Intimidated by Weight training

cmdwyer00

Hiiiii. So, this has probably been discussed before, but I'm going to ask anyway. I've been going to the gym consistently for about 6 weeks now, doing only cardio. I really want to start incorporating weight training into my workouts, but a.) I feel like I don't know where to start and b.) the weight training area of my gym is always always always populated entirely by brobots and juiceheads (typical Jersey), so I feel like I would be really uncomfortable over there.

I know I'm probably just being stupid, but I really want to start using weights, but the whole thing just makes me crazy anxious. Any advice?

chayleah

1st look at bodybuilding dot com. They have several beginner workouts to choose from. If you can afford it, hire a trainer for a couple of session. They should show you how to work the equipment, proper form etc. If you can't hire a trainer look up the exercises on YouTube (Ripptoe has really good videos on form). Practice at home in a mirror. Then strut yourself into the weight area and lift!

mamasmaltz3

I know how you feel. I have been extremely fit and now extremely overweight. Getting married, having babies, several abdominal surgeries later i let myself go. It is hard fighting discouragement and staying motivated. Every time I would get back into somewhat decent shape I would get pregnant again, lol. Go figure? So, here I am still fighting. I dont think i would have the confidence right now to work out in front of people like that either. But, maybe I would force myself to get over that if I was paying a gym memebership. You have just as much right to be over there as they do. Who knows, they could turn out to be really nice and offer you some good tips. Anyway, I love weight training. I love how strong it makes me feel an I love being able to see results in the mirror and in clothing sizes going down. With strength training you can definitely not rely on the scale like you do with cardio. however, if you have never done it before you need to have instruction in proper form or you could hurt yourself. So, I would recommend getting a personal trainer or get a good instructional video at home. You really don't need all the equipment when starting out. You need to concentrate on good form. I prefer low weights and high reps anyway so I can do all I need at home with a good set of dumbells. Increasing the weight slowly as I get stronger. As for doing my lower body right now my backside is producing enough resistance for me currently, lol. As I lose weight I will add weight to keep challenging myself. I hope this helps and God bless you on your journey.

pupcamper

Maybe you could start out lifting on machines as they are often less intimidating, I know some people don't like them but if it helps to get you started, build your confidence and make you feel like you belong on the other side it could be a good stepping stone!

UrbanRunner81

look into new rules for lifting for women. great book to start with.

don't let those guys intimate you. go in with your headphones on and stay focused. I go in and get my stuff done. I have only had 2 guys ever bother me. I roll my eyes and ignore them.

PeterThompson

well you should not feel that way weight training is thereto help feel better about yourself but if you think and feel that you cannot still go with it try weight training at your house http://bestadjustabledumbbellsreviews.com/ this link might be helpful to you if you decide working the weight lifting routine in your home

sleepytexan

try reading New Rules of LIfting for Women, or Starting Strength.

grab a friend to join you, and just do it. After a few times, you'll be comfortable with your routine.

Lynxie83

Depending on the gym you go to, you could ask the trainers/gym employees to give you some pointers the first time. Or take a friend.

Twiztedbeing

Weight training if done properly can actually burn more calories than cardio. Not only that but you get your body in shape and it completely changes how you look to a much better more happy version. I would not use free weights either as it can lead to bad form and injuries. I know that most the guys at my gym are on the free weight side so I do not have problems getting on machines unless its packed. As long as you do whats comfortable for you and do not sit around like I see 80% of the people at my gym do, then you will burn 500+ calories along with the hours after the workout that you will burn even more. Typical males like that are just stupid and ignorant. Regardless of the situation, do not limit yourself because of others. Hope this helps.

Kara_xxx

Is your gym unstaffed? :huh:

beccarockslife

New Rules of Lifting for Women is awesome, I highly recommend it, reading it first gave me the confidence to go and get stuck in.

AmyBetty

I saw a funny thing posted on another topic a few days ago. It was something like "the gym is such a vain place - most people are more concerned with how they look than what anyone else is doing". It's pretty funny if you actually take a look at the weight training section, most eyes are on the mirror ;>) I LOVE weight training. Give it a go. You'll find once you've been instructed on correct technique you won't think about anyone else. As long as you are doing it right, enjoying yourself, and working hard, who cares what anyone else thinks!

hesn92

Check out the books "Starting Strength" or "New Rules of Lifting for Women" ... or google Stronglifts 5x5, or go to bodybuilding.com to check out some of their routines. I researched and talked to people online (here and bodybuilding.com) for a long time before I got the nerve to go over there. I was nervous because I had never done it before was scared of looking stupid, but I just went over there and did it. Once I got over there, it wasn't scary anymore. All you can do is just do it.

hesn92

Very true about the gym being a vain place. No one really pays any attention to me at the gym... they are all focused on themselves. Which they should be. That's why we all go, isn't it? To improve ourselves...

sewerchick93

New Rules of Lifting for women is a great way to start, also talk to staff at the gym, they'll help you. As far as going into guidoland (as my daughter calls it) put on some headphones, crank up the music and just do your thing!