Gym confidence - Heavy lifting

VonTinka
VonTinka Posts: 89 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey guys!

I am very anxious when it comes to going to the weights. I really want to use the free weights but i'm really shy to go over so i stick to the machines. Has anybody got any advice for me? I am a beginner too with the weights. I was going to try using the kettle bell to get used to behind off the machines instead of full on weights!

Replies

  • momasox
    momasox Posts: 158 Member
    I feel the same way. I always feel weird going over there when all the big dudes are there lifting. I am so overweight and don't want to look like an idiot trying to figure out what everything does. Looking for advice too.
  • DrMAvDPhD
    DrMAvDPhD Posts: 2,097 Member
    Just do it! Bring a gym buddy the first time if you're afraid to be alone. Someone who can help you with form would be great! Or shell out the dough to for a personal training session and ask to be shown a specific set of exercises (squats, deads, bench press, etc).
  • laurensayz
    laurensayz Posts: 67 Member
    Me too. I just joined the gym 3 days ago. I don't really know what kind of exercises to do or anything. I'm just now learning how to work the machines. I will probably stick to them a few more days until my copy of New Rules of Lifting for Women comes... I would suggest getting that book!
  • stephenszymanski
    stephenszymanski Posts: 114 Member
    Just do it. Everyone is focused on themselves. If you need help, try asking someone over there. They may even offer help without you asking if you look totally lost... people are a lot nicer at the gym than you think!
  • Alexandra289
    Alexandra289 Posts: 330 Member
    I have the exact same problem. I've been doing lots of stuff with kettle bells and dumb bells which are in the studio of the gym but the main weights area is so intimidating. Think I might get an introductory personal training session which is free and get them to show me how to start. There are huge groups of lads who use the gym as a social area and all hog the machines and can be pretty rude if you want to use the machine that they're using/not actually using.
  • Danny_Boy13
    Danny_Boy13 Posts: 2,094 Member
    If you have a friend with lifting experience try that. If you can afford it hire a personal trainer. But honestly you can ask one of the guys if they do not mind helping you out. They would be faltered. Try reading up on it as well. Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe is a solid book for people in your situation. Stronglifts 5x5 is also a great start for beginners.
  • LoraF83
    LoraF83 Posts: 15,694 Member
    Find a program - having a plan will help you not be so nervous (and you'll get results faster).

    Check out Strong Lifts 5x5. It's a great plan for beginners. It's simple, easy, quick, and the compound lifts give you a lot of bang for your fitness buck. Plus, it's free. There's also a group on here you can join for support.

    Also, watch lots of youtube videos about form, so you know you're doing it right. Look for videos by Mark Rippetoe.


    Free weights are kind of like a club....but the thing is, it's not an exclusive club that you have to get hazed into. People who lift are usually always excited that someone is starting. They like to help. They like to teach. Don't be afraid of the guys in the area.
  • jlapey
    jlapey Posts: 1,850 Member
    I felt that way, I'm 5'0", overweight and 42 yrs old. The first time I stepped into the weights area with all the bulky men, I was so intimidated I nearly cried. To my surprise, most of the guys there were so into their own routine they didn't notice me, those who did were very nice and even helpful. One guy, after helping me set up, congratulated me on getting started.

    My advice: Walk over there like you belong, be considerate and do your thing. If you have a question, ask someone while they are resting between sets. Never interrupt someone mid-set. You'll be fine.
  • freckledLeanne
    freckledLeanne Posts: 111 Member
    Just do it! Bring a gym buddy the first time if you're afraid to be alone. Someone who can help you with form would be great! Or shell out the dough to for a personal training session and ask to be shown a specific set of exercises (squats, deads, bench press, etc).

