Sharing time: Embarrassing gym stories

StrongCurves
StrongCurves Posts: 31
in Motivation and Support
I'm the sort of person that will dwell on that embarrassing memory from high school that happened 5 years ago and still cringe! I'm quite self conscious and I find the gym very intimidating. I've just begun lifting and this for me is quite nerve racking as it means I'll be in the heavy weights room with the big boys! Which is a change from sticking my headphones in, zoning out and hopping on an eliptical trainer for half an hour.

This is all new to me and I'm a slow learner. Today while trying to do a straight leg dead lift I saw someone stop what they were doing and leave the room. They then came back with someone who worked their who looked very concerned at my terrible form. Now, I know I'm being silly and I thanked the man for getting the trainer as he prevented me from potentially injuring myself and you know what they say! "You learn from your mistakes". But often at the gym I feel as though all eyes are on me because I'm always using the equipment wrong. And people stopping me/trainers running over to me because I'm doing something wrong is a common occurence.

Any words of wisdom to get over my gym hang ups?

Replies

  • cici1028
    cici1028 Posts: 799 Member
    Ha! If this is a common occurrence may I suggest a personal trainer (at least initially) until you have your form nailed down? :)
  • jbella99
    jbella99 Posts: 596 Member
    Perhaps hire a trainer for a few sessions just to show you how to coreectly use all the equipment in the gym
  • Collier78
    Collier78 Posts: 811 Member
    I'm with cici...if the trainer thing isn't an option, try YouTube and watch some videos on proper form before you try the exercises. Best of luck, don't give up!
  • Mom_of_X
    Mom_of_X Posts: 85 Member
    triple on the trainer rec!

    also, don't feel like you can't ask other gym-goers for tips. sure, not everyone wants to be helpy-helperton, but you will be surprised at how many people will spare the time it takes to walk you through proper form.

    youtube = also helpful!
  • dpandori
    dpandori Posts: 19 Member
    I agree with everyone's posts. A personal trainer for a few sessions will get you straightened out. There are also really great resources on bodybulding.com and jefit.com. JeFit also has an app so you can track what you're up to. (which I highly recommend) Keep at it, you'll get there!
  • scraver2003
    scraver2003 Posts: 526 Member
    The gym employees should be willing and able to show you how to use the equipment properly, too! Don't be shy about asking - that is what they are there for!
  • StrongCurves
    StrongCurves Posts: 31
    I met with my trainer a couple days ago but my problem is I have a brain like a sieve haha! Whenever she's not there my form goes out the window. I feel like a bit of a plonker when I ask them every single time I go to the gym for help. Maybe I just need to bite the bullet and stop being so shy. Easier said than done I suppose! :P

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