Too embarrassed to join the gym

The people that work there should be able to show you how to use the machines.

If you can't afford a pt, watch some videos on YouTube.
I recommend getting someone qualified to do a form check though.

Wear what you are comfortable in to move around, and running shoes.

You can look up beginner workout programs and YouTube how to do it Or buy/borrow a book OR hire a trainer.

I suggest the first two opens, Google and books from the library. There are
Numerous books for beginner weight training.

I was super embarrassed when started.... I went to bodybuilding.com for free work outs and chose a 5 day program for beginners... their plans come with tips and videos.

After a couple months of that with great results I started going to a coach / trainer for help with proper form to ensure I could start lifting heavier safely.

All in all the embarrassing period was only about a week for me I quickly felt comfortable and could see that half the people were just like me - they we were there with no experience and just wanting to get fit

It's ok and not funny to lift with an empty bar. If that's hard, do it. If that's easy, do it anyway. Add plates the next day. Don't bench press without a spotter. That's all I know.

Go workout.. life weights.. do the machines.. take a few lessons with a trainer. Check out Vanessa Blanco's videos. She is an MFP'er who teaches other women how to get started and lift weights.. she has a you tube channel https://youtu.be/28NvrEC8yQ8 . Her name on MFP is Viblanco.. she's great

Just ask the personnel that work there to give you a tour of the machines. They are happy to help demonstrate them. Trust me, they want you to do it right, they don't want to pay out a liability.
besides most ppl in the gym are quite friendly. Whenever i see someone step on a treadmill or an elliptical and look confused I stop and show them how to get started. The gym is much friendlier than high school!

MalcolmX1983 wrote: »

If you can't afford a pt, watch some videos on YouTube.
I recommend getting someone qualified to do a form check though.

^^^this^^^

YouTube is awesome for this! In my area, many gym memberships give you a complimentary trainer for your first (or if you are lucky - first and second) visit. Ask at the desk.

You are there for YOU, never them. They don't matter.

Keep telling yourself that every time you feel insecure about starting the golden path to gains.

I know exactly where you are coming from. My husband and I started going to the gym in November. Started out on the treadmill. Finally got someone at the gym to should us the weights. Then upgraded to free weights a couple weeks ago. It's really not as bad as you think. Just tell someone at the gym to give you a quick tutorial, that's what they are there for. Good luck!!!

Maybe the people who you bump into that you know would be able to help you out? Maybe workout with them or ask for tips?

I faced the same issue. I found the nicest gal that worked there and asked her to show me. Problem solved! Don't be embarrassed!

Dawn1996r wrote: »

I don't think I can afford a PT or even if my gym offer this. It's a very small local gym and is pretty basic as they come which is also more embaressing as I'm bound to bump into people I know.

I'm going to have a look at youtube and go from there, I know the person behind the desk will be able to give me a quick tutorial on most of the equipment.

well... first of all you're going to have to get over this. This mentality is going to hold you back from accomplishing your goals and it's just not a good attitude to have in life in general. Don't settle for staying in this fake "comfort zone" you've created for yourself.

No one expects you to be an expert.
No one expects you to be perfect.
And no one can possibly expect someone in your same shoes to know anymore than you do right here right now.

As far as machines are concerned, it's not rocket science. Matter of fact, machines should make it incredibly easy for you to use as it is generally difficult to use them wrong.

They will have some instructions on each and every machine that look like this.



This tells you which muscles are being worked, how to use the machine, etc.

Now as far as free weights and machines go... START LOW! And don't freak out if something is too heavy for you. I know women experience this less than men (hurt ego), but you may think you can start with a weight that is too heavy, fail, and then feel embarrassment that you failed. Don't worry, it takes some time to know exactly what range you can lift in and where you're at strength wise. Expect it to take some time when you start and know that it will take some experimenting with lots of different weights/ranges.

For free weight you can watch a plethora of youtube videos, but i really recommend hiring a personal trainer for 1 or 2 sessions only just to show you form. It's pretty easy to hurt yourself if you've no clue what you're doing, OR doing a movement that isn't as beneficial as it could be. It's worth the investment in my opinion, because once you know, you know.

I know that it feels intimidating when you begin doing ANYTHING that you're not used to. You feel like people are watching you, judging you, etc. The truth is people don't really care about what you're doing in there. And it's unfair to put these expectations on yourself that are unrealistic.

All you have to do is go in with an open mind, willing to learn, give it a shot, and try your best. That's literally the only thing you can do if you want to improve.

All of the gyms that I have been a member of have given inductions before I was left alone in the gym for their insurance purposes as much as anything! But they ran through how to use the equipment and answered any questions I had at the time. You could also pop into the gym and say that you are thinking of joining but could you have a quick look around first (fair enough request before signing up for membership), someone would likely give you a brief tour and you could see what other women are wearing at the same time.

I understand how you feel though, I have used gyms for years but always just cardio. I have recently been finding keeping my weight down with my usual exercise and eating so one of the changes that I wanted to make was to add in some of the weights machines but was totally daunted by them and didn't use them until I got my husband to show me how!!! If he hadn't been at the gym with me then I would have had to ask the staff who I know would have been helpful.

Go for it!!! If its really bad you can leave and cancel your membership - might be worth asking if they have a cool off period when you can change your mind or allow a few taster sessions first.

Best thing I did when I was 18 and wanted to get in shape was hire a trainer for 2 weeks to show me what to do. I could barely afford it ($250 for 5 sessions), but it was well worth the money. Now granted, the internet isn't what it is today back in 2000 and you can find most stuff on youtube.