weights at the gym...Im scurred :(

Get a trainer, even if it's just for a session or 2 to get you in there and comfortable. And make sure they actually take you IN the weight room. Problem solved.

1. Youtube is your friend. Figure out your routine and what you'll be doing. Write it down or program it into your smartphone if you have one. Watch videos to see how the moves are done so you don't hurt yourself.

2. Don't try to impress anyone. Honestly, they're not worth it. Focus on you and what you're doing. What they're doing doesn't matter.

3. If you're really worried about comments, listen to music. Listen to it loudly so you don't hear the jackwipes.

I have the same problem, and I was on the weightlifting team in high school! So I know what I'm supposed to be doing. I've always been shy. And the thought of trying to lift as out of shape as I am now, keeps me away from the weights. I think the personal trainer is a great idea if you can afford it. I'm starting to work out at home, in the hopes that when I'm in a little better shape, I'll be able to muster up the courage to lift at the gym.

I stay away from "the other side" for the same reason.

I'm not going to recommend a personal trainer because not everyone can afford one....even for "a couple sessions". I agree with the poster that said to educate yourself. Just go online ma, do some research and hopefully that will help. Good luck!

As a guy, I can tell you the only reason it seems like we're looking around is because we're stalling before the next set. There is most likely no thoughts going threw our mind besides "****, my arms are rubber right now." Just do your thing, you're not being judged. Trust me.

^^^ This. Don't be intimidated for no reason. I just did my second set of 6 chin ups and lifting 215 pounds off the ground ain't easy. I'm just standing in this odd location doing nothing because:

A. It's right under a ceiling fan and I'm hot.
B. My biceps are calling 911
C. I'm waiting for my pulse to drop back down under 140
D. I'm not sure I can finish this set listening to this specific song. I think I'll switch to a different song. Yep, tired of this song.
E. Hmmm, let me hit that water bottle again.
F. Should I do cable press down or dips next? Last week the dips were a bit too easy.... yeah, better do them last when my arms are the weakest.
G. Did I take a protein shake this morning? Can't remember. Need to double check my food diary when I'm done.
H. It's raining outside. Need to turn off the sprinkler so it doesn't come on tonight.

The last thing on my mind is "O gee, I wonder if there are any newbs using weights that I can mock quietly and feel superior to?" Everyone that has bigger muscles than you isn't automatically a douche or a curl-monkey. You're making all that up in your mind. No, I don't smile or acknowledge you right away if you walk to the weights. I assume you're there to workout, and that you'll scream "rape" and pull out the pepper spray if I so much as glance at you.

Just jump in and do your thing. I probably won't even notice you're there other than to think "Soon as she's done in that area I need grab some dumbbells."

How did you ladies overcome the intimidation that comes from lifting at the gym? There are women who lift at my gym...they are the fitness model very buff kind. Ive never had a good experience using free weights at a gym. At our previous gym someone actually laughed when I grabbed some lighter weights and made a rude comment about my ability. I know its stupid but I am so intimidated to try it again. I was very heavy when this happened and had worked up so much courage to try something new. Everyone is so strong and knows what they are doing at our current gym. Lots of young douchey gym dudes who like to flex in the mirror and scream when they lift and oogle the ladies. I do the machines...but I hate the machines and know I'm not getting the same benefit.

Basically...I need some serious confidence.

That's terrible. I've helped lots of women and men as a personal trainer. I'd recommend trying something like that first.

Also, try to ignore the naysayers. It makes me sick when you see someone trying and then others put them down.

How did you ladies overcome the intimidation that comes from lifting at the gym?

I'm not a lady but I'm just trying to ease my way into it. I know I'm still fat and I know there are a lot of guys stronger and bigger than me. But I'm trying to get in there and do it as much as I can.

A lot of guys these days are wearing some freaky *kitten* stuff like full on ankle length tights and Y back singlets with mullet haircuts and gold necklaces. I get intimidated by that still like "Do I want to be turning my back on this guy?" but you just have to think you're not gonna get raped while you're doing weights and if it does happen you just have to deal with that hurdle when you get to it.

I imagine women are worried about the same thing.

I did a LOT!!! of research, forums, websites, youtube, etc. Practiced form and built up some strength (because no way could I even lift that 45 lb bar for some exercises in the beginning) that on these smaller fixed barbell things that go up to 110lbs at my gym. Then one early Saturday morning, I just went over and did my thang with the weights.

A personal trainer could help a lot with that. Especially if they are nice It's hard to find a good one, but if you try a few out and find one you are comfortable with, it helps a lot.

Also, it sounds like the people that go to your gym are generally pretty rude. Just ignore them. Easier said than done, but believe it or not, many of them (even though they appear to be in better shape) may not have a clue about what to do with a free weight. And if they feel the need to be a jerk, they've got issues of their own.

Bottom line: you can't worry about what other people think/say when you're trying to do right by yourself. You don't need their approval to get the body you want or to use the gym. You pay the same member dues they do, and if they continue to harass, get in touch with a manager and report the members. They don't need to be members of a gym if they're going to make it uncomfortable for others to workout there.

I have a trainer I'm working with twice a week, so that made the transition to the free weights section of the gym significantly easier on the mind. However, I still occasionally get nervous walking in there by myself. :ohwell: Something thats helped is practicing my form at home in the mirror. Even though I don't have weights at home I can get the feel for what my body should be doing when lifting correctly. I'm better able to mimic it at the gym when I can feel if my shoulder blades are in the right place, or tell if I'm keeping my back straight. Besides, it can't hurt to get a few extra squats in, even if it's just at body weight.