weight room embarrassment...

woahitsangie
woahitsangie Posts: 139 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
My husband is military and on post there are several gyms that we have access too. I want to start doing strength training but every time I walk in there it is filled with several men who are obviously very fit. I have no clue where to start or what to do in there. I dont want to look like a fool. Any tips, exercises? I am used to just doing cardio, but I really want to start toning up as well.

Replies

  • lisaeshenour724
    lisaeshenour724 Posts: 11 Member
    There are a lot of guys at my gym too and I was so intimidated! But I finally braved it and started doing it and you know what? They are too focused on what they are doing to even pay attention to me. I kind of like to think they're impressed I'm even in there.

    If you don't know what you're doing, I will suggest New Rules of Lifting for Women. That is what I am using and it is a very doable plan!
  • kcoftx
    kcoftx Posts: 765 Member
    Get a plan then walk in and fake it until you make it.
  • CharRicho
    CharRicho Posts: 389 Member
    Do the gyms have trainers? It is totally worth it to do at least 1 workout with a personal trainer. They can show you the exercises that work for you.

    Really, it only takes once to figure out which machines and weights you want to use, and then every other time you'll walk in there knowing what to do, and looking like you're a natural.


    Also, when I go to the gym, I always figure that if the other people there are THAT interested in me and what I'm doing, their own lives are probably quite sad. I barely notice other people at the gym because I'm concentrating on what I'm doing, and I'm sure most other people are the same. So try not to feel self-concious - I'm sure no one is worrying about what you're doing or looking like.
  • snapril68
    snapril68 Posts: 76 Member
    I feel the exact same way ... I've always done cardio and have been too embarassed to try the weights and look like a fool. I'm thinking of asking the front desk if they can have someone show me the weights and how to use them so I feel a tad more comfortable
  • Happyme2009
    Happyme2009 Posts: 233 Member
    While you're doing your cardio, watch what others are training on... especially other women, if there are any. Copy. If not comfortable, find another woman in there, candidly compliment her on something ( anything, her shoes, perfume, where did she get it?) and then chit chat and ask her to show you the machines a little....or maybe workout together for a while...
  • autumnsnow786
    autumnsnow786 Posts: 279 Member
    my gym offered one free personal trainer session. I wrote down all the settings and weights she suggested for me and I started from there.

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