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.

I've found some gyms to be more newbie-positive and body-accepting than others. Where I live, it's the YMCA. It's not the fanciest in town, but I've never felt intimidated there.

I will echo what others have said -- shop around. Get a feel for the place before you commit. Different gyms can have different cultures, for lack of a better word. A gym you will feel comfortable going to is better for you than maybe a better-equipped gym that you won't go to.

Reinventi0n wrote: »

I have lost over 70 pounds and I am now in the middle of my healthy weight range. I am at the point in my journey where I know I really need to start incorporating exercise so I can tone up and get lean.

Ideally, I would love to start going to the gym. However, going to gym is a bit intimidating to me for a few reasons. I am worried that I will be overwhelmed and unsure of what to do while I am there to maximize my efforts and will wind up wasting my time. I am also kind of introverted and don't really like the idea of working out with strangers, the idea makes me very uncomfortable. Going to the gym with a friend would make that easier for me, but right now that does not seem to be an option and I would probably need to go on my own.

I don't want to keep using these things as an excuse, but Im not sure how to move past them.

Has anyone else ever felt like this? Any advice you can share?

Thank you!!

Realize that it is a very poor excuse. Be more open minded and flexible.
It may be that going to a gym is not for you but it is not your only option.
You don't need to go to a gym to exercise. A gym is full of nice tools to help you exercise but it is not the only way to exercise.
You can walk, run, hike, or dance outside of a gym. You can climb stairs where you live or work. You can do tons of exercise dvd's or workout videos on You Tube. You can invest in exercise equipment for your home.

I don't go to the gym. If I had the mind set that I had to go to a gym to exercise it would never happen because I would have excuses. I exercise every day though. You just have to decide that you will do it somehow and work around whatever your excuse is. Like if I hurt my foot, I could still do a chair workout.

Also get yourself some snazzy gym gear you feel comfy in, and a killer playlist. Sorted!

I'd really recommend getting with a trainer, whether you stick with the gym or workout at home. You want to develop good habits, form and technique to make sure you get the results you want without getting hurt.

Classes can be a really good way to just get your feet wet and get yourself into the gym--esp. the Boot Camp classes as they use weights and calisthenics. The instructor should help you with form and the mirrors provide a good way to check yourself.

There are some good resources as well--I read a lot.
http://www.mensfitness.com/
http://www.muscleandfitness.com/

Adam Bornstein is an LA based trainer. He has great insight, IMHO.
http://www.bornfitness.com/

I also love Joe Manganiello's book ("True Blood," "Magic Mike"). It's called "Evolution." He has a picture of himself, stick skinny (with Coke-bottle glasses) in the front. And just look at him now! It includes the nutrition plan to support the workout.

Everyone was a beginner in the gym once. Every big guy, every trainer. No one is born knowing this stuff. It's all learned. And you'll find that most people are willing to spot and share tips as they remember when they were starting out in the gym.

bpimks wrote: »

I am with you on the intimidation factor on stepping in the gym the first time. I was in the same boat. But you know what ? I decided in the end the stares from other people weren't going to hurt me, however being unhealthy was. I basically said "f... it" and went. And you know what? It wasn't that bad. and it doesn't take that long to figure things out.

I think that's a great attitude.

Even if everyone in the gym was focused on you (and they aren't), the "f...it" attitude is much better than the, "Oh, I better not work out, because someone might think mean thoughts about me!" one.

Go with the f...it.

Really, the only reason I've ever looked at other people is because I was bored. Everyone is there for the same reason - to get in better shape (or stay in shape.) You aren't unique in that regard and aren't the first person to walk in for the first time.