I went into the big boys gym survived! (question for lads)

AnahitaCanDoIt

First let me say, I realise both men and women work out in the weights only heavy weights part of my gym... it's just tonight, my first time in there with a trainer, it was all lads. I would say there were 20 there and probably I was the oldest person there by at least 10 years (I'm 43)...

I was in with my trainer who is a cute female in her late 20s I'd guess.

I felt really really uncomfortable training there as they don't really chat and we were talking (because she was training me and it was my first time) and self-conscious. Not that I'm flattering myself into thinking they were looking at me, as I'm sure they have their own ****e to think about and working out is something you need to be focussed for...

but... what do lads think of unfit women in the big weights gym?

I'm hoping that I can go back there again to train and not feel so incredibly out of place, unfit and frankly frightened. It's not like they were going to gang up on me and make me do the plank but I was still so nervous...

any tips from girls who've done it and any lads who have a comment, please, enlighten me and say things that will make me want to try again!

PS I actually got a great workout in terms of form and effort because I felt like I was on the telly!!

Danny_Boy13

You are fine in my opinion. We are all there for a reason, and you have every right to be anywhere in the gym that your membership covers. I think its cool for girls / women to lift the weights and not just stick to the cardio equipment.

3laine75

just keep it up. when you find yourself lifting heavier than some of those skinny legged youngsters, doing bicep curls in the mirror, you'll feel amazing (and quite smug)

AnahitaCanDoIt

just keep it up. when you find yourself lifting heavier than some of those skinny legged youngsters, doing bicep curls in the mirror, you'll feel amazing (and quite smug)

I'm so unfit I cannot imagine a time that could ever happen?!

kimothy38

It can be quite intimidating though I'm quite lucky because my gym is very small and all the users are a good bunch. Sometimes I've watched guys and though 'come on man, I lift heavier than that' then keep on watching and see them double the weight. Doesn't pay to be smug. One guy commented that a girl doing deadlifts is sexy no matter what the weight is - that really cheered me up.

Chief_Rocka

but... what do lads think of unfit women in the big weights gym?

It makes her 35% hotter, not that you should care what I or any other man thinks.

AnahitaCanDoIt

You are fine in my opinion. We are all there for a reason, and you have every right to be anywhere in the gym that your membership covers. I think its cool for girls / women to lift the weights and not just stick to the cardio equipment.

I know they probably aren't thinking anything of it...but it's a first timer kind of thing!

kimothy38

just keep it up. when you find yourself lifting heavier than some of those skinny legged youngsters, doing bicep curls in the mirror, you'll feel amazing (and quite smug)

I'm so unfit I cannot imagine a time that could ever happen?!

One thing I realised quite quickly is that females generally underestimate how much they can lift. Sweat, swear, grunt if you need to but definitely go hard!

DontStopB_Leakin

but... what do lads think of unfit women in the big weights gym?

It makes her 35% hotter, not that you should care what I or any other man thinks.

^Bingo.


Edit to add: You shouldn't care what any other woman thinks, either. Are you doing this for them? No. You're doing this for you. Your opinion of yourself is the only one that matters.


GOD. Double edit. Shouldn't. You *shouldn't* care what other women think. Not should.

auroranflash

but... what do lads think of unfit women in the big weights gym?

It makes her 35% hotter, not that you should care what I or any other man thinks.

Ding! :smokin:

odusgolp

I wanna do the plank... and Lea.

myofibril

but... what do lads think of unfit women in the big weights gym?

I think "bravo"

Especially if she's wearing compression tights and has a nice *kitten*.

But that's by no means obligatory.

Sarauk2sf

just keep it up. when you find yourself lifting heavier than some of those skinny legged youngsters, doing bicep curls in the mirror, you'll feel amazing (and quite smug)

I'm so unfit I cannot imagine a time that could ever happen?!

You will be surprised how quickly you will progress and how comfortable you will become in the free weight area.

DontStopB_Leakin

I wanna do the plank... and Lea.

How YOU doin?

LishieFruit89

I feel like a badass when I'm the only girl in the free weight section honestly.

Just do your thing, ignore 'em.

If they bug you with awful comments, say something like "I'm getting strong so I can punch out jerks like you"

=D

Keep liftin'

LadyVeng3ance

I was going to start lifting as well, but I couldnt force myself to go to the gym alone.. I just felt as if all the guys would stare at me, and look at all I did wrong.. And I would just be to awkward..

But, I have the best friend in the universe, and she agreed to follow my lifting plan, and now we do it together.. And it makes it so much easier.. it isnt awkward at all..
Do you have anyone who could go with you?

FitandFab33

I loved (and now miss) working out with heavy weights at the gym (I have a home gym now). It is REALLY encouraging to DL and have a guy point and say"whoa". haha.. Stick with it- you're there for you and getting stronger. I don't know of too many guys who would dissent to that, and the ones that would- touch nookie, cookie!. :-)

AnahitaCanDoIt

but... what do lads think of unfit women in the big weights gym?

It makes her 35% hotter, not that you should care what I or any other man thinks.

^Bingo.


Edit to add: You should care what any other woman thinks, either. Are you doing this for them? No. You're doing this for you. Your opinion of yourself is the only one that matters.

Well, call me a weak person, I do care what others think of me... most people do... I am doing this for me, but it's like putting a man into a beauty salon...it's totally fish out of water stuff...some people don't care what others think of them and some do. That's life. I'm fairly sure this is what people mean when they say, "horses for courses."

RedHeadDevotchka

From what I've seen in the weights area at my gym which is like a meat market, some of the guys will approach the hot girls to bother them, but everyone else is usually focusing on themselves. They might take notice if you are putting up some heavy weight, but mainly they don't care.

