Intimidated by the gym?

JerseyPook
JerseyPook Posts: 135
in Fitness and Exercise
Okay - so I have an AWESOME community center where I live that includes an incredible gym...that I can attend for free. I used to work out with a personal trainer a few years back. But, I have not really stepped into a gym since then. So, about 2-3 months ago, I went into our gym. I felt overwhelmed and a bit intimidated....mainly because I'm an overweight 40-something year old woman and this community gym was FILLED with high school jocks flocking around the weight machines.

I really want to just "own" my weight loss / fitness program. But, I feel incredibly out of place....any suggestions????
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Replies

  • JerseyPook
    JerseyPook Posts: 135
    Hmmm...somehow this got posted twice cuz my computer hiccuped! Sorry!!
  • Dave198lbs
    Dave198lbs Posts: 8,810 Member
    the majority of people at the gym are into what they are doing. they will only notice you if you make unusual noises or stink really bad

    seriously, have a set idea what you will be doing there and dont walk around aimlessly
  • vynnette26
    vynnette26 Posts: 58 Member
    Just Do It!!!!!!!! You have a goal to meet. After a few times in the gym you will get comfortable
  • Jersey_Devil
    Jersey_Devil Posts: 4,142 Member
    seriously- just do your thing. You have to step out of your comfort zone. you will feel uncomfortable at first, but the more you go, the more you will feel like you fit in. Before you know it, you will be walking into the gym like you took it over and you own it.
  • mustgetmuscles1
    mustgetmuscles1 Posts: 3,346 Member
    Most people are intimidated at first. You just have to make yourself go. Once you are there you will realize that nobody is paying any attention to what you are doing. They are there doing their own thing.

    Put on your head phones and go to work. It will be like a second home before you know it.
  • Contrarian
    Contrarian Posts: 8,138 Member
    Everyone feels weird the first time they walk into a gym. It doesn't take long to feel at home there, though. Just focus on what you're doing and don't worry about anyone else.
  • JerseyPook
    JerseyPook Posts: 135
    Thanks for all of the encouragement...I know that I "have" to do it. I'm normally a "dive right in" kind of person. For some reason, this has me stopped in my tracks!
  • Jersey_Devil
    Jersey_Devil Posts: 4,142 Member
    Thanks for all of the encouragement...I know that I "have" to do it. I'm normally a "dive right in" kind of person. For some reason, this has me stopped in my tracks!

    So what part of Jersey do you live in? If you live in my neck of the woods, I'll set everyone straight at your gym for you! :)
  • mdorsey2010
    mdorsey2010 Posts: 55
    I used to feel that way so I understand but honestly, just go in there and do what you need to do. 95% of the people are in there to do their's and not worried about what you're doing at all! Good luck!!!
  • AnguishLanguish
    AnguishLanguish Posts: 149 Member
    I was feeling the same when I first started going, I thought everyone would be looking at me and laughing. I soon realised that I was the only person looking at people (to make sure they weren't looking at me) and people really don't care, they are there to get fit/stay fit and so are you. I find going early (5:30am) helps beat the crowds. Good luck!!
  • JerseyPook
    JerseyPook Posts: 135
    Thanks for all of the encouragement...I know that I "have" to do it. I'm normally a "dive right in" kind of person. For some reason, this has me stopped in my tracks!

