gym itimidation

michele040673
michele040673 Posts: 71 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I joined a gym about a month ago after seeing so many other of mfp friends burn a lot of calories. I have worked up to about a half hour on the elliptical machine. My gym membership also includes all the classes such as yoga, pilates, cardio kickboxing and zumba. I am intimidated by the classes as well as the other machines at the gym. My focus is cardio burning because I am trying to lose about twenty more pounds. What machines and classes do you find helpful at the gym? Any suggestions or help would be appreciated!!

Replies

  • kaypat09
    kaypat09 Posts: 130 Member
    I have recently gotten over my intimidation of the squat rack / barbell for deadlifts. I would highly recommend them! You can ask someone how to use them. And free weights for arms!
  • dominiquehwhite
    dominiquehwhite Posts: 1
    I LOVE pilates! I would definitely recommend! I do pilates and yoga once a week alongside three days of cardio (bike and occasionally treadmill). Don't feel intimidated though! You're there for yourself, noone else!
  • extraordinary_machine
    extraordinary_machine Posts: 3,028 Member
    I will take a Zumba class or a yoga class if they fit my schedule. I don't use the weight machines--I use the free weights instead. When I first started lifting, I was nervous, but I walked in there like I owned the place, and I'll be damned if no one paid any attention to me and just let me be.
  • dmpizza
    dmpizza Posts: 3,321 Member
    The best goal is consistency.
    If your knees are young, you should try running at 6MPH on the treadmill.

    Good Luck
  • Natihilator
    Natihilator Posts: 1,778 Member
    Well, I kind of hate cardio machines other than for warm-up, so I depend on group classes for cardio if it's not nice enough outside for hiking or biking.

    My favourite class is Zumba by far, I also do a circuit training class, and less frequently I'll do spin and yoga. When I first started I didn't want to do group classes because I had hang-ups about being 'the biggest person in the room' and there were times where I had to walk out half-way because my cardio wasn't up to par, but I was able to go with a friend which made it much easier.

    Maybe you can see if your gym offers a free trial membership or day pass so you can go with someone you know those first few classes until you get comfortable?
  • rosesigil
    rosesigil Posts: 105 Member
    I like Zumba and yoga classes. Step aerobics was way too hard. Zumba is not easy but it is really fun dancing and the music is cool too. Other than that I do treadmill, a circuit of machine weights and then I'm outa there! Back to the farm for some real fun! :happy:
  • Thickchicapes40
    Thickchicapes40 Posts: 20 Member
    The gym I go to, they suggest you do a 5 minute warm up on any of the cardio machines, then do each weight machine 1 to 2 minutes each, Wednesday being the 2 minute day, then finish up with 20 minutes of cardio. they suggest that at least 3 times a week, then fill in with cardio the rest of the week. i personally haven't gotten into any of the classes at my gym but I have done Zumba, and I do love it. Its fun and it does burn a lot of calories and helps tone you up. Good luck, and I hope the intimidation goes away for you.. ;) Feel free to add me, if you need a little extra support.
  • myogibbs
    myogibbs Posts: 182
    Please do not feel intimidated by the gym...I understand how you feel, but you just have to get in there & try things. Never in my life did I think I would love Zumba. I tried it at one gym & hated it. A friend was teaching it & convinced me to try it again. I LOVE it now. And I honestly believe that is what has helped me lose some of my abdominal fat. If you feel intimidated by the weights, you could schedule an appt with a trainer to get you started. A lot of gyms have a couple of free trial sessions with a trainer. I love my gym because I really do not feel judged there. I have been to places where I did & it is intimidating. Just remember that you have every right to be there & do not let anyone allow you to feel differently. Go kick some butt!!! :)
  • Pohudet
    Pohudet Posts: 179 Member
    If you are looking for more efficient calorie burn, try the spin classes. Also, step aerobics.
    But in general, come into a class and talk to the teacher first, say that you are new, and they will help you.
    5 or 6 years ago, I did not do any classes, but now I am an addict. Once you get used to them, it is much more fun.
    Also, you can ask any teacher about their class, if it is suitable for a beginner.
    Zumba usually is good for beginners, and most teachers will say: if this step is too difficult, simplify it, just dance, just move.
  • treagal
    treagal Posts: 264 Member
    Don't be intimidated, we are all at the gym for the same reason. Maybe have a staff member take you around and show you how to use the equipment. Do what you enjoy...if you hate the treadmill then stick the the elliptical.
  • HardeesGal
    HardeesGal Posts: 55
    I just joined the gym last week. I do the elliptical, the bike and this ski machine type thing. The ski one is crazy!! Lol. I cant do more than 10 minutes at a time on it yet. Its hard! But feels good! And i agree with the others- i joined planet fitness and u can get someone to actually help set up a program just for u. I want to do that just havent yet :-). Good luck!
  • saraann4
    saraann4 Posts: 1,296 Member
    eeek, I know the feeling. I can't afford a gym membership at the time being. What I would suggest though, if you are intimidated about trying a class, see if you can get a guest pass and drag one of your friends along for the first time. I'd assume that your gym offers some type of tutorial of equipment. Ask about the free weights and other weight machines. They are there for a reason.
  • mockchoc
    mockchoc Posts: 6,573 Member
    I just joined the gym on the weekend and I'm going to try it all! Yes it's a bit scary at first when we aren't use to it all but don't worry all will be fine and most likely we'll end up loving it.

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