Tell me about gyms.
Gel_W91
Posts: 53 Member
My partner for the past couple days has been mentioning going to the gym together. He wants to get fitter (tone up) and he knows I want to lose weight.
Oh my, I want to do this for him, as I know I push him towards things he want to do, but this has threw me. Exercising in front of people? Err.
So what actually happens at gyms, do people stare, honestly? Do you have thoughts on the bigger people there or is it really something people don't pay attention to. I know I sound a tad childish, but even my OH has never seen me exercise, I've never even considered a gym before now.
What is the general etiquette in regards to going, machine use, if somewhere is full do you wait your turn or find something else? I'm assuming they have changing rooms / showers, or do you just wear work out gear there and back? Do people try chat to others or is it a quiet place.
Am I going to look ridiculous if I can't exercise for long, I don't do much, the odd DVD, the odd kettlebell workout, once - twice a week and it's usually only around 15-20minutes. I know I'll have to build up my stamina. If I want to stop for 10 minutes and catch my breath, is there a place to do this or am I just stuck in the middle somewhere, lol.
Just any information really. As I said, never been to one and never even see a gym. I apologize for my noob question, sarcasm welcome but at least add in some tips and advice too on your way through.
Thanks
Oh my, I want to do this for him, as I know I push him towards things he want to do, but this has threw me. Exercising in front of people? Err.
So what actually happens at gyms, do people stare, honestly? Do you have thoughts on the bigger people there or is it really something people don't pay attention to. I know I sound a tad childish, but even my OH has never seen me exercise, I've never even considered a gym before now.
What is the general etiquette in regards to going, machine use, if somewhere is full do you wait your turn or find something else? I'm assuming they have changing rooms / showers, or do you just wear work out gear there and back? Do people try chat to others or is it a quiet place.
Am I going to look ridiculous if I can't exercise for long, I don't do much, the odd DVD, the odd kettlebell workout, once - twice a week and it's usually only around 15-20minutes. I know I'll have to build up my stamina. If I want to stop for 10 minutes and catch my breath, is there a place to do this or am I just stuck in the middle somewhere, lol.
Just any information really. As I said, never been to one and never even see a gym. I apologize for my noob question, sarcasm welcome but at least add in some tips and advice too on your way through.
Thanks
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Replies
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nobody will stare, people are concentrating on their own workouts. if they arent, they are wasting their time
its up to you if the machine you want is in use, first ask the person using it how many sets they have left (NOT WHEN THEY ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF A SET, srs, dont do this, wait until they are resting), if they have a few left you can either ask to work in i.e. you do a set then they do a set then you do a set ect. or just do something else until that machine is free
they will have change rooms, you can show up fully dressed to work out, or bring a gym bag, either way. just dont be that guy who wears his muddy *kitten* shoes and tracks dirt throughout the gym
everyone starts somewhere, so nobody will judge if you cant do much. if anything they will commend you for improving yourself
if you have to ask someone for help or tips on proper form, just ask. people are nice enough that they will help out, like i said just dont interrupt someone in the middle of doing a set, wait until they are resting
go with a planned routine, nothing worse than showing up and having no idea which exercise to do or how many times to do it. get a personal trainer for your first couple sessions if you have to, just be sure to ignore their dietary advice0 -
People stare - at themselves in the mirror. They usually don't care too much about anyone else - unless you're a really hot chick in a skimpy outfit, I assume they can draw the attention away from the mirror.
Most gyms have change rooms. My son belongs to a very small one by our house - they have a bathroom but no locker room. He just wears his workout clothes to go there. Our gym we go to together has a locker room - depends on what we are doing before/after as to whether we wear our normal clothes and change or our gym clothes.
For machines I just use something else if the one I want is busy. Then when they are done I'll take my turn.
I've worked out for only 15 minutes. I don't think anyone timed me at all so nope - not ridiculous. There are people all over standing around/sitting around resting - no one will think anything of it.
You'll be fine! Just do it! :drinker:0 -
Nobody gives a about others in the gym, they are just there for their own goals.
If someone is using something you want, you have three choices. Wait. Ask to work in. Ask how many sets they have left. Don't ask while someone is in the middle of the current set, wait til they finish. If someone is a in a far different league for strength, don't ask to work in. For example, if you only squat 95lbs, don't ask to work in with a 500lb squatter. Changing the weights is a pain in the *kitten*.0 -
I don't care what size you are, just put away your weights, clean your sweat when your are done. I am too busy with the headset and my routine to let whatever relative size of the next person is there to bother me.So what actually happens at gyms, do people stare, honestly? Do you have thoughts on the bigger people there or is it really something people don't pay attention to. I know I sound a tad childish, but even my OH has never seen me exercise, I've never even considered a gym before now.
