First time gym user - feeling anxious

Turtlesallthewaydown

I got my first gym membership and I've been going regularly but the last few times the anxiety has been intense.

I hate how I look and there are mirrors everywhere. I try to ignore it and just focus on my workout but I don't know what I'm doing. Cardio does not thrill me. I do a rotation of two different kinds of stationary bikes and the elliptical for 30-40 minutes before moving on to lifting because that is what I really like to do.

However I have no idea what I'm doing and feel really dumb. I'm also the only girl in the weight area. I was hoping to just ask another lady 'hey how do you do that?' but it's all intimidating men that I really don't want to make a peep around. The girls stick to the treadmills and stair masters.

I sweat really badly and have to clean the machines quickly so no one will see how gross I am.

The gym is mostly staffed by bored teenagers and trainers are by appointment (and payment) only. It's a very no frills gym so you kind of have to know what you are doing and I don't. But this was the only gym I could afford. I feel like I'm going to want to back out of this and quit because it's uncomfortable. Can anyone weigh in on this?

rebecca8787

hey, I know how this feels. I dont even use a gym anymore, cant afford it at the moment. I just go swimming and I walk everyday for at least 45 mins. One thing i would say is try and appear confident even if you dont feel it, because everyone else in that gym is so busy doing their own thing they are not going to be looking at you. Stay away from the weight area and just use the bit where the other girls are and maybe if you get talking to some of them you can all brave the weight together lol

that is what I would do !

whierd

If you can afford it, pay for a session or two with a trainer and have them walk you around the gym and show you how to use the equipment and help you decide on a fitness plan. As you get more comfortable and confident, you can change up your workouts and develop something that works best for you.

Flixie00

Brave out the stares and stick to the weights room, trust me its worth it.

I felt the same as you about the weights room, but I found a PT who specialised in weights and learnt what to do. I am not suggesting you spend the money on a PT, but read up on the subject. The New Rule of Lifting for Women is very popular, and many women have used this approach to breaking into the weights room.

Good luck.

Cr01502

Interact with people. Ask questions. Watch You Tube videos. Get involved.

Also get yourself a program so you know what your doing the second you set foot in the door.

http://stronglifts.com/

Contrarian

There are numerous lifting videos on youtube that can show you how to correctly lift. Do a bit of research, and go back to the weight room and act like you know what you're doing. Every time you lift there, you will feel more confident. You can do this. Many of the guys there probably have no clue what they're doing either.

mwbulechek

2-4 sessions with a personal trainer will help you a whole bunch. I was a bit timid in the gym myself until I did this.

Isakizza

I'm so the anxiety girl at the gym, or I should say I used to be.
It takes time to find your rhythm and learn to calm your nerves. Whatever you do... don't stop going! Being consistent and going regularly also helps.

I also found that going to classes is great, plugging in my music & zoning out the world is a HUGE help. Using Oxygen magazines (or other fitness ones) with awesome workout routines to follow for weight training are great. Take the magz with you or some notes to follow at the weights.

Oh... and you are soo not gross! Trust me, everyone sweats and stinks and has no make up or has messed up hair. Don't worry, we're all there for the same reasons, to better ourselves.

Zylahe

Stick with the weights.
I assume that you have a list of excersizes to do and are looking for some form tips, if so try looking. Up each one on you tube, should be able to find some very good examples of what to do and where to place everything. Try going along with the vid at home ( without the weight) to make sure you see how it feels.
If you need more advice on what excersizes to do there are plenty of books/ programs around. Stronglifts, 5x5. New rules of lifting for women, are just a few of the very popular ones.

I'm sure that if you asked one of the g uys( between sets) if they could help it, they would.

LittleMissRainey

I think everyone has that anxiety when they first start out I know I did - I just started (again) last Monday!

I've been lucky that my first day included someone setting up a programme for me and showed me how to use stuff (TRX machine wasn't even a twinkle in my eye last Sunday!) but I was still REALLY nervous and was sweating just from sitting down filling in the goals card :laugh: Now my first week is over I'm so glad I've signed up, and actually look forward to going, despite the beginners' aches and still feeling shaky. Don't worry - we all get scared when we start out!

All you can do is muster up the inner strength to knuckle down and hope no one knocks your stride. I had to ask other women in the changing rooms how to get to the pool area as it wasn't well signposted, and even where to put the towels once we were finished with them! I felt SO stupid, as the guy showing me round hadn't told me that. I just had to laugh it off with a "you can tell it's my first day huh?" but it did take me a few walks around the place before I actually spoke to anyone. Really hard to do without looking like a perv when the first woman you see when you walk in is stark naked! Yeesh. :noway:

I think the guys would be kinda flattered you asked for their help - they can revert to the good old days when they took care of their women folk It wouldn't take long and once you have the hang of it you'll just go in there and do your thing without disturbing them again. Take a deep breath and jump in.

Good luck! :flowerforyou: