Feeling a bit intimidated...in the gym

StaceyL76
StaceyL76 Posts: 711 Member
edited September 25 in Motivation and Support
Okay, I have been shedding excees pounds since July of last year but really kicked it in the butt as of January of 2011. I lost most of the weight by only changing my eating habits these last 3 months. This month, I decided that it was time for me to get my butt moving! The desire to be strong and fit is so strong!

The cardio I have down... no problem.. everyday this week and it feels GREAT.

I didn't think I would have a problem with lifting because about 10 years ago I did BFL and started building and sculpting my body and I was comfortable with and preferred free weights. However, right now, with lower body, I used mostly machines and my own body weight because I have some knee, hip, and ankle issues - I am sure once I am strong and fit again these issues won't be a huge deal... anyway when it came to upper body. I want to use free weights.. In a crazy freezing sort of way, I was SO INTIMIDATED being in that part of the gym.. I was shocked at my timid behavior and had to utilize a lot of energy just to stay and push through the workout... I was just so embarressed, felt out of place.. I lost my thoughts/focus. I even had my earbuds in and way up so it's not like I could hear any comments or anything... It was the looks. I am not used to this feeling in the gym. In my previous stint as a gym rat I felt so comfortable from the begining. It was 10 years ago but I thought it would be just like riding a bike...

I am planning to hire a trainer soon but now I wonder if I will have the same feelings that almost froze me in my tracks.. I am sure this will pass.. I hope. Anyway, I won't let it stop me. i was just wondering if anybody else has had or is having similar experiences.

Thank you all so much for taking the time for me.

Stacey

Replies

  • kenjacks
    kenjacks Posts: 13
    Don't let us gym rats intimidate you! :-) I felt the same way when I started back. I treated it like an addict deals with recovery; one day at a time. Now............I'm the crazy nut job singing to himself while I lift. Just keep going! It will pay off. Best of luck and God Bless!
  • janemartin02
    janemartin02 Posts: 2,653 Member
    HI!DON`T LET THE LOOKS ETC TO LOOSE YOUR MOTIVATION FOR THE GYM.YOU ARE THERE TO DO A JOB,GET HEALTHY.I WOULDN`T WORRY OR PAY ANY ATTENTION TO ANYONE.YOU ARE THERE FOR YOU.
    I KNOW I FELT THE SAME WAY.THOUGHT PEOPLE WERE LOOKING AND TALKING ABOUT ME.KNOW WHEN I GO,I GO TO DO WHAT I HAVE TO AND GO ABOUT MY MERRY WAY.
    GOOD LUCK!
    JANE:smile:
  • TourThePast
    TourThePast Posts: 1,753 Member
    Oh, I totally know where you're coming from, the last time I worked out, I had a fabulous body, was strong and muscular and used to spot for the guys in the gym.

    This time, *cough* years on, I'm the fat and weak one who feels like a total fraud to be there in the first place. My most embarrassing moment was trying to do free weight pec flys and finding my arms were so weak they were waving around all over the place.

    But I just keep reminding myself that everyone else in there was as pathetic as me when they started, and it's just a matter of seeing it through, and I'll be back to being the strong one. :)

    Hearing what you've achieved so far, I don't think you're in any real danger of letting this stop you. :)
  • calliope_music
    calliope_music Posts: 1,242 Member
    i feel ya honey! this may seem counterintuitive, and takes a lot of balls (which i didn't know i had), but i sucked it up and asked the guys (it seems to only be guys at my gym) in the free weight room for help and they totally ate it up. i actually knew what i was doing, but they all seemed to fall all over themselves trying to "show me" how to use weights. occasionally i ask one of them to be a spotter for me.

    and you're there to get healthy! who cares what others think? ;)
  • TiffanyDawn79
    TiffanyDawn79 Posts: 201 Member
    Hi!

