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

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 )

Hope it goes well today! I totally remember when I signed up for my first yoga class last fall. I scheduled the class a couple days in advance and was nearly hyperventilating before I walked in the door. And it was just fine! Fabulous actually.

I agree with the other posts that said think about (and answer) "what is the worst thing that could happen?" Odds are, anything awkward will be no problem, as she said.

Good luck!!

So proud of you. The hardest thing is walking in the door. After a few visits you will know your way round and feel comfortable with your surroundings. Then it will be just a good place to go workout. )

I hate the gym, and I am horribly self conscience (to a fault). I will tell ya what, I got a trainer and decided to just go for it. She was so pretty and tough. She was exaclty what I wish I looked like. I used her for inspiration. She whipped my *kitten* all over that gym. I think its what I needed. I had already been working out on my own but she pushed me beyond my comfort point. I know I was red-faced, sweating, and gasping the entire time. A few people were looking at me funny but I told myself I was there only for myself. If I was gonna do it, I needed to go all out and not pay any attention to anyone else. I left that gym feeling like my legs were jello and I was gonna puke, but it was also the best feeling of accomplishment ever. I didn't let my self consciousness get the best of me.

First time I went to the gym I felt like such a dork!
Really there is nothing to worry about! Good job in overcoming your fear, keep it up! Over time hopefully it will become a "happy place" :happy:

I am in desperate need of a talk to calm me down to motivate me I am so scared. I have never been to a gym in my life, I am a 27 year old mom of 3. I've put it off for way too long and I am tired of being depressed about all this extra built up fat in my tummy area and legs. I finally visited a gym yesterday, so my first session will be tomorrow. A trainer is supposed to help me out that day. I have no clue about anything! I don't even know how to work a treadmill let alone the other machines. I know they will help me learn but I am so scared. Please give me some encouraging stories of your first time at the gym!

How would you calm your child if it was their first day of school? Use that same approach.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Just to echo what everyone else is saying, just block everyone else out and do your thing. don't start out trying to go to extremes - your muscles will rebel very quickly in the beginning, about 2 days after your over-do it. Remember, every single person in that gym had their first day at one time, and probably felt equally self-conscious. It won't take long to start seeing results, and that becomes a BIG motivator!

All the best to you!

Mike