AnahitaCanDoIt

I feel like a badass when I'm the only girl in the free weight section honestly.

Just do your thing, ignore 'em.

If they bug you with awful comments, say something like "I'm getting strong so I can punch out jerks like you"

=D

Keep liftin'

Yes, I will continue and it's not the type of gym where people would say anything TO you, just behind your back. I don't really mind then... just wondered what ppl thought of newbies who are unfit lifting.

In any case, not for long! I shall overcome! I did hear a guy at the gym tell an older woman (my age) that she was really looking great and to keep up the good work and he wasn't a trainer and he was HOT!

DontStopB_Leakin

but... what do lads think of unfit women in the big weights gym?

It makes her 35% hotter, not that you should care what I or any other man thinks.

^Bingo.


Edit to add: You should care what any other woman thinks, either. Are you doing this for them? No. You're doing this for you. Your opinion of yourself is the only one that matters.

Well, call me a weak person, I do care what others think of me... most people do... I am doing this for me, but it's like putting a man into a beauty salon...it's totally fish out of water stuff...some people don't care what others think of them and some do. That's life. I'm fairly sure this is what people mean when they say, "horses for courses."

I offer helpful advice, and somehow you interpret that as me calling you weak?



*note to self* Stick to sarcasm from here on out.

caseythirteen

I understand how it could be intimidating. I felt the same way and just slowly progressed my way over there. You have as much right to be there as they do though! Get to lifting and you will soon feel awesome. Apparenlty now I'm known for my routine since I had someone come across the weight room to me the other day to let me know he would be finished with the squat rack soon since he knew I wanted to use it. :laugh:

AnahitaCanDoIt

From what I've seen in the weights area at my gym which is like a meat market, some of the guys will approach the hot girls to bother them, but everyone else is usually focusing on themselves. They might take notice if you are putting up some heavy weight, but mainly they don't care.

I could be many of the lads in there's mommy! I probably know their mum!

myofibril

Well, call me a weak person, I do care what others think of me... most people do... I am doing this for me, but it's like putting a man into a beauty salon...it's totally fish out of water stuff...some people don't care what others think of them and some do. That's life. I'm fairly sure this is what people mean when they say, "horses for courses."

That's not weak - that's called being human.

You will get looked at but really it's more a novelty thing rather than a negative thing. Do your thing, be courteous and you'll be golden

chicco57

having been in " the bigs boys gym" as you put it when being unfit when I started out...I like you was unsure.. and mainly stuck to the cardio at first...then slowly worked on the weights side of the gym... and hey I'm still here to tell the tale! lol

To be honest I found it hard to get on the machines at times...... but men found that too... but just waited my turn...and if I needed help with a machine ...I asked and they were only too willing to help...no they don't talk much to females...not in my gym anyways...but thats because they are all focused on their own workout and not bothered what anyone else is doing and that includeds other males. That includes me when im there I'm only interested in my workout as you will be...and we are all there for the same thing... to get fit! So get in there and enjoy and get fit!

kenazfehu

There are other people at the gym?

AnahitaCanDoIt

Sarcasm greatly appreciated and I know that some people think caring what other people think is a weakness. I personalised. I don't know you or your sense of humour so took it at face value.

And thanks for the advice...maybe along with getting fitter I can learn to care less what others think...but with spandex involved, this will remain a challenge.

bostonwolf

if anyone gives you grief, tell them to f- off.

My view (as a strong guy who definitely needs to lose about 50lbs) is that anyone who is out there trying to get healthier needs to be ENCOURAGED. Not told they aren't in shape enough to be here.

Just accept that most of us (not all, but most) are focused on getting in, doing our work, and then leaving. I never like to spend more than 90 minutes in the gym so when I'm lifting I'm doing my exercise, timing my rest and then getting done as quickly as possible.

that said, if you need help with anything I guarantee that people will help if you ask (such as needing a spot, etc.)

Good luck and keep it up!

tomomatic

Half of them are trying to figure out the best way of saying hi. They're most likely to hurt themselves trying to impress you. They're all sucking in their gut. :flowerforyou:

Oh yeah, they're going to stop talking about musicals and macrame in your presence and switch the conversation to quads, reps, and cars. anything to butch it up.

seriously, you belong there as much as they do. Go find yourself a nice Channing Tatum look-a-like dude to spot you.

odusgolp

Sarcasm greatly appreciated and I know that some people think caring what other people think is a weakness. I personalised. I don't know you or your sense of humour so took it at face value.

And thanks for the advice...maybe along with getting fitter I can learn to care less what others think...but with spandex involved, this will remain a challenge.

FWIW, I'm flat out afraid of the gym at all... lots of people are. You're going. Step one accomplished, so Kudos to you! It's not abnormal to feel self-conscious.

AnahitaCanDoIt

having been in " the bigs boys gym" as you put it when being unfit when I started out...I like you was unsure.. and mainly stuck to the cardio at first...then slowly worked on the weights side of the gym... and hey I'm still here to tell the tale! lol

To be honest I found it hard to get on the machines at times...... but men found that too... but just waited my turn...and if I needed help with a machine ...I asked and they were only too willing to help...no they don't talk much to females...not in my gym anyways...but thats because they are all focused on their own workout and not bothered what anyone else is doing and that includeds other males. That includes me when im there I'm only interested in my workout as you will be...and we are all there for the same thing... to get fit! So get in there and enjoy and get fit!

thanks for the encouragment! yes, the funny thing about my gym is there are weights machines cardio in one room and in another room which has a fancy name like 'advanced training' there are just weights and boxing thingee and a few other things that I don't know what they are but appear to be instruments of torture

I'm going back!