Got the p**s taken out of me at the gym

littledumplings

Well, I joined the gym the other day to do my Stronglifts 5x5, today was first day there. Since I cant lift an Olympic barbell yet and am terrified to go into the big boys area anyway without being shown what to do first, I did my D3 A lifts in another corner with the 'body pump' barbell and weights (squat 16kg, barbell row 18kg, chest press 14kg) (they only had 1 x1kg increments, and 2 x 2kg increments and some 5's)

Not completely sure on my form, but I've watched numerous vids and also I do body pump so I've been shown how to squat, so I was sure I had some idea.

Anyway, I noticed a bunch of 20's something year old fit guys, all looking at me while I was doing squats (full deep squats, *kitten* to grass as they say) and obviously saying 'watch her, watch her' . I just ignored them but by the time I was on the mat doing my stretches at the end they came to the mat and were obviously laughin/smiling between themselves as they exercised right next to me

It's not bothering me too much, heck, when I get out of that gym they are nothing to do with my life, but it's made me extra scared to go into the free weghts area now I've got a PT going to show me the form and equipment on Monday, but after that I'm on my own.

Doesn't help Im nearly 44, 40lbs overweight and go so red I look like a traffic light and sweat buckets!

Please say it gets easier!!

rrrbecca11

It gets easier. :-) I am 55 and train at home, but I've done the gym thing and I know what you mean. I started weight training when I was about your age. It gets easier. :-)

shaybethxo

this happened to me at the gym when i was a member. i don't go anymore, but not because of that.
a load of guys were mimicking what i was doing and just staring, it was awful so i know what you mean.
but like you said, they have nothing to do with your life, you only see them at the gym. they started out as puny weedy little boys, and i'm sure people laughed at them when they started. don't let them put you off! go in, be awesome, get out.
x

vim_n_vigor

Maybe next time you could ask them to help give you advice on your form. Most guys in the gym are really more in admiration of the dedication of a woman doing that stuff. Good luck!

1969ned

ignore the idiots - whats the betting they only concentrate on working their arms and because of this they have legs like little girls! Keep on doing what youre doing and be proud!

Sublog

It does get easier. Just keep doing it and you'll feel more comfortable.

Lesley2901

i know it must be difficult but don't let these idiots put you off. They probably weren't as fit as you think and are trying to cover for their own inadequacies. Most people in the gym would give you respect for your efforts.

Linbo93

It does get easier as your confidence grows. There will always be haters, so it's up to you to choose whether they stop you or motivate you. Remember that you have just as much of a right to be there and using the equipment as they do.

Whatever you do, DO NOT let idiots like that stop you from achieving your goals! If it were me, I'd go use the free weights area just to spite them, ha ha ha.

Awkward30

I think the key to not being bothered is to look like you know what you are doing. If you wanna fit in in the boys section... Look like you fit in in the boys section! I used to get guys telling me how to properly do lifts (often incorrectly) but now the only thing I get is an occassional compliment on my form or how heavy I lift. It does get better!

mom2gar

awe, come to my gym the 20, 30, 40, 50, 60+ something guys are all helpfull. When I go after 8pm, it seems the guys in the gym are there to work out and mean it, not oggle the hotties on the treadmils. The guys have offered to spot me and to show me better form. Maybe trying different times of the day and you'll find guys who will be more helpfull or at least respectful.

gerard54

5X5 is awesome for strength gains, so youll be lifting as much as those guys in no time. I started my deadlift at 135 2 weeks ago and yesterday i hit 325...