Gym Embarrassment (Gymbarrassment?)

jlong7774

If you have an IPOD or something to listen to bring that and you can zone out while exercising. I agree just go and you will begin to feel like you want to go or feel bad if you are not going to the gym.

elbandito

I've resisted joining a gym purely out of embarrassment as far as not knowing anything about the machines go. How do you get over this? I feel like I'm going to walk in and have no clue how to use anything...anyone else experience this?

Most of the machines have instructions on them (in a little sticker). I go up to a machine that looks interesting, and use it to 'stretch' while I read the instructions. Then if it's something I'd like to try, I give it a go.

In all honesty, no one person at the gym will be watching you. Just focus on yourself and have fun.

lmalaschak

If you don't find a gym that has a free session with a trainer (I'm sure you will), there is also the option of finding a PE teacher that you know and asking them to help you out or go with you. If you have kids that are middle/high school age maybe you know their teachers a bit. If you are younger and don't have kids, think of someone fit that you know and just ask them. I bet someone would go with you a few times. I think most people are pretty supportive about stuff like that...

ChRiStA_1983

Most of the machines have instructions on them (in a little sticker). I go up to a machine that looks interesting, and use it to 'stretch' while I read the instructions. Then if it's something I'd like to try, I give it a go.

LOL I LOVE this!!!

ShrinkRapt451

This has already been said, but it bears repeating: if at all possible, have a trainer show you how to use the equipment. They can help you figure out what's the best starting weight for you on each of the different machines (or free weights), AND they will correct your form. It's pretty easy to either injure yourself or just work the wrong muscle in a way that's uncomfortable if you're not paying attention to form. There are experienced gym members, who've been there a while, who aren't always doing it right.

So going with a trainer is worth it for the intro session, and also worth paying for a few sessions to get you really started, if you can swing it.

ttkg

I felt the same way, I imagined that the gym was full of people who couldn't pinch an inch and that there would be a lot of body builders there...but it is much more diverse than that (and I have tried several gyms now). A bunch of different body types and endurance levels.

What helped me to take the first step was convincing myself that everyone has to start somewhere and if anyone wanted to judge the way i was huffing & puffing, or how much I was sweating or whether I was not lasting as long as them then they could just stuff it!!!

What I quickly realized is that no one gave a rats *kitten* about what I was doing, lol. That is the reality, no one is really going to be paying attention because most people are so focused on themselves and their workout...most gyms give you a trial period (2 weeks or 10 visits, something like that) go try out several different gyms and find one that suits you.

YOU ARE WORTH THE EFFORT! :flowerforyou:

dad106

Like everyone else said, they should offer you a free PT session.. and if they don't then ask if there is some sort of orientation.

If you are doing a machine or something that you don't understand, don't be afraid to find a personal trainer that is not busy and ask for help... Contrary to popular belief, they are nice and will help without trying to sell you anything.

Most all, have fun. The gym is what you make it.. and if you think it's going to suck, then it's going to suck.. plain and simple.

MMAsac

yes, u should get a free walk through the gym, and them show you how to use each machine. plus most newer machines have photo on them that demonstrate the movement anyways along with what muscles it is working.

RobDelco

Don't be embarrassed, everyone's got to start somewhere. There are thousands of instructional videos on youtube and the internet to teach you at least the basic exercises. Each gym should also have trainers or even friendly people that can spare a minute to help you out.

Sylendis

As important as knowing what to do with the equipment, it can be equally important to know in what order/how many reps for the equipment. Take a session or two to get to know the different pieces of equipment that are specific to your gym. A personal trainer can really help to get a begining routine setup. Its is well worth the investment to ensure you are not wandering from one piece of equipment to the next. Most trainers can be hired for one to 3 sessions to help with this.

If you have an iPhone of iPod touch, there are great fitness apps that will help with fitness routines and trackers. I really like Mens Health Fitness and iFitness.

There are very elite people in the gym that do not want you there. It is their gym and they would rather you go somewhere else. There are equally (if not more) people that are also in your shoes and just want to improve their health. Seek these people out, try a few classes and most importantly, HAVE FUN. If it isn't fun, you will stop going.

NLF812

Most gymns will give you a tour and show you how the machines work if they know you have never belonged to a gymn.