    So what part of Jersey do you live in? If you live in my neck of the woods, I'll set everyone straight at your gym for you! :)

    Unfortunately, I'm in Florida currently!! If I were in Jersey, I'd have plenty of buddies to go with...down here, I'm on my own! :(
  • alkemnitz
    alkemnitz Posts: 2
    I also have a place where I can work out for free. But when it came to the weight machines, I didn't have a clue. So I mainly stuck to walking on the treadmill (while holding on because I have no sense of balance), elliptical or I would walk 3 miles outdoors. Long story short, I have issues with sticking to it. So back in early August, I FINALLY joined our local Y. It's brand new and HUGE. I became a member and joined the 12 fitness program and keep track of my cardio/strength training on activtrax.com. I'm basically told what to do (on the weight machines, mostly. I do whatever kind of cardio I want) and do it. I know when their slowest times are and go in then since I have issues with anxiety. Anyway, I've lost 19 pounds in roughly 2 months. Best of luck to you :)
  • Jersey_Devil
    Jersey_Devil Posts: 4,142 Member
    Thanks for all of the encouragement...I know that I "have" to do it. I'm normally a "dive right in" kind of person. For some reason, this has me stopped in my tracks!

    So what part of Jersey do you live in? If you live in my neck of the woods, I'll set everyone straight at your gym for you! :)

    Unfortunately, I'm in Florida currently!! If I were in Jersey, I'd have plenty of buddies to go with...down here, I'm on my own! :(

    you've got to change your name to Floridapook then ;)
  • JerseyPook
    JerseyPook Posts: 135
    Thanks for all of the encouragement...I know that I "have" to do it. I'm normally a "dive right in" kind of person. For some reason, this has me stopped in my tracks!

    So what part of Jersey do you live in? If you live in my neck of the woods, I'll set everyone straight at your gym for you! :)

    Unfortunately, I'm in Florida currently!! If I were in Jersey, I'd have plenty of buddies to go with...down here, I'm on my own! :(

    you've got to change your name to Floridapook then ;)

    Bite. Your. Tongue.
  • myth4ever
    myth4ever Posts: 372
    act like you been there before....Like you the owner! That's what the regulars do.....You are One of US!!!!! Come on in just wipe your feet at the door and ...

    PLEASE PLEASE RACK YOUR WEIGHTS!!!!!!!
  • JerseyPook
    JerseyPook Posts: 135
    act like you been there before....Like you the owner! That's what the regulars do.....You are One of US!!!!! Come on in just wipe your feet at the door and ...

    PLEASE PLEASE RACK YOUR WEIGHTS!!!!!!!

    Please, I'm so OCD I'd alphabetize them if I could! LOL I am super conscious about cleaning after I use equipment and returning things to where they belong...that is not a problem. Getting the "Friday Night Lights" crew outta my way is more of my issue!!!
  • simplydawnb
    simplydawnb Posts: 6 Member
    I hate gyms. I've sunk more money into those places over the years with no return on investment...until I found a trainer not affiliated with a gym. If the trainer worked for you a few years back, maybe you can find one again? My trainer focuses more on cross-fit stuff and has his own place -- no mirrors, no jocks, no intimidation. He's changed my life and I modify what I learn from him to do at-home workouts on days when I need extra or don't see him. Three months and 50 lbs later, I'd never do it another way...

    Good luck!
  • anemoneprose
    anemoneprose Posts: 1,805 Member
    I use a community centre that's often full of young dudes, & I'm in my 30s. I'm no bunny, but I'm not treated like someone's aunty either.

    I get looks because I'm the only female anywhere near the weights, but I think it's mostly just curiosity/novelty. I think they're just like, 'hunh'.

    The atmosphere is pretty respectful overall. I've been offered help when I was confused (adjusting the benches, which I think are as old as I am) or hurt (trapped under a BB). (Still don't think I'd ask anyone to spot me or anything, though.)
  • anemoneprose
    anemoneprose Posts: 1,805 Member
    act like you been there before....Like you the owner! That's what the regulars do.....You are One of US!!!!! Come on in just wipe your feet at the door and ...

    PLEASE PLEASE RACK YOUR WEIGHTS!!!!!!!

    Please, I'm so OCD I'd alphabetize them if I could! LOL I am super conscious about cleaning after I use equipment and returning things to where they belong...that is not a problem. Getting the "Friday Night Lights" crew outta my way is more of my issue!!!

