stupid question....

Jessie__86

I see all the 'lift heavy" and do heavy squats. Is everyone doing squats with weighted bars or dumbells? I do tons of squats at home wtih my dumbells (but they are only ten pounds). Just curious as to if that will get me results or if I should acutally step foot into my gym besides going to kickboxing and bootcamp classes. Ive been pretty much avoiding going into the weightroom because its so crowded and I really dont feel like having big men looking annoyed while im trying to use 'their" weights. But if its necessary to get results, I can put my big girl panties on and do it!

docktorfokse

Barbell please! I know it's intimidating to go into the free weight section, but that's just not a good enough reason to avoid the area altogether! I've never been anywhere and had any of the "big guys" be rude to me, usually they're glad to see a woman loading up some weights. And keep in mind, they had to start somewhere too, so no one other than the rare weirdo is going to look at you like you're growing a third arm.

RahBuhBuh

If you are going to get results you have to do the weight. After a few weeks, you will be thanking yourself.

If anyone gets annoyed with you, it won't be because you are female. It will be because you didn't follow some basic rules.

1. Re-rack your weights. If you can put it on the barbell, you can take it off.
2. Don't drop your weights unless you just have to.
3. Wipe down your equipment. No one wants someone else's sweat.
4. If you aren't sure if someone is finished with something, ask them.

I think if you follow those, you will own the place and do great!

docktorfokse

If you are going to get results you have to do the weight. After a few weeks, you will be thanking yourself.

If anyone gets annoyed with you, it won't be because you are female. It will be because you didn't follow some basic rules.

1. Re-rack your weights. If you can put it on the barbell, you can take it off.
2. Don't drop your weights unless you just have to.
3. Wipe down your equipment. No one wants someone else's sweat.
4. If you aren't sure if someone is finished with something, ask them.

I think if you follow those, you will own the place and do great!

^this. gym etiquette is key.

ijustmightbecrazy

It's actually cool to see women in the free weight area who don't mindlessly buy into the common misconception that they're going to suddenly bulk up if they lift weights seriously. I had to resist the urge to slap the woman giving a tour of the weight machines the other day (the dumbbell racks separate the machines and the rest of the free weight area) because she was telling some new join to do 1 set of 12 reps at a weight that feels comfortable, so she doesn't bulk up like the men.

Jessie__86

Thanks for the advice! I think Im going to try to go on thursday after my tabata class! I dont know why Im so nervous! haha

spazofthedead

Thanks for the advice! I think Im going to try to go on thursday after my tabata class! I dont know why Im so nervous! haha

Don't be nervous! Once you start barbell training you'll never go back. I started with just the bar (45lbs) and now I'm squatting nearly my own bodyweight (160lbs) three months later. It's a good feeling and after some time you'll be glad you started.

I also occasionally get comments on my form from regulars at the gym. Not one of them has been rude or condescending about my presence in the weight room. Quite the opposite, actually.

Go for it!