Need input on gyms......embarassment here.

I am not a regular gym goer, but my husband is. If you go in, do your work and get out, no one will care. If you're in the way, overly chatty to others trying to work, don't put your plates back or wipe off your equpiment, people will care. You can ask for a spot, you can ask to work in, you can ask for help with form, just make sure the person you're asking doesn't look to into their routine or is in the middle of a lift. I'd suggest looking around bodybuilding.com and muscleandstrength.com for program ideas as well as instructions on proper form. if the gym offers a trainer session or two, I'd definitely go for that to learn proper form. Get in some good cardio, whatever you can do. Learn the basic compound lifts and do 2-3 sets of those for less than 10 reps.

I'd just like to add that your local YMCA probably skews a bit older. Mine has a lot of retirees. That said, I don't think you should worry about it much; there aren't many gyms where people are even going to pay attention to how you're working out.

I started going to the gym at 220 pounds. I was terrified people would point and laugh. They pretty much ignored me and everyone else they didn't know. Now being that 20 something in shape person I realize most people are just there to workout and don't think about the other people. When I see a larger person there working out I think, "Good for them! I sure hope they stick with it long enough to see results!" It's actually awesome to see their progress and I try to take the time to let them know the changes are visible.

Don't worry about anyone else. They won't be either. I'm my most self absorbed at the gym. Most people are like me and have their headphones in and are in the "zone". I could be lifting weights or running next to Jesus and wouldn't notice.

Go at 5 am like I do its mostly old people there at that time. I assume that is probably true of most gyms. There are few people in the 20's 30's but not many. I can think of only 3 really fit people that are there eat the time that I go. Also it doesn't matter what you look like most people are focusing on themselves and if you are working hard they will just think to themselves look how hard that guy is working.

My gym has all sorts of people in it. Fat, skinny, young, old, nice, rude, annoying, quiet, loud....you name it, we got it! :laugh:

It may help to have a partner or personal trainer to go with at first. That helped me a lot. Off times can help, too (as someone mentioned) Then, once you are comfortable with your routine, you will feel much better. Strength training changes everything, so I highly recommend you start a routine.

Good luck!:drinker:

Psh... nobody goes to the gym to look at others. There's nothing to worry about, contrary to what marketing tries to make it look like, its not a party, more of a solitary thing. If anything, people just get in your way, waste your time having to wait for stations you want.

If anything I respect larger people--or anyone who doesnt look like a gymrat--because I know its extra hard, and they also often need to work up the courage to to do their thing. To me it shows they dont care what others think (a good thing) they are here to work out, not to socialize.


gymrat - someone who can't stay out of the gym.

I always find it inspiring actually when large people are hitting it hard. Makes me want to work even harder! If you can do it, I have no excuse being lazy lol. If you are breaking a sweat, people will either think that you are awesome or not notice you at all.

Now the chick that goes to my gym, with 20ish pounds to lose, lifting 5lb dumbbells super slow while chewing gum like a cow and watching tv, or going half a mile an hour on the elliptical while reading Cosmo....:explode:

I go to the fitness center at the local university (I'm 100 lbs overweight). Believe it or not, there are all sizes/ages. They gave me a free workout routine, walked me through it once and then I was on my own. I just go, do my thing and leave Nobody ever gave me any looks, a lot just smile and say hi. Agree with another poster, the only time you'll get looks is if you don't put up your plates or if you don't wipe down the equipment. I also joined because it has a pool and I love swimming and water aerobics. Don't like how I look in a swimsuit - tough, don't look. Act like you belong and you will. Good Luck!

Just remember that most of those people have been tiny and toned their whole life. You'er losing weight for your health, they do it to just look good. Remember, you will always have a better story to tell than they ever will. I mean, maybe not the case for all, but I always tell myself when I start noticing all these little girls flaunting their stuff. Just don't try and compete with others. You see them going really fast or lifting a lot, don't thin you have to do that too. Work your way up and build up strength and endurance. Remember you are doing this for you! Take baby steps in their and don't be afraid to ask for help or try out different machines. Unless you have your pants fallin off your butt and mooning someone (I had this happen to me OMG) then you will be fine Nobody is gonna judge you. People understand that the gym is for people to lose weight, for people to gain muscle, for people to gain strength, for people to rehabilitate, for people to get tone, for people to become healthy... on and on and on. Everyone there is for different reasons, and most people will realize that.

You could also go at a really unbusy time, like a weekday morning and have one of the staff show you around, then you'll get a feel for the lay of the land a little bit. You could also hop on a treadmill and walk for a bit and observe what people are doing. You'll find your things that you like to do. Or, if you had a friend to go with once, you could get a feel for things together. Some gyms have a personal trainer option that you could do for a few weeks and they design a program for you and show you how to do everything with good form. (Although - paying someone to make you workout at the place you pay money to work out, haha!) Don't worry, after a week of figuring things out, it'll be just the thing you do. Initial anxiety is just kind of uncomfortable to get through. And, no, the gym is not full of defined 20-somethings there!! This is probably a great time of year to get started... The New Years Crowd is gone and with better weather / vacations, it'll not be so full. Hope you have fun working out!! I wish I had your willpower with the diet!!

Reality check- most people won't give a hoot about you. Or maybe they are looking at you because you're doing a great job. Or maybe they are being jerks but that will be a very small minority (like, teeny tiny small). Also, if you want to avoid folks try working out at odd hours (if you can). I like going anytime after 7.30pm- it REALLY clears out. I also like shopping at Walmart at 1am to avoid people

Side story- I was looking at an overweight woman jogging on the treadmill the other day. She noticed me looking and I think it made her self-conscious. The reason I was looking (which I explained to her)? I am INCAPABLE of jogging! I wanted to know what speed and incline she was set at! I wanted to know how in the world this woman- an average woman, not the size 0 elliptical woman- was doing this. She was rocking it!

I was afraid of being the oldest and most out of shape in my gym too but that is not the case. I go at before work at 4:30am and most people are my age.

Mostly everyone just focuses on their own workouts and don't pay attention to others but you will get an occasional 'good workout' today from a regular. I for one am just pushing to get through the workout & get home.

I encourage you to go. You've done fantastic so far!

The only thing I judge in people at my gym is rudeness and lack of personal hygiene. If you're considerate, clean and know what deodorant is for you'll be fine.

Every gym I've belonged to has offered some sort of one-on-one orientation with a trainer. That will get you familiar with the equipment and maybe the vibe of that particular gym. You might also consider buying a few sessions with a trainer just to get you going.

Really though, don't worry about being judged. People are there to work out and you'll probably be surprised at the variety of ages and body types you'll see there.

. . . i, personally, would be MORE embarrassed about being seen at a taco bell!!

Too funny!!!!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: