Gyms are scary places

thedogsmother
thedogsmother Posts: 26
edited September 25 in Fitness and Exercise
I admit to never having been in a gym in my life, I do a fair bit of walking (thanks to the pooches) and I go swimming but thats my lot, well today I braved the gym and had a meeting to arrange an induction appointment. That in itself was frightening enough but then she started listing the excercises and equipment I was going to have to try out on the induction, half of them Ive never even heard of before, I hope they arent going to laugh when I fail miserably:wink: , then after assuring me it would be mostly people like me who are trying to improve our fitness she took me through to the gym, it was full of men, all really beefed up and glaring at me for invading their kingdom:embarassed: . Does anyone else find the fear of going to the gym is putting them off going?
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Replies

  • papastu
    papastu Posts: 737 Member
    at the end of the day , ignore them , your money is as good as thiers, thats how i got thru it , now i o everyday :D
  • smuehlbauer
    smuehlbauer Posts: 1,041 Member
    It's all in your head. And who cares what anyone else is thinking anyway?
    Go - learn - sweat!
  • jen31889
    jen31889 Posts: 121
    I go to an all female gym and most women there are obese and many a seniors.
  • JennsLosing
    JennsLosing Posts: 1,026
    nah, i find when i go, *anywhere from 930ish to 11ish in the morning* its mainly either retired people, or stay at home mommies like myself...some who are really fit just trying to maintain and then others like me who are in the process.
  • bouldert
    bouldert Posts: 225 Member
    confront your fear and go and don't worry about the other people in there and i am willing to bet you will gain a few friends in the end and after a couple times you won't even be concerned with the other people you will be focused on your goal.
  • SaraTonin
    SaraTonin Posts: 551 Member
    Men love to see women at the gym. ;) I promise! Any size!
  • miznel80
    miznel80 Posts: 46 Member
    I glare right back :angry: :wink: They won't bother you. Once you get going in your work out, you won't even notice them. They'll be in YOUR way :happy:
  • SassyStef
    SassyStef Posts: 413
    I totally hate the gym too!! I love working out outside and I have some work out videos that I do too. There are tons of alternatives than the gym, besides why waste your money on a membership when you can work out outside in the fresh air and war sun!!

    If you choose to do the gym forget the other plp, they are all there trying to achieve the same goal!! Every on there that looks all beefed up started from some where too...not everyone just walks into the gym all beefed and fit ;)
  • Nelski
    Nelski Posts: 1,607 Member
    It can be a little intimidating at 1st to some, but it's really not so bad. You only THINK those beefy men are glaring at you, but really they are just in their own head dreaming about their huge muscles. Don't worry about trying out all the equipment during your orientation, it's really a good thing to make sure you use everything correctly. You may find something you will love working out on. Everyone there has a common goal, getting fit/healthy or trying to stay there. After you go a couple times you will get over the intimidation and it won't even phase you anymore.
  • rhodes2b
    rhodes2b Posts: 304 Member
    You need to find the humor and education in the gym. I think it is funny as hell when you see people dance and sing to their music. On the otherhand, I found that most people are gazing out and about while in between sets and not really even looking at anything specific.

    As for the really big guys, they are normally looking for other really big guys to find faults with them. Or they could be thinking... do I look tiny? or do I need to shave my arms again?


    Basically- People really aren't watching you, nor are they going to make fun of you. We are all in the same boat.
  • therobinator
    therobinator Posts: 832 Member
    Some gyms are definitely off-putting, while others are very welcoming. It varies from gym to gym, depending on the kind of clientele they advertise to, cater to, and attract. If you weren't comfortable at this one, don't hesitate to shop around.

    As for not knowing how to use the equipment, don't worry about that. At some point, every person had to learn from nothing. You'll get there.
  • KirstyLea3
    KirstyLea3 Posts: 10
    I've just got to say i absolutely love the gym i use. Although at certain times of day, you do get different groups of people in there, ie, after work tends to be busier with younger, fitter men and women in our gym, yet if you go early on a weekend, during working hours or even late at night, it tends to be much quieter.

