Skip to content
  • Register
    • We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

    Nervous about starting strength training

    Posts: 220 Member
    edited February 6 in Fitness and Exercise
    Hi all,

    So I got the e-book New Rules of Lifting for Women and read it. Got a gym membership a month ago.. and still haven't started yet. I feel quite nervous and intimated about going. I know this sounds silly, but I'm really short (5'0"), I have a very soft voice and I know I'm not very assertive, so I feel like a clueless little girl trying to be one of the big boys.. And I'm 33 years old!!

    I plan on going today but trying to work up the courage to actually go. I have never done a lifting program before so I know I'm going to have to ask for instructions on how to do squats properly. I feel nervous about having to ask for help, and with my luck I'll probably meet the one *kitten* who'll try to talk me out of doing the New Rules program and get me on a different program or show me the cardio section lol ;-)

    I know it all sounds silly and I shouldn't feel so insecure, but some encouragement and tips from the ladies who've gone through the same thing would be helpful!

    Welcome!

    It looks like you're new here. Sign in or register to get started.
    Sign In
    Register

    Replies

    • Posts: 3,508 Member
      It doesn't sound silly at all. There are loads of posts like this. I would make an appointment with the instructor to show you the moves and how to set up the weights etc. You could then schedule a second appointment with you taking the lead with the instructor watching to check you are doing it correct. That should hopefully make you more confident.

      Good luck.
    • Posts: 1,418 Member
      I just started and I am 30. I guess I kind of cheated and hired a trainer because I wanted to learn Olympic lifts too. It did make it easier having someone with me to show my the correct form. I started with PVC pipe too; he wouldn't even let me touch the bar until I got used to the movements.

      Don't let fear hold you back - I did and it was stupid. I finally said I was hiring a trainer because I knew that I would never do it myself. I wish I could go back in time and kick myself to have done it sooner. Go and have fun - there's nothing more empowering than lifting weights for me.
    • Posts: 35
      I agree with other posters.....invest in a trainer to show you the ropes and guide you....I'm 35 and started lifting this year in Feb....I love it...and I still have my trainer too.....I seem to be able to do more when I work out with him! Although I'm confident enough to get in the gym and do it myself, I probably don't push myself as much as I do when I'm being barked at! hahaha

      Good luck and enjoy! x
    This discussion has been closed.

    Welcome!

    It looks like you're new here. Sign in or register to get started.
    Sign In
    Register

    Quick Links

    Categories