No you won't look ridiculous for exercise that amount of time. You can pack a lot into 20 minutes.Am I going to look ridiculous if I can't exercise for long, I don't do much, the odd DVD, the odd kettlebell workout, once - twice a week and it's usually only around 15-20minutes. I know I'll have to build up my stamina. If I want to stop for 10 minutes and catch my breath, is there a place to d...
When I returned to the gym after a 4 month break my workouts where only 30 minutes long. They were intense and felt good and I knew that as I got stronger my workouts would get a bit longer. You really don't need to be in the gym any longer than an hour anyway.
^ Thisgo with a planned routine, nothing worse than showing up and having no idea which exercise to do or how many times to do it. get a personal trainer for your first couple sessions if you have to, just be sure to ignore their dietary advice
Planning is one of the most important aspects of training. Plan your days, your hours and what you'll do once you're at the gym.
The planning can be daunting at first. If you have a smart phone look into downloading various apps that can get you started. I use the Fitness Buddy App where I can use their canned plans & workouts, or like I did I customized my own following my own goals. There are lots of others. Stronglifts is probably the most popular at MFP and has an app you can use too. Others I am sure can recommend others.0 -
You're seriously overthinking this. Your first time going to deposit your check, did you make a thread asking what happens inside a bank? If course not.....I hope. This is no different.
It's a building. Treat it as if you're walking inside a building. Just pick a gym and go. No one is staring or caring about what you're doing in the building, just like every other place in the world.
Just go work out0 -
A gym is just a building where people workout...it is full of equipment that most of us could otherwise never afford. I go workout and I go home...I'm pretty much oblivious to what other people are doing while I'm working out...I'm too busy actually working and sweating to bother with the goings on of other people there.0
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You're asking a lot of specific questions about things that cannot be answered. Every gym is a little different. Why not just go to a couple local gyms that you are considering and ask for a tour? They can answer all of your questions at the same time.0
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Yeah, don't worry, everyone is thinking about themselves. No one has ever stared at me even when I was gigantic and struggling to do light exercises in the gym.0
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Pretty much nobody cares. Most are either too busy thinking about their own awesomeness (maybe that's just me
) or they are too busy being insecure about themselves or thinking about their own problems to worry about you. If some oddball IS judging you, that's their hang-up, not your problem. You can't read minds, so you'll never really know... Just decide you don't give a crap what random strangers think and get in there and do your thing. :drinker: 0 -
I've been to a few different gyms. I never pay attention to what other people are doing/wearing etc. if you want to rest there might be a stretching area with mats where you can "stretch" or rest for a bit. Bring a towel and water bottle with you. My gym has a tv on each cardio machine so you need to bring your own headphones to plug in if you want to listen to your tv. Most big gyms will give you a tour and/ or free personal training/teaching session when you join up so take advantage of that. Most of all, have fun!0
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Usually a gym membership will come with a couple complimentary sessions with a trainer to help you get acquainted with the gym. All the chain gyms in my area do this. My suggestion is to take the introductory free session, and use it to have the trainer show you around the gym, and explain how some of the machines work, go over form, ect.
Walking around with someone who knows the ins and outs of the whole place will probably make you feel more comfortable.
Also keep in mind that no one cares what anyone else in the gym is doing. No reason to be apprehensive about it. It's a building full of tools that you pay to use, that's it.0 -
When you sign up, they generally provide a tour. A lot of times, they'll provide a brief demo of the basic machines upon request. Just go, stretch, try out the treadmill and observe the first time you go. It'll be ok.0
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As a general rule of thumb I'm too busy looking at myself to stare at others. I imagine most people are the same. I wouldn't worry about that element0
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You want to go to the gym for "him" that concerns me. Maybe he's ready for this change but you aren't. When you are ready to go to the gym for yourself then all these details won't matter. Most gyms give a tour and let you work out once or try a class on a trial (free) basis.0
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I found walking into my gym for the first time absolutely terrifying. The reality was a lot less scary!
Book an induction - even if you have to pay - it's important someone explains what the hell it is you should do. It helps take sone of that feat away!
Make sure you bring a bottle of water and a little towel so you can wipe down machines when you sweat over them (you will).
My gym has an open plan changing area as well as private cubicles - the one thing that really surprised me was just how many women get completely naked in front of strangers without any hesitation.0 -
So what actually happens at gyms, do people stare, honestly? Do you have thoughts on the bigger people there or is it really something people don't pay attention to. I know I sound a tad childish, but even my OH has never seen me exercise, I've never even considered a gym before now.
Hard to say what it's like at the particular gym you'll go to, but around these parts, no one stares at others. People are focused on their own workouts. Most people have headphones on so they can listen to music while they work out. They are either focused on the music or the exercise they're doing.What is the general etiquette in regards to going, machine use, if somewhere is full do you wait your turn or find something else? I'm assuming they have changing rooms / showers, or do you just wear work out gear there and back? Do people try chat to others or is it a quiet place.
