how to get comfortable at the gym!

mskatee

When I first started going to the gym, I was so uncomfortable--felt out of shape, like I didn't belong there, like people were staring etc etc. Now I feel like I own the place! And I started wondering what makes the difference and whether I learned anything along the way that I wish I knew at the start, that might help others who are just starting out the way I did.

So here's a few things I noticed:

1. remember, the more you go, the better it is. even if your fellow members can still be rude or unfriendly, the staff will recognise you and often give you a smile. you'll feel like you have a right to the place because, darn it, you're there all the time, just like the uber-buff people with the ripped abs.

2. always be prepared. i keep my gym bag by the door with everything i need in it. i know i will not be without music, my heart-rate monitor, water bottle, special face wash etc etc. i even have a pair of headphones that never leave that bag, because i know i am prone to forget them and i cannot handle the gym without music. knowing i have everything i need to make it the best experience it can be helps.

3. know that not all fitness instructors are created equal. some instructors only focus on the people who they think are fit and if you're not what they consider hard-core you will have trouble getting your bike seat adjusted, your questions answered, etc etc. ignore them! go to different classes, and also drop a note in the gym's complaints box. [alternately, if you have to, keep turning up and they may eventually twig that you're serious--see #1]

4. wear clothes you feel comfortable in, even ones you like if you can find some. i used to try to wear things that looked really 'official', like if i had the right gear i'd look like i belonged there, even though i felt like a tool in those clothes. then i realised that hating my gym clothes was not helping. now i have simple, plain mostly dark stuff that i like and feel like myself in.

anyone else have suggestions?

Fozzi43

I think you have it covered pretty much!

rosied915

I had a tendancy to "profile" some of the people at my gym like the tanned, perfect outfitted, barbie and ken look alikes as off limits to me.

A couple weeks ago one of those "Ken" dolls came up to me to "help" me with some equipment. He was so nice (and gorgeous) and helpful (and gorgeous) and clearly NOT what I expected at all.

Another time I approached a woman who was clearly in my age group (50s), dressed like me (a slob), moved like me (oy this and oy that) and seemed friendly and open to some light "gym banter"~ OMG, what a beotch!!!

So, maybe try to keep an open mind when you go in and always, always, ALWAYS remember that the first reason you are there is to exercise.