How do you....

PattyCake123

stop feeling awkward in the weight room? I always feel out of place whenever I go to the weight area, even though I really like to lift. I am still learning where equipment is and I like to have my Women's Health Big Book of Exercises with me so I don't forget part of a routine or what not, but I always feel so in the way and out of place. Any suggestions? or just suck it up, follow etiquette, and just keep going until I do feel comfortable?

Kincar

It's been my experience that once your confidence improves you will feel less self-conscious. Soon enough you'll know where everything is and what your routine is. For a long time I kept a small notebook to track my exercises and weights. I carried it with me as I worked out. Don't worry about having your book with you.

Remember everyone had to start lifting at some point. Everyone (should) know what it's like to be new. Hang in there!

Martucha123

once you know what you are doing, you will feel more confident.

for me that moment came very quickly, I think maybe my 3rd workout.

It was for that skinny guy why was pressing so much less then big guy next to him, and when he realized I watch him (I was doing step ups facing him) he left the bench embarassed, and for a gril who took 3 sets of dumbbells (rude btw, we only have 1 set of each weight) and went to exercise hidden in the corner.

It made me realized that I am not the only person felling weired...
I still use a note to check out what's next exercise, and have no idea what to do if someone is using "my" equipment, but when I get in somones way, or I catch somenoe staring at me, I smile, 99% time they smile back, sometimes have polite chit chat with me,

we all have better and worse days, but focus on next exercise, and uping weight, and making best of it, and there will be no room for other thoughts...