Please wipe down any machine you use. Most places have wipes or spray/paper towels you can use. It's gross to use a machine that has visible sweat drops.
I drive to the gym and back home. I live close to the gym, so no big deal. Most people at the YMCA I go to do the same thing. If you want to shower, most gyms have lockers and showers.
No one chats unless they're friends. It's pretty quiet actually.Am I going to look ridiculous if I can't exercise for long, I don't do much, the odd DVD, the odd kettlebell workout, once - twice a week and it's usually only around 15-20minutes. I know I'll have to build up my stamina. If I want to stop for 10 minutes and catch my breath, is there a place to do this or am I just stuck in the middle somewhere, lol.
Just any information really. As I said, never been to one and never even see a gym. I apologize for my noob question, sarcasm welcome but at least add in some tips and advice too on your way through.
Thanks
People might notice you're a new face at the gym, but they aren't going to stop their workout and gawk at you. Don't take a group exercise class if you want to stop and do something else. I don't. I workout on machines like the treadmill or recumbent cycle or elliptical machine. If I want to stop after 10 minutes to move to something else, no big deal. I think it's harder to do in an exercise class.
Ask for a tour of the gym. Most places have trainers who will show you how to use the machines. Sometimes I even listen in quietly from where I am because I might learn something from the orientation. :laugh: The more comfortable you are using the machines, the more likely you'll stick with it.
Relax. Everyone was new to the gym at some point. Just remember you're not the center of other people's lives. Most days I can't even tell you who was at the gym. I'm just in my zone. In, get my workout done, go home...0 -
I thought this topic said "Tell me about gems."
I had some gems for you.
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I had similar insecurities when I started going to the gym. Seriously, no one cares about you, and I mean that in the most wonderful way. Everyone is so focused on what they're doing, they could care less about what you're doing or what you look like. I have had one or two people stare while I workout, but I don't really care. If someone is so focused on what I'm doing, they're wasting their time, because it's my time and my workout. But that's life and part of existing. Most people don't care. And if there's someone that does, well... eff 'em.0
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Definitely go to the gym. Nobody is going to stare or critique and you don't need fancy clothes. Schedule a session with a trainer at least once, even if you have to pay. Be honest with him/her about your goals and your concerns. Having someone show you the ropes and teach you how to use the equipment is invaluable. Most of the better gyms offer at least one free 1/2 hour intro training session. My gym also offers a heavily discounted price for an introductory package for three 1 hr sessions. If you can afford a trainer, I recommend it. Not only will they push you farther than you might yourself, they can teach you a lot and they give you someone to be accountable to -- that was important for me in the beginning because I had a hard time making myself go to the gym. If money is an issue, check into 1/2 hour sessions. You don't need a trainer to watch you walk on a treadmill, ride a bike, use the elliptical -- whatever cardio you prefer -- so you can get to the gym and do your cardio on your own to warm up and then 1/2 hour with a trainer can be used very efficiently.0
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My limited experience is that nobody really cares what I'm doing. If I ask someone for help they give it happily and I've been asked for help and was happy to give it. Most people just go through their workout with headphones on and stay in the zone. Others will go with a friend or two and stay in their little pack.
I will admit that I had to work up the nerve to do barbell hip raises in the weight area but now I just go and if people stare then they stare.
I'm too busy trying not to die under that barbell to care if someone is staring at me anyway. 0 -
I'm gonna be honest. You are worrying about it too much.
Some people change into gym clothes from work clothes in the locker room...some people leave in their sweaty clothes. You can basically do whatever you want. Not many people will notice, and even less people will care.
Plenty of people take breaks from working out as needed. There are a couple of very large people at my gym. Yeah of course, I have noticed them; but I have noticed other people too. I'm too busy staring at myself (checking my own form) to spend time watching anyone else. Ok that isn't entirely true; sometimes, I watch a hot guy do lunges. Then, I get back to whatever I am doing.
Sign-up, take the tour, and take advantage of any intro sessions offered.0 -
Honestly, yes, people stare. Although, they are likely checking out the exercises you are doing or looking at your form in order to improve their own (I do this at times).
I think "big" people at the gym are no different than "small" people at the gym. I give a lot of credit to individuals at the gym who are larger. Who cares if you aren't as fit as another person. The way I see it… you are beating everyone who is sitting their *kitten* on the couch, eating potato chips. Remember- going to the gym can be nerve-wrecking for ANYONE- big or small. Take 10 deep breaths before walking in and remind yourself why you are there- FOR YOU.
