Lifting anxiety

Lois_1989

Hello everyone!

I've been reading a lot about how lifting weights can help speed up the weight loss, I'm not completely new to lifting, I've done Body Pump on and off for about 7 years, but the classes are so booked up and crowded I'm thinking of going alone and doing it in the gym. But I'm a bit anxious about being the only female in the 'man section' of the gym. I find it very intimidating crossing the boundary and being with younger men (my age, 24) who SEEM, they might not, like they would judge me.

I just wondered if any other ladies had this problem and how did they over come it? Or should I start with the weight machines which have more females? But I do prefer free weights to the machines.

I would like a mans perspective as well, would it be considered an invasion of the 'man zone' or would you like to see more woman lift weights? How do you think I should go about this?

I think I just need a bit of a push to get there, once I'm in I will be fine, it's just getting over the first step.

LoraF83

Go for the free weights - no need to be nervous.

Men love to be around women, and they're happy to be near us just about any time, any place.

I have yet to talk to one man who disapproves of my lifting. They are all super supportive and encouraging. They cheer me on and spot me.

So, go for it!

Lois_1989

How did you do it the first time? Did you take to them first, or just go straight in?

kenh14

I have the same problem. I always wanted to start lifting, but was too scared that I would look like a fool. I actually just started getting out there this week. I get workout ideas from bodybuilding.com and weighttraining.com and watch the instructional videos, and I also ask friends. When I'm not sure how to do something I'll ask someone that looks like they know what they're doing, and so far they've all been pretty helpful.
Take the push and definitely get out there! Best of luck!

cwolfman13

Are you really sure you're going to be the only female in the "man" area? There are lot of females in the "man" area of my gym, including my wife.

Just do a legit program for best results and avoid wasting a bunch of your time...look into New Rules of Lifting for Women, my wife is really enjoying it (ignore the dietary advice and all the supplements, etc...completely unnecessary). You could also do Starting Strength or Strong Lifts 5x5 or any other such beginner program. The important thing here is that your program is progressive, and intelligently so...a lot of people really do some for **** workouts just because they saw it on-line or whatever...they could be getting much better results with some kind of progressive programming. Personally, I think the routines on body builder.com are way too focused on assistance and isolation work for a beginner. Beginner is going to have the most benefit from getting a lot of exposure in the big compound lifts...you can work that accessory stuff once you start to plateau on you weight gains and need that "assistance" to keep making your gains.

Go put one foot in front of the other and start picking up heavy things and putting them down. I can guarantee that after the first week or two, you'll wonder what all of your anxiety was about. It's just weights. In about a year you'll be wondering why you didn't do this waaaayyyyy sooner.

There's lots of videos on-line to show you proper form...but never be afraid to ask someone at the gym. Contrary to popular belief, the guys in the "man" area of the gym don't bite and we tend to be flattered when people ask for assistance, even when it's other dudes.

froeschli

i got my weights at home. so i don't have a problem there :-)

my sister would just twirl her blonde locks and bat her eyelashes and ask the guys to show her how it's done.
i'd probably sneak in through the back, and try to be inconspicuous as i drop the first plate onto my toes...

Otterluv

Just head in there, after a few minutes of lifting heavy stuff & you will forget all about that anxiety. Do make sure that you go in with a plan, and have researched form. It'll make your lifting experience much more enjoyable.

bumblebums

Nope, sorry, don't have that problem. I am usually the only woman in the weights area of my gym. I wear noise-canceling earbuds, which keeps people from talking to me and keeps me from overhearing any asinine comments directed at me. The only exchanges I ever have with other people are about whether they are using some piece of equipment I need, or vice versa.

If you are worried about not knowing what to do, pick up a couple of good books on lifting: Starting Strength or The New Rules of Lifting for Women should teach you all the basics. You'll also realize just how few people in the gym know wtf they are doing, men or women.

For amusement on the latter, have a look at this (replace * with "u" when you copy the URL):

http://www.leangains.com/2011/09/f*ckarounditis.html

fitnessgal1318

Going in with a plan will help keep you focused on lifting and hopefully lessen the anxiety you are feeling about being with the guys. I think you'll be surprised though....most of the guys are helpful and supportive and overall pretty impressed by ladies who lift. Soon you'll be lifing more than them . New rules, stronglifts and bodybuilding.com have lots of great info and routines. Go for it and let us know how you make out!!

Laces_0ut

it is not an invasion at all. and like others have said there are usually plenty of other women in the free weight area anyway.

i dare you to go in the next 3 days.

bumblebums

Also:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/4618-stronglifts-5x5-for-women

meshashesha2012

sorry, never had that problem. you pay your membership same as they do.

i agree with going in with a plan, check out strong lifts or starting strength.

Lois_1989

I have heard about The New Rules of Lifting for Women and its on my wishlist on amazon. I'll get it now everyone is saying its good, I was a bit reserved at first because of mixed reviews.
Well, the water fountain is just outside and whenever I've looked in, I've never seen a woman in there. There must be some that go in there, I've just never seen them! :laugh:

Well, if you dare me, then I'll do it! Ha ha! I'll look at the websites and have a little plan on my iPod.

Thank you everyone for your help. The first step is always the hardest and I appreciate all of your advice!

Xx

Lois_1989

:flowerforyou: