NEVER been to a Gym, Going Tomorrow. So scared, HELP PLEASE!

I understand that! I thought that people woud be looking at "that fat woman on the treadmill"! But then I realized that most people are so absorbed in what they are doing, they don't really pay attention. I applaud you for getting started!

^ This. And I often make a total idiot of myself at the gym (fall over on squat or push-up practices, pant like crazy on the treadmill). People are pretty much just focused on themselves so they don't really care too much about your specific shenanigans. And on the off chance that someone does say something to you or stares, (I don't think they would-it's a gym of adults, not high schoolers) just brush it off. Haters gonna hate. Just cover yourself decently as others have mentioned here.

If you are curious about a workout or a machine, feel 100% free to ask the staff or a trainer. I do this all the time with quick 1-shot questions about my form or working a machine and they're all glad to help you if they have the time.

Oh, and stretch. Before and after. Helps a lot with soreness the next day in my opinion.

I've been a gym go-er since college but I'm always nervous when I start at a new place because I never know where anything is, like the towelettes for wiping down the equipment or the ladies locker room. I second the advice of ask questions of trainers and regular gym-goers - but if that makes you too nervous, just stick to one machine at the back of the gym and just get the lay of the land for the duration of your cardio workout. Definitely try the free weights or machines during your first couple of trips (there are usually instructions and diagrams on the machines themselves). I'd actually counsel against doing a class like high cardio dance or kickboxing or step during your first week unless you've done them before or if you have a friend to bring along - classes can be kind of intimidating and, as a regular class-taker, I've seen newbies walk in and get SUPER uncomfortable. Bottom line - just know yourself and use that knowledge to set yourself up to win.

Hey, a couple of years ago I started working out at a gym I was about 250. First I worked with a personal trainer, but I didn't like him. I started reading a book called the new rules of lifting for women. I decided to give it a try, and I really liked it. At one point the plan needed me to use the free weight area of the gym. At the gym I was going to, the only people in that area were huge body builders, all men. I was so intimidated. I stressed about the day I needed to start doing dead lifts, and squats. My husband thought I was crazy , I couldn't sleep and I got sick every time I imagined my self making a fool out of myself. I almost stopped following the plan. The day came, and I sheepishly headed over to the squat rack. It must have been clear I was lost, because several of the men offered to help me. I even got to a point where I asked some of them to show me how to use the equipment. To my delight, they were so helpful, and friendly. After that I was over there several times a week, and eventually became really comfortable amongst all the super fit dudes. Any fears you have are really in your own head. No one is watching, or judging you. Even if they are, don't let it bother you! You are stronger than you think, and you pay your dues just like they do. It's your gym too. I really want to get back to lifting again, now that I've finally gotten my butt in gear and lost some weight. Enjoy your time there, and be proud of yourself for going! :happy:

The trainer/manager was so nice, he said the first session of training is free but he said he would help me our a few times until I got the hang of it. What if he is busy at the times I go? Ahh I worry toooo much I know!

Ask people who look like they know what they are doing. Try not to interrupt in the middle of someones workout but many regulars were first timers too once and are totally willing to help explain something.

A very clever and intelligent comment. I will tick that box for positivity when I set my foot inside the gym as a rookie. Thanks for sharing!

Read this... http://ericamillard.com/?p=1566
Its called "Dear new girl at the gym" and its spot on. Go for it, you'[ll do great

I loved this!

OP, try not to worry about it too much. You're going to be fine. We've all been there - and I'm still there.

You'll be fine. Just go in there with the mindset that you are there for you and no one else. Stick to the machines and excercises tha you know until you are comfortable trying something new. Go to youtube and view different exercise machines to get instruction on using them before you go. Hope this calms your nerves a little. Good luck.

1. Ask yourself what your goals are and how you think you can achieve them. Do you just want to use the treadmill? Are there specific areas of your body you want to build some muscle? Focus your energy on what you want to do once you actually get in there, because if you don't have some sort of plan it will just make it worse. Maybe look online for some sort of a workout plan you think you can follow.

Here's what I did at first: Start out on the treadmill or elliptical if your gym is situated in a way where you can observe what others are doing so you can get an idea of how to use some of the machines. I started out on the machines and worked my way up to free weights.

2. Remember most of the people there are in the same boat as you. They're too worried about what they're doing to pay any attention to you.

3. Be polite, if someone is standing by a machine you are using, ask if they are waiting for you or if they want to share.

4. If you're sweaty, wipe it down when you're done with it. I try to wipe everything down regardless, but I'm trying not to overwhelm you.

5. Don't try to do too much too soon. Start off really light and focus on form.

So today is the day! Boy am I still so nervous! :-/

Can't wait to hear how you get on. You'll do great )