Just starting back at the gym - Nervous

Just start with a plan. Doesnt matter what, but decide in advance. If it is a new gym to you, and you want to do some weight lifting, do you want to work upper or lower, or perhaps a body part like back? Once you decide that, look up some various exercises you can do, write it down, and then do it. There are lots of sites that can provide guidance for machines and free wights. SL 5x5 is great, but if you are nervous about starting it your first day at the new gym, start off slower. To be comfortable, have a plan. Good luck and have fun!

And don't worry about being too out of shape for a program. They will have people of all different fitness levels. Just do the best YOU can do, and don't worry about what the best someone else can do is. It isn't a competition.

I too was anxious about joining my local gym. I've been going to gyms for years but confidence was very low and I was totally unhappy with myself. But we all have to start somewhere. 6 months on I totally love it and though I'm not a morning person I get up at 5.30am three days a week, plus a few evening classes. Take baby steps and the progress will motivate you to keep at it. I would recommend a session or two with a trainer to get a plan.

I think that most people at the gym, especially experienced lifters, appreciate when someone knows their limitations. They all know that heavy is relative, and starting with the bar is smart. Good luck!

I've been going to the gym consistently for quite a few years now but decided to switch to a different gym. I'm in really good shape and have a plan, but starting at the new gym this past Monday I was still terrified. I ended up doing my thing and everyone left me alone. I was nervous for nothing!

adamgoleafs87 wrote: »

The 5x5 program is something I've wanted to start for a few months now but have consistently put it off because I feel like I am going to look like an idiot, especially since they suggest starting with an empty bar.

Legit lifters will be impressed by anyone that comes in consistently. No one cares if you have heavy weights on the bar or not. Eventually the regulars will notice that you're a regular too.

I had someone once go find my husband and tell him they were impressed by my dedication in the squat rack and by my form. I was doing incredibly light squats and I wasn't even going all the way - doing box squats instead of full. I was the weakest woman among the regulars. But I got high fived by a stranger on a day when I set my PR.

Now the fact that someone feels like they should congratulate my husband (who was working out at the other end of the gym) about my success rather than me makes me feel icky, but at least it demonstrates that people don't pay as much attention to the weight you lift as they do to the fact that you come in regularly. And use good form.