The Gym

See if there's someone available to show you how the weight equipment works and how to adjust it for your needs.

I've been going to the gym regularly for a long time now, and new machines and classes still intimidate me, so I understand perfectly. But I try to remember that everyone at the gym is there because they have something that they want to improve, whether it's how they look, how fit they are, how toned they are, etc., and I think that's helpful.

Once you feel more comfortable just going, group classes are a good alternative to personal training if they're included with your membership. I have learned a lot about the proper form for weight training through classes, and it's important to get that right so you don't hurt yourself.

Good luck, and have fun! (really)

I would bring along a friend who's familiar with the machines and knows about your fitness goals...kind of like a personal trainer, I guess. But without having to pay them. They can become your workout buddy and give you that extra encouragement while you're working out.

Each of the pieces of equipment have instructions too. Don't worry about looking "silly" - just take your time and read them. Also, I get Self magazine and they have lots of tips on how to do things at the gym. You could go to the self.com website and see if they have tips. And I agree with an up-thread poster - your gym should give you a free session on learning the machines. Just ask! Good luck!

My gym is so small, i literally walked up to the hottest, buffest guy I could and said "can i have one question a day in regards to working out a nutrition, clearly I'm new"...and he turned out to be THE nicest man i have ever met...and he just graduated from fitness and nutrition, so he told me it would be his pleasure...but if you don't have a hot/buff guy to ask...then like everyone said, if you sign up for a gym membership they should give you a tour...at my gym every monday for an hour there's a class called "women on weights" even if you don't go to the class, while you're sitting there doing cardio, pay attention to what the instructor is saying...I feel your pain, i'm scared to try new weights tonight too and i've gone to the gym for years...i'm just afraid i'm doing them wrong and i might hurt something. Google a bunch of stuff too...i do two arm weights and two leg weights plus i alternate abs and lower back...start off with the pully machines, they're pretty self explanitory...good luck, and don't be intimidated! I've had tiny little girls in their $300 lululemon outfits come traipsing up to the cardio machine next to me...there I am sweating bombs and wearing a 2XL t-shirt and sweats, and they look at me like "how does this thing turn on"...everyone goes to the gym for themselves...not to see and be seen...all the hot men are looking at THEMSELVES in the mirror not at you...and the women are looking at the hot men, not you lol so join the fun...get in and get out...that's the best way to go about it.

:flowerforyou: http://freetrainers.com/FT/jsp/index.jsp;jsessionid=41dlvh1fd1...this website helped me figure out some basic work out routines

Guys are looking at themselves to make sure their form is correct (no...really we are).

...and Gillian, are you saying chubby ugly guys don't know what they are doing at the gym? :sad: