too self conscious for heavy lifting

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Replies

  • sarahrbraun
    sarahrbraun Posts: 2,261 Member
    I am terrified to go into the weight section. I went once and only for like 15 minutes. I usually use the weight machines, but i know its not the same. I feel pathetic. I bought NROLFW and I'd like to start it. I wish I had another female to go with me, but not that lucky lol

    Once I finish insanity, I'm going to try.

    If you have the money, pay for a few sessions with a trainer. I did, and it gave me SOOO much confidence.
  • wheird
    wheird Posts: 7,963 Member
    1. Familiarize yourself with the equipment and what lifts you're going to perform through videos on Youtube and other online resources.

    2. Have a routine/plan before going to the gym.

    3. Walk in there and act like you belong (because you do). Get to your workout and focus on that instead of people around you.

    4. If someone is using something you need, the usual way to show you need to use it too is to ask them when they are resting "how many sets do you have left?" or "how much longer are you going to be?" I wouldn't ask to work in with someone until you're comfortable enough just working out on a piece of equipment by yourself.

    Perfect answer.

    I would also like to add that this issue isn't because you are a woman. There are many men that would be intimidated as well. When I first started I was nervous that I would look like an *kitten* and that I wouldn't be welcome. After throwing around weights a few times, that nervousness went away and walked in like I owned the place.
  • grantdumas7
    grantdumas7 Posts: 802 Member
    I will add that I have more respect for people that lift weights they can handle with good form and range of motion than I do for people that lift heavy with poor form and poor range of motion. Others may or may not feel the same way.
  • Cheekies_
    Cheekies_ Posts: 319 Member
    Bumping for the great advice. Thanks y'all! :flowerforyou:
  • traceyjj
    traceyjj Posts: 406 Member
    I was in your shoes a few months ago. Really wanting to lift, but not sure how. I spoke to the personal trainers at the gym, and selected one that didnt think it was crazy for an older and obese woman to be wanting to lift weights. For about a month I wouldnt go in there alone... I felt too self-conscious, and unsure of my form to feel like I should be in there.... but one night it was really quiet in the weight room, so I went in there, and I've been going in there on my gym nights ever since.

    Good luck
  • Groovyca2022
    Groovyca2022 Posts: 21,378 Member
    Bumping to save and check back later.
  • ShellyBell999
    ShellyBell999 Posts: 1,482 Member
    It was scary for me at first too. I spent the first time watching what people were doing from the treadmill.

    The next day I went over to an empty rack and asked a guy standing near by if he would show me how to set it up.

    He was happy to teach me and I've not looked back!

    You just have to get started.

    Great luck!!
  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    You get comfortable doing it by doing it.
  • odusgolp
    odusgolp Posts: 10,477 Member
    You get comfortable doing it by doing it.

    Oh you!!
  • Hauntinglyfit
    Hauntinglyfit Posts: 5,537 Member
    You get comfortable doing it by doing it.


    That's what he said.
    And yet, it still hurts.
  • maybeazure
    maybeazure Posts: 301 Member
    I can totally empathize. I don't mind going in there if it isn't crowded, but I don't like crowds under the best of circumstances, and a gym isn't the best of circumstances. Sometimes I can get myself to go in, even when it's crowded, but sometimes I chicken out. I'm thinking about getting an inexpensive set of weights for home. It's not like I need hundreds of pounds yet. And when I do need that much weight maybe I'll feel more confident.
  • Trimi
    Trimi Posts: 57
    Just go ahead and do it. The big guys may turn out to be irritating or they may turn out to be nice guys, but that shouldn't matter. Just go ahead and do your thing, don't worry about the rest.
  • afronigga6
    afronigga6 Posts: 6
    If you want to start lifting heavier weight, here's what you do:

    1) Just use weight that is slightly heavier than what you're used to. Eg. If you're used to doing 10lb bicep curls, go for 15. The small difference will ensure that you're still able to lift it, keep proper form and therefore, NOT make a fool of yourself. When your body feels comfortable enough to, you then move on to the 20lb, then 25 etc. You'll get there. What a lot of people forget is that getting the body you want takes TIME. Phil Heath didn't start benching 250lbs his 1st day at the gym.