    I quite like when its busy in there as i have improved my fitness now and having lots of other people there working out pushes me to work harder...I don't want to look lazy by stopping really soon, lol but i do find the weight part can be intimidating when theres lots of beefy men in there...i only use that part when its quiet.

    Don't be put off, just find the days and times that are more suited for you and remember, everybody's in there to get fitter, lose weight or just improve them selves, most people are feeling the same, certainly when your new but as you go more often and see familiar faces, its a really great workout.
  • jeffrodgers1
    jeffrodgers1 Posts: 991 Member
    We all start somewhere... I don't think I have ever seen anyone make fun of anyone else who is actively trying in a gym and I have been going to the gym for quite awhile.

    I think really, you've been thru the scary part... now you need to get on with surviving the hard work. I wouldn't be surprised if one of these "glaring beefed up men" doesn't come and help you if you look like you need it.

    Inside most of these beefy people is a little kid who someone kicked sand at.

    You go girl!
  • TashaP2011
    TashaP2011 Posts: 142 Member
    If the gym has any classes, you might try those out. It is a good way to find workout buddies. And don't worry about all the equipment. Everyone who is there had to start out on it just like you!
  • ocsbabydoll
    ocsbabydoll Posts: 9
    If i have to go to a gym i go to the all female places - if you go to a 24 hour gym you can go when no one is there -
    BEST solution get some work out videos and minimal equipment and work out in the comfort of your own home :wink:
  • andipandi
    andipandi Posts: 91 Member
    i have a full home gym for that reason...lol...i went to one last week when i was on holiday and it was gross. no cleanser and ppl swapping machines and staph infections...ewwww. oh and i saw no fit ppl and no motivated ppl. nobody was sweating (but touching and laying on every machine and not wiping them down). i saw so many ppl just going thru the motions, 'well i went to the gym so i can eat cake'. i'd rather stay home, crank up my tunes, stream the biggest loser and roll around in my own sweat.
  • katierush
    katierush Posts: 5
    I think the reason gyms offer these introduction/trainings sessions are so people don't get hurt using equipment they don't know how to work, so the equipment last longer with people who know how to use it, and to give their personal trainers who are doing the introductory stuff at no charge a chance to pick up new clients who want that one on one attention for their workouts. Go at a time where you won't feel like you have to hurry as you figure things out. I like to attend the exercise classes that many gyms offer. There are always people to watch and ask questions to in those classes. Who knows, you could even pick up a partner to do the machines with at another time.
  • mallorybriann
    mallorybriann Posts: 1,380 Member
    Everyone has to start sometime... at one point all those people were just like you!
    I started going to Planet Fitness, mostly because of price and location (one mile from my house).
    Their whole thing is "judgement free zone".
    I have my issues with them, but aside, I feel comfortable there. There are definitely people there that are in amazing shape, and then there are the beginners. I don't think I'd feel as comfortable going into a gym full of men and heavy weights etc.
    We also have another gym around here that has a women's only club. I would go there, if I could afford it!
    The way I look at it is everyone has been a beginner at some point! Just ignore them :)
    Also try going at a different time.
    Good luck!
  • Just1forMe
    Just1forMe Posts: 624 Member
    Try a women only gym like Curves or Women's 24 hour Fitness, etc.
  • AbiNichole
    AbiNichole Posts: 300 Member
    Most people are so insecure themselves that they don't notice other people at all. Trust me, it's all in your head. It's likely your neighbor is thinking the same thing. :tongue:
  • beckystephens
    beckystephens Posts: 117 Member
    Dont worry about it. Honestly they probably dont even notice. I would suggest go get on a treadmill and look around - decide what you want to focus on, and watch people on them. I hear ya tho. i pretty much live at my gym and still dont understand some of the machines there....but the main thing is to just go. itll get more comfortable with time . promise :)
  • Daisygurl7
    Daisygurl7 Posts: 129 Member
    I was always scared of the gym!! But, I had never really gone either. My husband and I just joined last month, and now I can't imagine not going!! I LOVE THE WAY I FEEL AFTER I WORKOUT!! Most people don't even care or aware of the people around them. Everyone is there for the same thing...to work out!! OWN IT!! Put your head phones on and get goin'!!! :) GOOD LUCK!!!
  • gp79
    gp79 Posts: 1,799 Member
    Every gym is going to be different as they are marketed towards different people. Something like a Golds Gym is going to attract big dudes whereas something like a Bally Fitness is going to cater towards the average person wanting to improve their health.

