I'm too embarrassed to start lifting D:

You've defeated yourself before you've even begun. Get over it. Most people are too wrapped up in what they are doing to notice what you're doing. Go in, do your thing, bust your *kitten*, then get on with your day.

This, you may get a few guys checking you out, but mostly people are focused.

Get a little education on lifting. Pick a program, read about it, and watch YouTube vids for form. Then walk in and do it. Nobody is paying attention to you because they're busy doing their own thing. Remember, everyone started somewhere.

I second what the others said. I'm super-awkward in just about everything I do, and I work at a University, so lifting weights in the presence of a bunch of college boys was just a painful thought. But seriously, no one cares. They're so busy trying to not make fools of themselves that they're not standing around critiquing your form.

On that note I do know some catty girls who DO say snide things about other girls in the gym, but they're just stupid. Don't ever let those small-minded people stop you from trying out everything.

I can completely relate. I work at a major state university and I go to the gym on campus. I haven't done any weights yet because it feels so intimidating. Not only are all these young college jocks using the weights and working their butts off, but I still have 100+ pounds to lose. I just can't seem to get over it enough to step in there.

I use this gym as they do payroll deduction for the membership. Can't afford to go anywhere else.

I can only speak for myself, but when I see a woman in the weights area of the gym, I think, 'good for her-- she's not a cardio bunny', and that's about the end of it. It's nice to see more women doing weight training these days.

I had a trainer for a few months, and all we did was strength training and lifting and my body was the best it's ever been. But, even though he only charged me a fourth of what I was supposed to pay, and didn't require me to pay in advance I couldn't keep up with it.

I know at the gym I can do it without a trainer, but I just feel kinda silly. When I was with a trainer, it was in his private studio, so I wasn't in the middle of a gym. Now I can't imagine myself among all the massive dudes, so I stick to cardio. Sometimes, I'd see my trainer at the gym, and we'd work out together but alone I'd feel too out of place. Advice?! Is it really that weird?

seriously dont be intimidated - people wont bother you or stare at you they are doing there own sets, also if you need help anyone will be more then helpful

just pic a routine that you like (starting strength, blaha 5x5) and stick to that routine just a few movements - no being a cardio bunny!! go lift that iron

I had a trainer for a few months, and all we did was strength training and lifting and my body was the best it's ever been. But, even though he only charged me a fourth of what I was supposed to pay, and didn't require me to pay in advance I couldn't keep up with it.

I know at the gym I can do it without a trainer, but I just feel kinda silly. When I was with a trainer, it was in his private studio, so I wasn't in the middle of a gym. Now I can't imagine myself among all the massive dudes, so I stick to cardio. Sometimes, I'd see my trainer at the gym, and we'd work out together but alone I'd feel too out of place. Advice?! Is it really that weird?

I think you will find the guys will be quite receptive if you ask them about techniques, form,etc and courtesy as well regarding spotting, using benches,racks,etc. I notice the few women who do use the free weight area are treated with considerable courtesy and respect.

Get a training buddy, that way you're focused on the lifting, and your lifting buddy and could care less what everyone else is doing.

Rigger

It bothered me in the beginning...I work out at the gym on post, so tons of soldiers...so I found a time that worked with my schedule AND the gym was relatively quiet. I still go twice a week when its packed because there is no getting around my shift otherwise, but I am much more confident about it now.

Try going during the quieter hours first to get comfortable where things are and how everything functions (ie, how the benches work, where the weight plates, dumbbells and kettleballs in your weight level are, are the bars really rough so you need gloves, etc), so you aren't fumbling and feeling as though every eye is on you. Then start going when there are more people. Eventually you will see the same people there every time and it will be okay. There's a guy that "nods" at me every time I come in. We don't actually speak to each other, but we acknowledge each other's presence. Once I was getting ready to leave and he came over and slung his arm over my shoulder and walked me to the locker room. Apparently there was a known "creepy guy" staring at me, so my buddy took it upon himself to look out for me.

See if a friend is willing to start lifting with you...the buddy system works for a reason!

I think many years ago I felt that way in the gym, particularly in the big boy's area.

Nowadays I am focused on my goals and know that i need to be in there, so I style it out, claim the squat rack like it's mine and rename it the big girl's area!!

It can be tough to start with, however, try and build up your confidence and remember that everyone there has similar goals and is really only interested in their own training - not yours.

Try and work out what times of the day are not so busy at your gym and try and train then, it might make it easier if there are less people for you to worry about.

Good luck!

I had a trainer for a few months, and all we did was strength training and lifting and my body was the best it's ever been. But, even though he only charged me a fourth of what I was supposed to pay, and didn't require me to pay in advance I couldn't keep up with it.

I know at the gym I can do it without a trainer, but I just feel kinda silly. When I was with a trainer, it was in his private studio, so I wasn't in the middle of a gym. Now I can't imagine myself among all the massive dudes, so I stick to cardio. Sometimes, I'd see my trainer at the gym, and we'd work out together but alone I'd feel too out of place. Advice?! Is it really that weird?

Don't feel odd. I used a trainer for 6 months before I ran out of $$. I still *see* him 5 days a week at the gym. A few months ago I did him a favor, and ended up with about 4-6 free sessions ( basically he asked me to sign up for a free class so he would not be available to teach a different class. I did, and ended up being the only one in the class).

I go in the weight area with the "massive dudes" all the time. I get smiles and nods, and occasionally a nice comment. Last week a foreign guy said something ( good, I think) about my squats...a few weeks ago another guy made a nice comment about my overhand front squats. Last week I asked a newer trainer to spot me, and he said he was happy to see a girl squat with the oly bar because so many are scared of it.

and it isn't like I am obviously a lifter. I am 5'2" tall, 192lbs --morbidly obese. Just walk in there like you belong there, with your head held high, and DARE a "massive dude" to say something.

I totally understand. I made my husband go with me the first time even though he has no interest in lifting weights, and he actually made it kind of worse because of his comments. After that I found a friend who was willing to go with me, but she's dropped out. So now I just make myself go in there alone, even though I'm still uncomfortable. I figure I have just as much right to be there as anyone else, so I might as well.

Just do it.

The first time you might feel a bit awkward, but go in there with a plan and do it. The next time you will feel less self conscious, and it just gets better from there.

Plus - the fellas love it - gives them someone to show off in front of, seriously. They will also spot you without a problem, gives them a valid reason to look at you.

Just do it!!

I had a trainer for a few months, and all we did was strength training and lifting and my body was the best it's ever been. But, even though he only charged me a fourth of what I was supposed to pay, and didn't require me to pay in advance I couldn't keep up with it.

I know at the gym I can do it without a trainer, but I just feel kinda silly. When I was with a trainer, it was in his private studio, so I wasn't in the middle of a gym. Now I can't imagine myself among all the massive dudes, so I stick to cardio. Sometimes, I'd see my trainer at the gym, and we'd work out together but alone I'd feel too out of place. Advice?! Is it really that weird?

You worked with a trainer. You know how to lift. Go lift. :drinker: