Gym Fear

Denziee
Denziee Posts: 523 Member
in Motivation and Support
I literally have an impossible gym fear. BUT I don't have it all the time.

I do good all week and I've been on my own a handful of times (I usually have 3 gym buddies so there is always someone to go with). I went to a spin class last week for the first time on my own and felt amazing!!

then I didnt go this weekend. And I actually cried when my friend bailed on me earlier today. and so I gave in to the fear and went home and worked out at home.

I want to start seriously lifting weights. But I feel like a complete idiot taking in a whole book (NROLfW) and so I've tried writing it out in a smaller book and then I get to the gym PANIC can't remember any of the exercises so just do 30minutes on a treadmill and get fed up and go home. THATs if I've even overcome the FEAR and gone in the first place.

I feel like I don't know what I'm doing. I've read and read and read so many different programmes and books etc. But I don't know what I want to do or what I should do. So I don't want to go. So I don't. Then I sit at home feeling ridiculous and if I've done this on the wrong day it actually makes me cry.

Does anyone else feel this idiotic when faced with a lone gym session???

Replies

  • mousepaws22
    mousepaws22 Posts: 380 Member
    Look into Stronglifts, it's a more simple routine. I personally found new rules too complicated so I just do compound lifts.
  • Denziee
    Denziee Posts: 523 Member
    yes I am finding New rules VERY complicated
  • leopardjunkie
    leopardjunkie Posts: 149
    maybe start out with the weight machines and not free weights. I know ours at our gym have instructions on each machine tell you how to set them up :) also gym staff will show you how to do it properly :)

    Don"t be afraid to ask somone at the gym if they can show you how to set up a machine. Just don"t ask them in the the middle of a set or expect them to drop everything :) ha ha
  • Valera0466
    Valera0466 Posts: 319 Member
    Look for You tube videos on proper form and only add one exercise at a time so you don't feel like you have to remember it all at once. Before long you will walk into the strength training area feeling like a pro.
  • MightyDomo
    MightyDomo Posts: 1,265 Member
    Who cares if you bring a book with you, at least the people that you'd think are watching may be thinking "Smart, she brought a book to make sure she's doing what she needs and doing it right"

    Just go for it and never feel bad or embarassed for anything, the path to a healthier and stronger you is paved with knowledge and hard work :)
  • Jerrypeoples
    Jerrypeoples Posts: 1,541 Member
    here is what i do. i list all my exercises by day with name of exercise, what do i use (dumbbell or barbell), Sets and reps in a excel spreadsheet.

    i then get that laminated and will take it to the gym with me for the first two weeks or so until i am sure i know what i am doing, when i am doing it, how many sets i am doing it and how many reps.


    hope that helps
  • RunDoozer
    RunDoozer Posts: 1,699 Member
    Try stronglifts 5xr5 its really simple. And theres a smartphone app so you can just look at your phone and not look like you dont know what to do.
  • LishieFruit89
    LishieFruit89 Posts: 1,956 Member
    New Rules is super complicated, and it gets even more complicated.

    I second Stronglifts. Five mmoves total to remember and do. Three in each workout, much better.
    Watch vidoes on form at home, practice them until you're comfortable enough, then go to the gym. Do it with a friend or a trainer for the first couple of sessions to make sure. You're doing it right and you're comfy.
  • frood
    frood Posts: 295 Member
    Does your gym have trainers? That would help with two of your problems: you get a gym buddy for an hour, and you learn proper forms. :)
  • Denziee
    Denziee Posts: 523 Member
    thanks everyone, Stronglifts looks good... just had a quick google. maybe i can go back to new rules once I feel more confident. x
  • bcf7683
    bcf7683 Posts: 1,653 Member
    I'd say hook up with a personal trainer for a week or so. That way you'll familiarize yourself with the gym and you have someone with you if you have a question.

    Also, don't feel stupid for taking things with you to the gym with your routine. I've been lifting since last winter and everyday I take a clean print out with my lifts for the day so I can record my numbers to compare at the end of the program I'm doing.
  • CindyMarie_
    CindyMarie_ Posts: 122 Member
    Prepare a workout schedule for the week, make a note of it on your cell phone with a quick briefing on how to do the each of the exercise. That way you won't forget the exercise and you won't be carrying a big book around.
  • tageekly
    tageekly Posts: 3,755 Member
    I just started Stronglifts and had to go into the free weights room as the only female (it's usually just guys) so I get it, but honestly, they don't really care what you're doing. I've seen some of them with their own sheets of paper or looking at their phones for their workouts too.

    I do all my workouts at the gym alone and use the LiftBig app for Android. Simple and makes it easy for me to keep track of where I'm at.

    Check out the group here for a great summary and lots of information: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/4601-stronglifts-5x5-for-women

    Best of luck to you and just be confident!
  • MyOwnSunshine
    MyOwnSunshine Posts: 1,312 Member
    You can do NROL! You really can!

    What I did to get over that, "What am I supposed to do when I get there?" feeling is to practice each of the exercises in my workout at home without weights. Once you do it at home, you will remember when you get to the gym, and once you get through a workout, you won't forget.

    Honestly, I can't imagine trying to do NROL with anyone. Everyone is so different as to what weights they use and how long a set would take. Also, you can't both use the same piece of equipment at the same time, so you would spend twice as long at the gym trying toget done.

    Besides, there's nothing wrong with taking your book. I always have a little squirrel of supplies I tote around with me: spreadsheet and pencil, towel for sweat, bottle of water.... so I could easily add a book to my little pile. Just set it against the wall or under/next to your piece of equipment. No one will think badly of you. I see people carry around magazine workouts, books, spreadsheets, notebooks, whatever.

    The first time or two will be the hardest. Just put on your headphones, look straight ahead and do your thing.
  • Denziee
    Denziee Posts: 523 Member
    You can do NROL! You really can!

    What I did to get over that, "What am I supposed to do when I get there?" feeling is to practice each of the exercises in my workout at home without weights. Once you do it at home, you will remember when you get to the gym, and once you get through a workout, you won't forget.

    Honestly, I can't imagine trying to do NROL with anyone. Everyone is so different as to what weights they use and how long a set would take. Also, you can't both use the same piece of equipment at the same time, so you would spend twice as long at the gym trying toget done.

    Besides, there's nothing wrong with taking your book. I always have a little squirrel of supplies I tote around with me: spreadsheet and pencil, towel for sweat, bottle of water.... so I could easily add a book to my little pile. Just set it against the wall or under/next to your piece of equipment. No one will think badly of you. I see people carry around magazine workouts, books, spreadsheets, notebooks, whatever.

    The first time or two will be the hardest. Just put on your headphones, look straight ahead and do your thing.

    thank you for this! the idea of doing them at home without weights first is a good plan. and i'm just going to take the s0dding book with me!!

    thanks everyone for all your advice. I feel much braver now :-)

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