    I bet the reason you are getting looks is because you are being escorted around the gym with a trainer, showing you how to do the exercises. Their interest is in "who" is the person with the trainer, not so much as what you are specifically doing. I wouldn't worry about it. Guys in the gym act a certain way. We don't go around talking to each other, and if you're near the free weight area, expect to be sized up. It's just the way it is in today's society.

    In the end of the day, you being there says alot about you because you're doing a hell of a lot more than alot of other people. In short time you'll be familiar with the exercises, your confidence will be higher and you'll be checking out the new kid on the block just like they are with you.
  • themommie
    themommie Posts: 5,033 Member
    the gym can be intimidating but if you choose to join just remember they all started somewhere. If you start going regularly at the end of the year you will be in better shape and look like you belong there also. You might even intimidate others. LOL. Just focus on your goal and keep going. We all have to start somewhere
  • NightOwl1
    NightOwl1 Posts: 881 Member
    I think it all depends on the gym you go to. My gym has some of the most advanced equipment you'll find around, so a lot of giant dudes train there. But the environment is very open and supportive of everyone. Small guys like me don't feel intimidated, and I've never seen someone be mean or disrespectful to anyone else.
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    Think of it this way - when you walk your doggies, don't other people see you? It's no different than the other folks in the gym watching you. And if you're unsure of using the weight machines, perhaps you could hire a personal trainer for a few sessions so you can be more confident?
  • 30tips
    30tips Posts: 132
    Take it one day at a time, like an adventure! It´s a challenge, and if it´s not boring yet it might mean you´ll workout harder and burn more calories!
    If you feel silly on a machine, just say, "I haven´t done that machine before". You don´t have to explain you haven´t done almost ANY of them before. Then maybe you can compliment their machines (as far as how good they are for toning or what not) and talk about how many calories you want to burn, or how many pounds you want to lift (I believe men or at least the gym instructors like to think about how many pounds they want to lift--as opposed to myself, who sticks to 30-40 pounds most of the time)
    If you´re nice and talk about something the other people are interested, there´s less of a chance they´ll even notice any clumsiness on the machines. You could also ask intelligent questions--there´s no shame in questions, but if they´re intelligent, you can even look better by asking them. One good one might be... what´s the best tip for being able to get up at 5 o´clock in the morning to train at the gym? (haha, that´s hard even if you know the answer, which is to go to sleep early)
    I think it´s more of a sin that those of us that have used the machines for ages, get distracted and do the exercise wrong... So don´t think that people who have done the exercise before do it properly. More likely than not, they don´t....
    Remember, they should be happy to get a new client. And instructors of any kind are excited about getting newbies that will pay attention to everything they´re saying, instead of thinking that they know more, so I´m sure they´ll like that...
  • Jenni268
    Jenni268 Posts: 202 Member
    You'd be surprised by how encouraging other gym members can be! I remember that I was doing something wrong on a machine once and a HUGE muscle-bound guy came up to fat little old me and helped me out. Then told me to keep up the work! I was a little embarassed, but most people (even the really REALLY fit ones) just want to encourage you on your journey. We all had to start somewhere!!!
  • spaboleo
    spaboleo Posts: 172
    You shouldn't worry about the others! :smile:

    Most of the guys that attend the gym regularly just want to train without ruffle. They mind there own business and don't even talk to one another.

    Step outof you comfort zone :smile:
    Or just wear headphones to signalise other that you really don't want to chat :wink:
  • kimd1974
    kimd1974 Posts: 113
    Everyone is there for the same reason- to stay/get healthy and take care of themselves. Just remind yourself you are there for you and you deserve to be there as much as anyone else does. Have fun and enjoy!
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