Most gyms have changing rooms and showers. I go to the Y and they have changing areas as well as a number of showers. I personally wear my workout clothes to the gym so that I don't have to worry about changing in the locker room. And yes, there will be people in the locker rooms who insist on walking around buck naked. :grumble:
No, you are not going to look ridiculous if you only go to the gym for 10 or 15 minutes. At least you were there! Everyone starts somewhere. It will become easier over time. You just need to stick with it. Start by doing something you will be able to do consistently. Don't start by doing too much because you could get overwhelmed and are basically setting yourself up for failure. It's key to take it slow.0 -
Hi,
I had to reply because I had all the same fears as you. Yesterday I went to see Planet Fitness because they had a special and a friend was mentioning joining so it motivated me . So I went in, the guy took me for a tour around the place and everyone was friendly which made me feel better. So I joined yesterday. I was kind of making excuses of why I can't go today for the first time and should wait until Monday to begin, but as someone reminded me today sometimes the hardest part is just starting.
So I had to run an errand today and told myself if I had enough time I could go by there to get on a treadmill for the first time and take it from there. I went wearing my normal clothes, a t-shirt, jeans and ballet flats of all things, but heck I was only going to try the treadmill and I don't have any gym clothes yet. So I did that for a few minutes, then moved onto the stationary bike, then tried the elliptical which I really liked, and just kind of went back and forth between those three things. I didn't expect it to be fun but it actually was. There weren't very many people there and no one close by me. I only spent about 30 minutes there, but I'm really proud of myself for going and I can already tell the difference. I didn't notice any mirrors and they have sayings like "No judgment zone" which actually made me feel better. That saying made me feel more confident and less self conscious. Which I'm thankful for whoever thought of that.
I'm someone who overthinks everything too and my main fear was looking silly because I thought I would only be able to walk on the treadmill for 5-10 minutes and go home. So I planned to just try different equipment out and see what it's like. I guess my advice is just look at it like a fun thing and something you're doing for yourself. Don't worry about what anyone thinks.0 -
It depends on where you are and what type of people are at your gym. There have been threads on here about people judging others at the gym, and there have been threads about the opposite. Some people have nothing better to do than judge others, but just like others said you can be judged walking into a grocery store, a bank, where ever. Point is, get thick skin and get over what people MIGHT be thinking about you. You are there to make a better you and that is all that matters.0
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Ahh, thank you everyone for the replies. I kind of new this deep down but idk, I just needed it confirmed. I'm actually going to do it, I'll book me and my partner in for some inductions and a couple personal trainer lessons each as soon as I can. He's going down the weight route, and I want to do both strength and cardio. I will go check some out during the week.
I'm kind of excited now. It's basically just not giving a f what others think, and I do that fine in my every day life so it's just a new mini adventure for me.
Thanks for the replies, glad to know I'm not the only one who has had these thoughts!0 -
I started out with my gym membership just to go swimming and take Zumba. The first time I walked up to the 'conditioning center', a/k/a the part of the gym that makes it a gym, for a session with a trainer, I took one look at all the people, all the equipment, took a panic attack and left. I didn't get back up there for another 2 months. So I understand the apprehension, absolutely. But once I made that second attempt, 3 weeks ago, went through with a trainer who gave me a simply strength routine and showed me the cardio equipment etiquette, etc., everything was fine. I am there literally every day now, and I love it. :flowerforyou:0
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If you're one of the few women in the free weights area, some men will stare.0
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Personally I waited till I could handle at least 60 mins of exercise before joining but it wasn't about staring or embarrassment it was a simple financial decision. Is it really worth paying all that money for a gym membership when you aren't really fit enough to need all that equipment yet. A lot can be accomplished with a home workout. And personally I think it's better to wait until you want to join a gym to join a gym. When you feel that the workouts you can do at home begin to get restrictive and don't do much for you.
Personally I started with a 10 minute walk, 10 minutes of dumbbell/body weight exercises and 15 minutes on my old exercise bike every day. And man that totally wiped me out. I was about as unfit as it gets. And I didn't wanna go to the gym because I was getting everything i needed to improve at home.
I am not saying the gym is a BAD idea. I am just giving you another perspective.0 -
Worry about yourself and wipe off the machines after you use them, Thats about it.0
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You're seriously overthinking this. Your first time going to deposit your check, did you make a thread asking what happens inside a bank? If course not.....I hope. This is no different.
It's a building. Treat it as if you're walking inside a building. Just pick a gym and go. No one is staring or caring about what you're doing in the building, just like every other place in the world.
Just go work out
I agree. Excellent point. If you are unsure go for a tour before-hand. They will bend over backwards to walk you through. Find a gym that is convenient for you to get to first and foremost. Other than that....just go....you will get so used to it in a matter of a few visits.
I felt the same way when I started, thought everyone was going to think I was weak and flabby but not one person ever gave me a bad vibe and were always more than happy to help if I had a question.0
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