Weight lifting Intimidation?

Honestly just do it! There is no other way around it and if you don't know what you're doing or you think you're doing something wrong then ask someone or see if the manager at the gym or one of the people who works there can help you out.

There have been plenty of times that I or my husband have nicely corrected someone who was doing an exercise wrong and it's always appreciated. We have also seen exercises we've never seen or done before and have asked whoever was doing it what it works etc. and they are more than happy to tell us. Big, buff body building guys can be intimidating but one thing they LOVE to talk about is weight lifting LOL.

You gotta put on your big girl panties and get in there. Ask the front desk when the weight room is quietest and go then. Put on your headphones and walk in there like you mean business. If you're unsure of what to do, hire a trainer for a session or look up exercises on youtube.

I agree with everyone. A personal trainer is a great way to get use to the gym and to learn good form.

I started lifting using a BB.com program (Jamie Easons Live Fit). It was a great way to get into lifting because you can look up and print out pictures. Plus the plan is already done. You just have to follow it.

It is always intimidating to start something new but we have all been there. And those of us in the "mens section" of the gym lifting heavy arent as scary as we seem Go in there like you own the place and lift heavy!

Hi Everyone!
So I am usually a cardio baby, but I am trying to reform myself. I've been reading more into weight lifting and seeing the benefits has made me really want to start to get into it. I have looked online and been trying to read books etc. I think I've found a work out I really like on Bodybuilding.com. I'm wondering though, if anyone has also felt the intimidation of trying to go into the weight lifting area? If you have, how have you gotten over that? I know this is probably a "just do it" thing, but I'm just looking for some advice on how to not look like an idiot that has no idea what I am doing

Thanks!

First off - don't be intimated. I have yet to meet a man who was upset that there was a cute girl in the vicinity. And I have yet to meet a man who didn't appreciate watching a woman squat! Lol!

Second - try and see if your gym offers a session with a trainer to get an into to weights.

Third - HAVE FUN!!

Work on form - not heavy weights at first.

Think about it - do you ever judge other people as they work out? I am usually too busy trying to catch my breath to worry about anyone else - and they are likely the same way.

If you really want some help, grab a friend or get a few personal training sessions to help you start.

PS... I need to start doing more lifting too.

This was my main reservation about lifting weights, and still kind of is. It is a "just do it" kind of thing. I've found that lifting weights early in the morning works great for me. There just aren't that many people in the gym that early and it's easier to move from workout to workout.

If you can afford it or if your gym offers a free session or two with a trainer, I'd definitely go that route.

Otherwise and also, find a good beginner strength program...Starting Strength and Strong Lifts are excellent. You may also want to look into the New Rules of Lifting for Women. It is excellent and my wife is thoroughly enjoying it. Having a bonafied program to work with and understanding that program...how to properly perform the lifts, etc is very important. It prevents you from looking like a dumb *kitten* because you're not just wandering around from weight to weight aimlessly doing stuff...just standing there looking around, etc. You will have a set routine and you just do it. I'm not sure what routine you found on BB.com...most I've seen aren't really appropriate for beginners.

As others have noted, start with form first...don't worry about loading up with weight...form over weight to lift safely and prevent injury. Practice form for a good couple of weeks if you're doing 3x weekly routine...put a little weight on, but don't let your form suffer. Once you have your form down, start trying to progress in your weight. Of course, any of the programs I mentioned above are going to tell you that, so if you read up and follow the program you'll be all good.

If your gym has trainers on hand, ask for a free consultation. Maybe they'll give you a discount for a 3-session package. After that, you should be good to go.

Try to spot the knowledgeable, experienced lifters in the gym and ask them for advice on a technique (as long as you keep it to a few questions per session, it shouldn't be a problem). I've recently started doing variations of deadlifts to find which one I like the best, and was able to ask another lifter to watch my form.

Bodybuilding.com videos are very helpful, if you have a smart phone they have an app that's pretty good too (good reference to have with you at the gym).

When you get going, even with light weights, you should get some noticeable gains within 4-6 weeks. This is incredibly self-motivating.

Write what exercises you want to do ahead of time and keep that with you. It's easy to get off-track because of crowds or lack of equipment. But if you start doing whatever is convenient or accessible, then you may shortchange yourself. It's easy to get overwhelmed, but it's that way for everyone at first. And most of the people lifting would rather you ask them for advice (or for a spot) because we all have been there.

Good luck to you!