Question for the fit who hit the gym

See, that's what I'm talking about. Some people are told (or tell themselves) that if they go to a gym, all the fit people will sneer at them, laugh at them, and otherwise ridicule them. That might happen on occasion, but by and large, people will tend to be supportive. And besides, most gyms are filled with people of all shapes and sizes, not just the ultrafit.

"Gymtimidation" is a crock. It exists almost entirely in between one's ears. Good for you for not giving in.

One last thought: The best defense is to work hard and to educate one's self. As a rule, regular gym goers only roll their eyes if they see you doing something foolish -- sitting on the equipment as though it were a lounge area, for example, or doing reckless things that could cause injury. As long as you put in the effort and learn how to use the equipment properly (which really isn't difficult), you'll be in great company.

englishmermaid wrote: »

spartan_d wrote: »

Wow. I really have to commend you, and I salute you. I totally mean that. A lot of people give in to "gymtimidation," but not you. You're obviously struggling with this issue, but you're choosing to face it. That sort of thing makes me so proud.

I just observed a discussion between two obese women and a former "fatty." The two overweight women were talking about how they don't want any fit, muscular people around when they work out. They even applauded the fact that their gym tries to keep those kind of people away. You choose to educate yourself instead though, and I respect that more than words can express.

Thank you

And thank you everyone. I went into the weights room today, the guy who runs the gym was really nice and helpful, he showed me what to use to tone me arms and how many reps to do, he later walked past and said "you got it!" I. Really excited about this, the people in there seem very nice. I can't wait to see some real changes, thank you all for your support and words of encouragement, it means a lot, my confidence is building each time I leave the gym

I'll give you my impression as one of those fit guys in "that" part of the gym.

Here is what we make fun of when it comes to women at the gym:

1) Women who sit on recumbent bikes while texting or reading a magazine;
2) Women who do only cardio (unless they are killing it on the treadmill);
3) Women who use those dumb balls or spend their entire time stretching.

I've never had a negative thought of a woman who comes to use weights. It doesn't matter what they look like or their size. People respect effort, and if you come in and work your *kitten* off, you'll be accepted as part of the community fast.

This may or may not be an option for you but when I started back at the gym after many years, I hired one of the trainers and he worked with me in the weight room. We met once a week for an hour and I did this for quite some time (because I enjoyed it). I learned about the equipment and a good routine that I could follow on other days by myself. This took away all the intimidation. You could probably meet once a week for a month and then you would feel the same way. I will say I never felt anyone there looked at me funny when I was by myself and if I had a question I had no problem asking someone that looked like they would answer me. It seems most fit people don't mind helping.

Forget about everyone else and just go for it. If you do need help most people in the gym are actually very helpful and kind should you approach someone. If you are just starting out seriously consider looking up some good core work. There are many workouts that don't really require much use of weights to start anyhow. As you progress and build your core you will start to incorporate weights. You would be surprised what planks, crunches and cardio can do for you. Not to mention help avoid future injuries. Your gym may even offer some classes you are already paying for.

Am not much into the gym anymore cuz am outside, but when I was there on a regular basis I only did a double-stare at the ladies who were performing vertical leaps onto the tall boxes. I seriously wanted to applaud them right then & there.
As for crossing thru the weight area, too busy dodging & making sure wasn't getting in anyone's way.

englishmermaid wrote: »

RedRockChic wrote: »

First off, yeah for you and for wanting to lift. Second off, I can't speak for anyone but myself, however, with that in mind, I don't give a thought to putting my time in the back with the weights, and I don't give a hoot who is looking. Does your facility have a personal trainer that can get you started on a lifting circuit and get you familiar with some basics?

When I see someone at the gym, big or small, what crosses my mind is that they cared enough to show up. None of us are there for a beauty contest or a popularity contest (well none of us over our mid 30s)....

You Go Girl!!! Lift and shine

They do but I can't really afford one, if I make more sales in my etsy shop or something I may hire him for an hour to get myself some more knowledge, really I'm just going to go on what I can remember from five years ago lol

I used to love that one for the inner thighs, I could life 50k back when, but I didn't see that one in there from the brief moment I had a peek in the room. It's full of body builder type men in there, they smile when they walk past me on the bike do I'm sure they're friendly enough, I just don't want to be judged or laughed at

I think it's natural to feel self conscious. My guess is that as long as you don't interrupt people during a workout, most people are glad to offer opinions and advice.

I'm a fat girl?, (partially formerly fat girl? half fat girl? half fit girl? ) ugh whatever, I'm a girl in the weights room and at my gym there are very few girls in there. I've only seen about 6-8 regulars not counting the bf visitors.

When I first started in there guys would watch me out of the corner of their eyes but after a few minutes they realized I had a plan and was just doing my workout so I was no longer interesting.

Because there are so few women in the weights room I notice when one shows up. I only approach someone if they look really lost or confused to ask if they need help finding something because I hated not knowing where stuff was. I usually look pretty grim when I'm actually lifting but try and give people a little nod or smile when I'm waking past someone and I always help if asked.

I also think having a plan and studying form will give you some confidence. Remember you'll only feel unsure the first few times then you're a regular.

You can do it. Weights is so worth the effort.