    LOL - Maybe I am kind of an aunty... I didn't see them wiping anything until I did it.
  • jodiwerda
    jodiwerda Posts: 6 Member
    A friend told me walking through the door is the hard part. She was right. Just go a couple of times or maybe get a session or two with a trainer and you will be right at home. It worked for me.
  • JerseyPook
    JerseyPook Posts: 135
    I use a community centre that's often full of young dudes, & I'm in my 30s. I'm no bunny, but I'm not treated like someone's aunty either.

    I get looks because I'm the only female anywhere near the weights, but I think it's mostly just curiosity/novelty. I think they're just like, 'hunh'.

    The atmosphere is pretty respectful overall. I've been offered help when I was confused (adjusting the benches, which I think are as old as I am) or hurt (trapped under a BB). (Still don't think I'd ask anyone to spot me or anything, though.)

    Well, that's definitely encouraging!! Thank you!!
  • nphect
    nphect Posts: 474
    its not high school ya twit
  • anemoneprose
    anemoneprose Posts: 1,805 Member

    Well, that's definitely encouraging!! Thank you!!

    No worries!

    Honestly, I think they respect the effort, if anything. Plus, good thing about being a bit older: no worries about being picked up , you can just do your thing :)

    Go forth and lift in peace :)
  • titi4j
    titi4j Posts: 97 Member
    A few years back I got a gym membership and a personal trainer. I was so embarrassed because of my weight and the gym was full of college kids. When I told my trainer that. He said, "trust me, the people here are so self absorbed, they don't even notice you!" That really helped me cause as I looked around, I realized he was right! They were all so worried about looking "just so" that they didn't even notice me. Go in with a smile on your face knowing that you're improving your health every time you step in there :)
  • JerseyPook
    JerseyPook Posts: 135
    A few years back I got a gym membership and a personal trainer. I was so embarrassed because of my weight and the gym was full of college kids. When I told my trainer that. He said, "trust me, the people here are so self absorbed, they don't even notice you!" That really helped me cause as I looked around, I realized he was right! They were all so worried about looking "just so" that they didn't even notice me. Go in with a smile on your face knowing that you're improving your health every time you step in there :)

    Solid advice, thank you!! I know it's "silly" to be intimidated at my age. But, I guess it can happen to anyone.
  • JerseyPook
    JerseyPook Posts: 135
    its not high school ya twit

    Yes...well, I do realize that...however, it's FILLED with high school kids and I feel like grandma going to water aerobics!!!
  • thathockeychick23
    thathockeychick23 Posts: 87
    Just go for it. Once you get into your workout, you probably won't even notice they are there. And I bet they're so into their workouts they won't even notice you. I can understand the feelings of intimidation. But you can do it.
  • blakejohn
    blakejohn Posts: 1,129 Member
    planet fitness is a good place and full price is only 20 bucks a month, every gym I've ever worked out in people where super friendly. Teenage kids are a push over but they don't know what to do for themselves.

    If you just make yourself go after time you'll get used to it and adapted. Good Luck
  • illyich
    illyich Posts: 195 Member
    I go to the gym all the time, and I'm socially awkward and quiet. I had to get over my uncomfort of being around lots of other people. Once I went up to a bench press machine someone was using - the kind with all the side pegs for weight racks - and started pulling off the weights that he was actually using. Thankfully, I realized what was going on while he just stared at me. Good times!

    Get a routine going, have one planned before you go. Don't be afraid to ask for help or advice, and LOOK UP PROPER FORM! Barbells and dumbbells work better than machines, since they work your stabilizer muscles as well. Most of the machines are kind of silly.
  • proctorcj
    proctorcj Posts: 31
    It took about 3 weeks for me to really start feeling comfortable...now people acknowledge me and even let me work in sets with them if the gym is so packed that all the machines are taken...remember (and this took a bit for me to get through my thick skull LOL) that everyone in there is there to excersise. You should do fine!! : )

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