I want to start going to the gym but...

You can always workout at home. There are tons of programs out there that walk you through what to do.

Right now i do les mills body pump and combat. I have also done p90x (2)(3), body beast, chalean extreme and more. I even have a free membership with my HOA but just hate the gym.

You can do pushups, squats, lunges, resistance band work, kettlebell workouts, or lift weights at home if you would prefer. Some of the equipment needed you can get for the price of a gym membership for a month. You can do that for a few months to tone up and then go to the gym if you feel more comfortable.

I switched to a new gym and was afraid about going, but then I realized that I am in this for me and that there are trainers there that will help correct my form and answer my questions. I may still choose to go during quieter times until I feel more comfortable in the new gym. You can also check out a gym to see what equipment they have and then go home and watch videos about how to perform exercises on the equipment without feeling totally lost when you first start.

I have also found that at any gym that I have went to that most people are so concentrated on their own workouts that they never notice what you are doing. I have had a few people that seen I had really bad form on a move or needed help and politely asked to help me. Usually, most people have their headphones in and that is a signal that they are in the zone and don't want to be disturbed. You may want to listen to music or something if you want to be left alone.

You can check out Oxygen magazine or other online fitness websites for sample workouts that you can do in the gym to get results so you don't feel like you are wasting your time. IF you are first starting out, you may need to drop the weight they suggest using if it feels too much for you or start out with less reps or sets. Once you feel that the weight is easy to lift, you can add another set or go up by five pounds.

I hope this helps and congratulations on the weight loss! You can add me as a friend if you would like.

Honestly, I am so tired of how I look that I am willing to go alone, BUT I still understand where you are coming from as far as going alone and feeling intimidated.

You have to understand and really let this soak in. We all are starting at different points as far as fitness levels go. Those people at the gym are there for the same reason you will be. T get better, to feel better, to be healthier.

About the machines, and how to use them. There's youtube, there's us, there's google; and there's books. Broaden your knowledge. Knowledge is key in everything!

It's probably time to be so self-conscious and start to put yourself in different situations than when you were severely overweight. The reality is no one is looking at you - it may be a shock to realize that you are not particularly interesting to most people at the gym - they are too self-involved in their own stuff.

Also, look for a gym you like. The YMCA is a good place because it attracts a wider variety of people (age, weight, gender, race) than a lot of commercial gyms.

The hardest part about going to the gym is setting foot over the entrance, but your not the first person to feel like that, nor will you be the last. As others have said though nobody will be watching you, most go their to work out then go about their day.

Go for it, it will be the best thing you can do

I am a strong introvert as well. I bought a power rack and weight set for my basement for roughly the cost of a one year gym membership. That and the sidewalk are all I need.

I agree- no one will even notice or pay attention to you there. Your first time there may be a bit of a waste, you won't be a pro right away. But you'll get used to it.

My first time at the gym (I signed up at home!) I only lasted about 10 minutes before I felt like puking from the nerves. So I just went home and tried the next day, where I lasted a bit longer and each day got better. Now it's nothing!

You also don't have to go to a gym, but adding exercise is always a great decision! Good luck- you can do it!

I have googled gym equipment FROM THE GYM many times and watched a YouTube video on how to use it. I usually do this while walking on the treadmill.... then I go over and try it. Or you can walk on the treadmill until you see someone else use it and get a good idea of how to work it. Many gyms offer a "fitness orientation" for new members - basically one hour of a trainer walking you around showing you what they have and how to use it.

Some gyms offer a free session with a personal trainer with a gym membership. You could use that free session to learn where everything is and proper form with them. When you sign up ask for a tour also. Many people in the gym are just worried about themselves and won't pay attention to another. Headphones in world out is usually how it goes.

Like many people have stated previously 99.99% don't care who you are when you are or what you are doing. I started at the gym 70lbs + overweight and was very self consious, but once I got it in my head that no one really cared it didnt bother me one bit.

The hardest part of startiny going to the gym is getting through the front door the first time, once you have it starts to become second nature and you won't even think about it.