Joining the gym - how to get over fear?

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Replies

  • tfleischer
    tfleischer Posts: 199 Member
    I started about 6 months ago at my local 24 hour gym. Fattest guy there at 321 lbs. No one cares!
    People will notice the change and some will comment on it.
    I have lost about a pound a week and changed a lot of my body makeup because I am combining weights and cardio and now doing body exercises like planks and pushups (from my knees) and I finish covered in sweat. I go at about 6 a.m., which is a good time because it is after the super-early 5 a.m. folks who are fin and before the "dropped the kids off at school" folks who start coming in as I finish up.

    Make the time and go there.
  • worwa
    worwa Posts: 9
    Hey Aks0208 - thanks for the advice - I'm planning on starting on the treadmill as I get bored easily so want to do a bit of interval training on it. I quite like using a crosstrainer too, so these 2 will be my safe zones to start I think! I really want to do weights while I'm there, as I'm really quite weak, but think that will have to wait.
  • OfficiallySexyVal
    OfficiallySexyVal Posts: 492 Member
    I remembered when I first joined I was 350lbs and was terrified and yes there was times I got a few negative glances but now I am down almost 110lbs and have tons of people that have noticed my weight loss and keep encouraging me to keep pushing along!
  • worwa
    worwa Posts: 9
    The gym I'll be going to is open 7am-10pm so hoping to go at 7am for around 45 minutes a couple or mornings a week, then a couple of evenings for an hour too. I take my dog out in the morning before work, so going to start jogging with her as it'll be good for her too (I have a husky so she'll love it!). Wish there was a 24 hour gym near me!!
  • emuravyeva
    emuravyeva Posts: 103 Member
    In my experience (and mine might be different because I go to a military gym with my hubby), the people who make nasty comments or give you disparaging looks are the ones who have their own self-esteem and confidence issues. Ignore them (not always easy, I know). Everyone else is generally happy to totally ignore you as they huff and puff or help you, if you're staring at the ab machine like it's a horse with two heads. Just remember: you're there for you - not for anyone else.
  • worwa
    worwa Posts: 9
    Wow Officiallysexyval that is an amazing weight loss to achieve! Congratulations! You're an inspiration, seriously. Thanks for the advice :)
  • Erikalynne18
    Erikalynne18 Posts: 558 Member
    Not sure if someone already mentioned it... but another option would be to call the gym and ask them what time they are typically the least busy. This might help you to feel more comfortable as there will be less people around. Also this would be a great opportunity to ask the staff for help :) They want to make sure you are safe so if you don't know how to use a piece of equipment just ask them :)
  • ksuh999
    ksuh999 Posts: 543 Member
    The gym I'll be going to is open 7am-10pm so hoping to go at 7am for around 45 minutes a couple or mornings a week, then a couple of evenings for an hour too. I take my dog out in the morning before work, so going to start jogging with her as it'll be good for her too (I have a husky so she'll love it!). Wish there was a 24 hour gym near me!!
    Going in the morning is an excellent time. Only serious people go at that time. I find the doofuses come out at night.
  • _HeartsOnFire_
    _HeartsOnFire_ Posts: 5,304 Member
    The gym I'll be going to is open 7am-10pm so hoping to go at 7am for around 45 minutes a couple or mornings a week, then a couple of evenings for an hour too. I take my dog out in the morning before work, so going to start jogging with her as it'll be good for her too (I have a husky so she'll love it!). Wish there was a 24 hour gym near me!!
    Going in the morning is an excellent time. Only serious people go at that time. I find the doofuses come out at night.

    Same here. The gym is overcrowded at night, which raises the temps like 10 degrees. Mostly people wanting to socialize. It's annoying. They hog the machines, but they don't really want to use them. At least at my gym.
  • Angurla
    Angurla Posts: 159 Member
    The worst part for me was not knowing how to use the equipment. Most gyms will set you up with a trainer for a time or two. i would uses that time to have them show you how to uses the machines effectively. Sometimes people jump on a machine and dont use it properly. not only is it wasting your time but you can get hurt. I have even had other ladies come up to me and ask me how to use something I am on. We are all in the same boat and most people are willing to help you out. Once the intimidation factor is outta the way you will kick butt. Don't let anyone stand in the way of your success, especially strangers who are probably caught up in their own workout.
  • MeanNurseGM95
    MeanNurseGM95 Posts: 49 Member
    I was terrified when I started four months ago. My biggest fear was being the fat lady falling in front of everyone. Guess what it happened. I knocked over some stuff made a lot of noise and landed in the arms of several sweaty hot guys leaving a basketball court. I realized it wasn't that big of a deal and no one even really paid attention. The guys I fell into made sure I was ok and I went right back to working out. Since then I realized there is nothing to be afraid of now.
  • livinatthegym
    livinatthegym Posts: 81 Member
    I dont think its vanity...my only suggestion would be to remember that you are there for you. Dont let fear slow you down or side track you. I was nervous stepping into the gym at 330 with all these fit kids and women (who were all working harder then I was capable of and lifting more than me) It can be intimidating, but once you become a regular face in the gym you will get the good mornings, hellos, how are you doing etc, and it will become more fimiliar, it will become a place of comfort and stability in your life.
  • scooter825
    scooter825 Posts: 133 Member
    You don't need to worry at all. Nobody will be judging you and if they are it is probably nothing but good thoughts. I often see people in the gym that are, well lets just say quite far away from their goals, and i think to myself "That person is a lot more determined than me", and I admire them greatly. And don't be afraid to ask questions, as stated earlier 99 pct of people are more than glad to help or give pointers.

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