How to Get Started - Weight Training

xochristianna
xochristianna Posts: 96 Member
in Getting Started
My gym is constantly busy - especially the weight room. I understand the importance of lifting - and that it can help me reach my fitness goals better than cardio alone, but I get major anxiety upon entering the weight room.

Everyone there seems to know what they are doing and be on their routine. I don't want to get in the way. Plus there are so many machines/free weights, it's hard to know what to start with!

Any advice on how to get myself on a lifting program/regamine and familiarize myself with this area of the gym?

Thanks!

Replies

  • fivethreeone
    fivethreeone Posts: 8,196 Member
    I wrote a blog about this, which is basically exactly what I would write out here for you, so it's easier to just toss you the link.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/fivethreeone/view/how-did-i-workout-570888

    I just want you to know that anxiety is normal. I had major gym anxiety at one time not too long ago, to the point where I would feel like crying if I just THOUGHT about going into the gym. When I signed up for my first gym membership, I sat in the car for 20 minutes just mentally steeling myself for the trauma of walking in.

    It's crazy when I think about it, now the gym is my happy place. At first, you won't know what you're doing 100%, but after 3 or 4 sessions, your comfort levels will skyrocket. have a plan when you go. Watch youtube videos of all the exercises you intend to do until you feel like you can at least appear to know what you're doing. Fake it till you make it, and if you do, I promise, you will make it.
  • PJPrimrose
    PJPrimrose Posts: 916 Member
    It's a bit awkward at first being surrounded by guys flinging heavy weights about. In all honesty, they are 1. worried about what other people think of them not what they think of you 2. concentrating on what they are doing and don't care about other people. Most, I have noticed, fall into the latter category. Most adults are pressed for time and need to get their workout out of the way. I feel a bit of gratification seeing women in the weight section.

    Outside the weight room I can tell by some overweight people's body posture and the look on their face that they are intimidated by the gym at first. Once they realize that everyone else is doing their own thing they relax.

    It takes a bit of getting used to as any new place/lifestyle does but you'll get there sooner than you think and be just fine.
  • jrhanna84
    jrhanna84 Posts: 66 Member
    Find a good beginner workout like Strong Lifts 5x5, new rules of lifting for women, or starting strength to name three really good ones and go to it. I had that same anxiety too but asking one of the gym staff to show me proper form helped on top of all the youtube videos. Just remember that everyone who looks like they know what they are doing in the weight room was once a beginner too. I've been lifting since the end of September and I'm really glad that I asked for that help in the beginning. Basically it boils down to telling your mind to stfu (this whole weight loss thing is a MAJOR mental challenge), going in with a plan and just doing your thing (99.9 percent of the people in the weight room are to involved in their workout - watching form to prevent injury, etc. - to even pay attention to anyone else). Worry not grasshopper it'll all workout in the end. I hope this was helpful.

    Edit to add: I ended up signing up with a trainer. Money well spent.
  • jrhanna84
    jrhanna84 Posts: 66 Member
    It's a bit awkward at first being surrounded by guys flinging heavy weights about. In all honesty, they are 1. worried about what other people think of them not what they think of you 2. concentrating on what they are doing and don't care about other people. Most, I have noticed, fall into the latter category. Most adults are pressed for time and need to get their workout out of the way. I feel a bit of gratification seeing women in the weight section.

    Outside the weight room I can tell by some overweight people's body posture and the look on their face that they are intimidated by the gym at first. Once they realize that everyone else is doing their own thing they relax.

    It takes a bit of getting used to as any new place/lifestyle does but you'll get there sooner than you think and be just fine.

    Yes to all of this!

Categories