    2) As a guy, I think it's safe to say that I speak for the rest of our sex that I find a female who reaches for heavier weights....(You ready for this?) SEXY. Yeah, I said it. We're SO used to seeing women exercise with the 5lb weights EVERY week, using bad form, flirting with the trainers, leaving the gym with the same clothes they came in, so you know they didn't even break a sweat. :sick: Seriously? Now a woman who I see is making progress with her training, lifting heavier, struggling to get that last damn rep out, going as hard as I am...that s*^t is hot. Break the stereotype of a woman being weak when it comes to physical activities. Don't be like the other chicks who use their vagina as an excuse to waste their time in the gym and lift light weight all the damn time. When I see a female lift heavy, it also pushes me, makes me evaluate my entire exercise program, 'cus although no guy wants to lift less than a girl, it's great to know that there's one who can handle her own when weight training. Next time, just go and train in their area. I'm not saying to train with them, but they'll welcome you in time.

    Don't worry about it. Just go there and lift some s#*t that's heavier than the last thing you lifted. Let's know how things go.


    **Cheers** :smile:
  • SteveStedge1
    SteveStedge1 Posts: 149 Member
    If you want to start lifting heavier weight, here's what you do:

    1) Just use weight that is slightly heavier than what you're used to. Eg. If you're used to doing 10lb bicep curls, go for 15. The small difference will ensure that you're still able to lift it, keep proper form and therefore, NOT make a fool of yourself. When your body feels comfortable enough to, you then move on to the 20lb, then 25 etc. You'll get there. What a lot of people forget is that getting the body you want takes TIME. Phil Heath didn't start benching 250lbs his 1st day at the gym.

    2) As a guy, I think it's safe to say that I speak for the rest of our sex that I find a female who reaches for heavier weights....(You ready for this?) SEXY. Yeah, I said it. We're SO used to seeing women exercise with the 5lb weights EVERY week, using bad form, flirting with the trainers, leaving the gym with the same clothes they came in, so you know they didn't even break a sweat. :sick: Seriously? Now a woman who I see is making progress with her training, lifting heavier, struggling to get that last damn rep out, going as hard as I am...that s*^t is hot. Break the stereotype of a woman being weak when it comes to physical activities. Don't be like the other chicks who use their vagina as an excuse to waste their time in the gym and lift light weight all the damn time. When I see a female lift heavy, it also pushes me, makes me evaluate my entire exercise program, 'cus although no guy wants to lift less than a girl, it's great to know that there's one who can handle her own when weight training. Next time, just go and train in their area. I'm not saying to train with them, but they'll welcome you in time.

    Don't worry about it. Just go there and lift some s#*t that's heavier than the last thing you lifted. Let's know how things go.


    **Cheers** :smile:

    I really enjoy a non-pc, HONEST response on this site.

    This-and don't hog a station. Its very annoying to see someone screwing around, sitting on a machine or bench in between sets hogging it when there are people waiting.

    As a guy I love seeing women lifting freeweights.
  • afronigga6
    afronigga6 Posts: 6
    As a guy I love seeing women lifting freeweights.

    Told ya. :wink:
  • cats847
    cats847 Posts: 131
    It all comes down to one really simple question that you have to ask yourself:

    What is more important to you: the opinions of random strangers, or your body, health, and well-being?

    It's your choice. Just think about that question. What's your answer?

    Don't over-complicate it.
  • Mr_Excitement
    Mr_Excitement Posts: 833 Member
    They don't own the weights any more than you do. You go take what you want, girl. :D

    Seriously, though, in my experience, the guys in the weight area are more than willing to share space-- especially for a woman. It's nice to see more women in the weights area of gyms.
  • meeper123
    meeper123 Posts: 3,347 Member
    This use to be me! I finally decided I wanted to look good more than I cared what others thought. I needed to stop putting it off. Try Stronglifts it is good and easy :D
  • salsasally
    salsasally Posts: 38 Member
    Have you thought about bodypump? my class is mostly women, and they freaking kill it!
  • ironanimal
    ironanimal Posts: 5,922 Member
    You look to be in good shape already. Just go for it. Nothing to be self conscious about, just have a plan with you on arrival.

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