How to stop being self-conscious or intimidated at the gym

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  • LilRedRooster
    LilRedRooster Posts: 1,421 Member
    Hiya, this was totally my problem, it prevented me from even joining a gym for ages! What helps me is a) bring someone with you, then you will not be alone and/or b) go with a plan in advance, write down the exercises you want to do on a piece of paper and focus on going through them steadily with moderate weights.

    This is GREAT advice. I've never particularly felt intimidated myself, but I've watched personal trainers help get people in the weight section, and that is exactly their approach. They give their client a list with directions, and they go with them until they feel comfortable enough to go alone. Good luck!
  • valeriewxy
    valeriewxy Posts: 418 Member
    For the both of you, your not there to get approval from anyone, your there to do what's best for your health. You've already overcome the biggest hurdle, and that's to walk through the front door. Those buff guys and ripped girls give huge respect to those that are starting out. Focus on your journey ahead. Set small goals that lead to the bigger picture. Once you get going, your going to look 10x better than anyone else anyway, so I'm not really sure what your worried about. The only problem I think that you'll have Valerie, is that your colleagues will not leave you alone, so depending on how you look at it, it may or may not be a problem.

    Thank you! ^^ I'm still thinking about it, but I know one day it's going to happen. I'm going to just have to toughen up and go for it :D

    OP - Sorry I've kinda jumped on your thread a bit. Hope you don't mind ;)
  • gmallan
    gmallan Posts: 2,099 Member
    Read this.

    http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2013/02/25/the-20-second-challenge/

    Also, just get started. In a month you'll look back and wonder what the hell you were ever worried about. Seriously I find half the guys in the weight room now lift less than me, have ****ty form or spend way too much time doing bicep curls.

    They'll probably just be impressed that a female is actually lifting real weights
  • Sammie_24
    Sammie_24 Posts: 15 Member
    OP - Sorry I've kinda jumped on your thread a bit. Hope you don't mind ;)

    Haha no problem. Part of the reason I posted this was I hoped there would be other ppl out there who could relate and also get advice. Good luck at ur work gym. :)
  • fitnessat4
    fitnessat4 Posts: 1
    I am so glad to hear I am not the only one who is shy at the gym. I used to be a very shy person EVERYWHERE, but I have stepped out of my shell in most places. However, the gym is still one place I don't like going to if there are actually people there!! :) I have been going to a 24-hour gym for almost 3 years now - at 4 a.m because I am so self conscious! Myself and one other person were the only ones there at that time, for awhile, but now there are more coming in then...I have a hard time trying any new workout for fear of looking dumb!! I hate being this way and am trying to get over it, but it is not easy!!
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    serious dedicated lifters are often super nice. They seem angry - but they are focused and are there to work.

    The curl bro's and chest thumpers- they can be real douchecanoes- but it's not hard to figure out which are which.

    A few thoughts:
    > do some research
    > have a program- and then have a plan
    > know what exercises you want to do- write them down in advance
    > scout out a plan- do this here- that there and this here- try not to jump around to much- it's uncomfortable and it's a waste of time.
    > have a back up plan- well if I can't bench- I want to do THESE things- and I'll do them first over here- then go bench when they are done.
    > learn to keep an eye on equipment you may want- so if that happens- just walk over and take it when they are done- or do the following
    > learn to say- hey man- how many sets do you have left? (this is code for can I work in- or are you going to be done soon enough that I don't have to)
    > if they are douch's and aren't sharing- set your bag down and go do whatever other thing you had planned- watch and when they are done- you can claim it back.
    > don't forget to re-rack your weights

    you can do it.

    Just remember it's just a room- full of equipment- no different than Wal-Mart- Costco- or any other store you walk into - the mall where ever. Just do your thing- and be prepared to come work. :)
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