    I am right there with you! I just started back up at the gym and I have yet to head over to the machines. I just do my cardio and leave. Some days I dont even want to take my sunglasses off, lol they make me feel like no one can see me. But we can do this, We belong in there and pay our dues just as much as they do! I wish you all the luck and make sure you keep that music cranked up and your head held high!
  • StaceyL76
    StaceyL76 Posts: 711 Member
    i feel ya honey! this may seem counterintuitive, and takes a lot of balls (which i didn't know i had), but i sucked it up and asked the guys (it seems to only be guys at my gym) in the free weight room for help and they totally ate it up. i actually knew what i was doing, but they all seemed to fall all over themselves trying to "show me" how to use weights. occasionally i ask one of them to be a spotter for me.

    and you're there to get healthy! who cares what others think? ;)

    That is GREAT advice. I'm gonna need to grow some then. ; ) LOL
  • StaceyL76
    StaceyL76 Posts: 711 Member
    Thank you all! It helps just to know that I am not alone in the experience. I was just so taken aback by it.. I am heading there tonight and going to make my muscles scream for mercy. ; )
  • jkestens63
    jkestens63 Posts: 1,164 Member
    Don't let us gym rats intimidate you! :-) I felt the same way when I started back. I treated it like an addict deals with recovery; one day at a time. Now............I'm the crazy nut job singing to himself while I lift. Just keep going! It will pay off. Best of luck and God Bless!

    When I first went to the gym I was so out of shape I could barely walk from the parking lot to the gym itself. So when I tried the elliptical for the first time I could only do 2 minutes which felt really crappy when I saw the person next to me going balls to the wall for 45 minutes. But made up my mind what I wanted in life and that is to get healthy. If someone else feels better by looking at me funny or making a nasty comment, screw them. I'm not going to let an insecure stranger negatively affect my goals and my life.

    Now I'm a the gym rat - I can do 90 minutes on the elliptical and two aerobic classes in one morning! I feel and look great- and I am kind and try to be helpful to the newbies at the gym because I remember how hard it was. So get in there, be successful, and pay it forward!!!
  • TourThePast
    TourThePast Posts: 1,753 Member
    I have to say, despite my feeling embarrassed about the ridiculously low weights I'm using for now, I've had nothing but help and encouragement from the guys who work out in my gym. Everyone is there to achieve their own goals, and very few people were fit and strong when they joined!

    Keep up the good work! :)
  • Lpfeifer419
    Lpfeifer419 Posts: 82
    The vast majority of the people at our fitness center are very supportive and are not at all intimidating. I still admit that I do check before I go in (I work out at my school's fitness center), but I have gotten a lot better about not caring and just going right in. We're all there for the same reason, and I have found that striking up a conversation, applauding their hard work, or asking a fitness question really breaks the ice!

    Hope this helps!
  • WarriorJayne
    WarriorJayne Posts: 66
    You know, I felt the same way when I decided to lose my mind and join a kickboxing class. So for an entire hour I huffed and puffed doing things that I have taught myself not to do because I am fat. Like jumping jacks. My ankles can hold this body up it walks and seems to have no problem with that bring jumping jacks into the mix and its like: Meh... i am FAIL!!!

    Growing up there were things that I learned that one does not do when fat or the world would point and laugh. Jumping is one of those things. Flab going in directions, tee shirts pulling up and tummies showing…and the ground rumbling under me.

    But that’s what got me here. Not doing what I needed to do. Not being active because someone might see.

    Sure be skinny and work out at a gym. Not really impressive. Now the fat girl busting *kitten* and pushing hard…. Impressive. That’s one time you want to stick out.

    Don't feel intimidated. I picked up a trainer to keep me motivated, and for questions on what machine would be best for me. Good luck, and have fun. Know that while you are on a machine, you very well may be someone elses inspiration.
  • WarriorJayne
    WarriorJayne Posts: 66
    oops double posted
  • johnwhitent
    johnwhitent Posts: 648 Member
    I was not athletic as a youth and never went to a gym until I was 55. I was very intimidated to say the least. Through my trainer I got to know a few of the folks and made friendships that have lasted to this day, though I no longer go to the gym. I don't mean best friend hang out buddies, but folks that I enjoy running into here and there and who express great pleasure at seeing me. I even got to vote for one for city council (he won.) Some of the hard core types never seemed to warm up to me, but before long I felt so at home in the gym that I could have cared less. Most of the folks there are just good people there to improve themselves. Some prefer to do this alone and get out while others are very supportive and happy to chat and share tips. Hang in there and you will feel at home before you know it.
  • StaceyL76
    StaceyL76 Posts: 711 Member
    You all helped so much! I went last night and just killed it in the gym.. Because you all let me know I wasn't alone and gave me the encouragement I needed. Thank you!

    Last night was much better! I only had a few moments but nothing compared to that first time.. It was great!

    Thank you!
  • TourThePast
    TourThePast Posts: 1,753 Member
    Hey, what great news - and I'm sure it will get even easier. :)
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