a trainer (actually an exercise physiologist) and asked if she could show me around a little. She gave me this look and said she really didn't have time but why don't I go focus on some cardio.... SERIOUSLY. I just went ahead and figured out how to squat with the empty bar and do bench presses by myself. Did the OPs with dumbells. I won't feel quite so conspicuous next time.
See you're already a bamf!0