    ^THIS^

    I worked out for more than a year using the machines, before I started seeing a trainer (I've kept it up because I love her). The progress I saw in a couple months using free weights far exceeded what I had done using the machines. It also helps balance your muscles and ensure you're not relying on a dominant side. Even if you shell out for a trainer for one session and ask them to show you the ropes to make you comfortable/teach you proper form (which is VERY important when it comes to free weights), it will be totally worth it.
  • Kerdave
    Kerdave Posts: 4 Member
    I would definitely pay for at least one personal training session. That way you will learn proper form and will be familiarized with the weight area....just let them know you want to learn about the free weights :-) Once you know the moves you won't feel so akward in that area. Or if you have a friend that knows his/her way around the gym then ask them for help :-) In most cases if you need help or feel like you're doing a move wrong if you ask someone in that area they are more than willing to help you......remember everyone once was a newbie to weights :-) If you still feel akward when it's busy in the weight area try going early in the am or later in the evening when it isn't so busy. MOST OF ALL....plan your workout down in a notebook or lift log.....if you're prepared and know what exercises you're doing you'll be too busy moving right along to notice everyone around you :-)
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    either get over your fear of going to the free weight section, or get used to the body you have.

    even i also had issues with the weight section. everyone there always seemed to know what they were doing, and i most certainly did not.

    so i started going super super early because there were a lot less people there. i would be at the gym when it opened. and i was consistent. and the only other people that were there were the people that took exercising seriously.

    i also suggest the book new rules of lifting for women, but i'd like to suggest the book Starting Strength.

    remember, you can't be brave unless you are afraid. so get over your fear, and walk over to that side of the gym and start dead lifting or squating. you'll be really surprised at how much you can actually lift. and when you're leaving the gym, you'll be laughing at how afraid you once were.
  • KidP
    KidP Posts: 247 Member
    Find a friend who knows what they're doing or hire a trainer. I used to putz around with weights at home, but i didn't really know what i was doing. I've since hired a trainer and now i'm learning that much of what i thought i knew isn't the best way to do things. Tip: if you're really shy about being seen trying stuff in front of others, schedule your meet ups early on a Saturday or Sunday. The gym we've been working out of is dead early Sunday. Chances are good that like many, you'll love the free weights. Kettlebells are great (i work with them regularly) but they're not really the same as using free weights.
  • HMVOL7409
    HMVOL7409 Posts: 1,588 Member
    Honestly just get over there. I'm the only girl 99% of the time in the weights with my husband and sometimes 10 other dudes. They won't bite and most people are friendly. Besides if I saw another girl come over I'd be welcoming and smile, we've all been there at one point. No ones judging and if they do it says more about them then you. Ask for help, find a program or talk to staff. I've had guys ask me for advice so it's not always the thinking women don't belong here. Confidence!!
  • ChrisLindsay9
    ChrisLindsay9 Posts: 837 Member
    I can't really say anything new, but wanted to provide more emphasis to the fact that if you're not certain about how to do something or how to use a machine, ask someone who looks like he or she is an experienced lifter. Or ask a person if and when they have a moment, can he or she show you a particular exercise or watch to see if you're doing it right.

    Not to mention the other reasons listed above, but it's an easy way to show the other members in the gym that you're there to work diligently. So you can meet new people and get quick respect. :) Good luck to you!
  • BigDog
    BigDog Posts: 272 Member
    I understand how you feel, but there really is no way to get around the fact that you just need to suck it up and do it.

    A spouse, family member or friend can help immensely... My wife, our boy and I have just begun the "Strong LIfts 5x5" and we go together which works out great (especially as the gym we are at only has a Smith machine and no cage) So we are able to spot each other and will be able to go to heavier weights than we would be able to if we were lifting alone.

    I am just beginning and still quite a bit overweight still, but I already had two very timid people come up to me and ask what lifts / program we were doing and I was pleased to be able to help them with what little info I had obtained so far.

    Study up on what plan / system you want to do. Research proper form and, if you can, find one or more people to lift with. Good luck!
  • mdcoug
    mdcoug Posts: 397 Member
    Ask the gym employees to show you how to use the weights. I walked straight up to the desk last weekend and asked one of them to show me how to use the squat rack (I HATE asking others for help). Not only did he show me how to set it up, but he watched my form and coached me a bit. I have his card and may follow-up with a personal training session later, so it's a win-win.

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