Nervous to go to a gym

czmiles926
czmiles926 Posts: 130 Member
edited November 20 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm slightly underweight and I've decided I should gain a big more weight and I want to gain muscle not fat.
Do I need to go to a gym? At the moment I do exercise in my room or garden which is mostly squats, crunches, some running and yoga.
The problem is I've never really been to a gym before and I have no idea how to use any of the equipment. I'm self conscious because I'm so weak, I can't do a single press up no matter how hard I try. I guess I'm most scared of looking stupid.
Any advice would be much appreciated.

Replies

  • Rammer123
    Rammer123 Posts: 679 Member
    czmiles926 wrote: »
    I'm slightly underweight and I've decided I should gain a big more weight and I want to gain muscle not fat.
    Do I need to go to a gym? At the moment I do exercise in my room or garden which is mostly squats, crunches, some running and yoga.
    The problem is I've never really been to a gym before and I have no idea how to use any of the equipment. I'm self conscious because I'm so weak, I can't do a single press up no matter how hard I try. I guess I'm most scared of looking stupid.
    Any advice would be much appreciated.

    Start with machines. They explain what muscle group is being worked and how to do the exercise.
  • SABoj
    SABoj Posts: 88 Member
    If you have a gym membership, feel free to ask a trainer there for help. If you are using machines for the first time, having someone to help educate you so that you can use them safely is a must. They can also show you different exercises to target specific muscle groups.

    If you want to do strength training at home, using the resistance of your own body weight is a great start. Push ups, pull ups, burpees, etc. You can find a ton of exercise ideas and/or programs online. You don't need to buy heavy weights. Even picking up some resistance bands (found fairly cheaply at many local stores or online) can also help you train to gradually build muscle. They come in a variety of resistance levels.

    Good luck!
  • Erik8484
    Erik8484 Posts: 458 Member
    I agree that its intimidating, but I've always found that after a week or so everything feels fine. You just have to get over that first peak, and it's all down hill from there :)
  • Shawshankcan
    Shawshankcan Posts: 900 Member
    I'll be blunt. No one gives a *kitten* what you lift in the gym. You have questions, you can ask people. Many will help.
  • WendyLeigh1119
    WendyLeigh1119 Posts: 495 Member
    This was me back in March. I'd never needed to workout, never used a machine, never been inside a gym. And I'm 36 years old.

    Now in July.... I not only go 5 times per week, but I take 2 to 3 hours of Group classes everyday. And I like them! I never, ever imagined I'd be doing group classes. I started off wearing my contacts to the gym so that it was easier to read those little instruction stickers on the weight and cardio machines to figure out how to use them.

    We've all been there. Just dive in. Imagine the WORST possible embarrassment you could possibly endure at a gym (in your mind). And then realize it probably wouldn't actually be that serious and start getting excited to learn ALL of those things you don't know how to do right now.

    Every person there is so focused on themselves, they're really not paying attention to you. And if you're unsure... ask someone who seems friendly! Most people are happy to help!
  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
    czmiles926 wrote: »
    I guess I'm most scared of looking stupid.
    Any advice would be much appreciated.

    Here's the thing about gyms. The only people who spend any time at all looking at anyone, are those that staring at themselves in the mirrors.

    You'll be fine. Nobody will care, or notice. And experienced people tend to be perfectly happy to help, if you have questions.
  • DebLaBounty
    DebLaBounty Posts: 1,169 Member
    I was intimated at first, too. But at the front desk I asked if a trainer could give me a tour of the weight machines. I told them I was a complete beginner and needed strengthening exercises. The trainer showed me how to adjust the seats and weights of the exercise machines. It was really helpful to have someone show me how to do the setup, use the proper form, and adjust the weights down to the lower settings. I'm a first class klutz, but nobody around me cares what I'm doing. Believe me, after a few days you'll feel like you belong there.
  • canadianlbs
    canadianlbs Posts: 5,199 Member
    czmiles926 wrote: »
    The problem is I've never really been to a gym before and I have no idea how to use any of the equipment. I'm self conscious because I'm so weak, I can't do a single press up no matter how hard I try. I guess I'm most scared of looking stupid.
    Any advice would be much appreciated.

    i felt that way too, pretty exactly. it was like being at a cocktail party where you don't know anyone, and i hated it. i think the best advice i've ever seen about this came from mark rippetoe in starting strength. it was a throwaway remark and i'm not re-reading the entire book to find it, so this is just a paraphrase. something like 'whatever programme you get on, get on a programme. having a programme means you KNOW when you set out for the gym what you're going for, what you're going to achieve while you're there, and how you're going to go about it.'

    i really did find that having a sense of purpose for each individual session was massive for my early consistency. it killed about 80% of that self-consciousness and it was the tiny factor that always got me over the threshold in those first terrified couple of weeks.

    while you're in there, watch other people. not in a 'stare like nutcase' way, and not in a 'let me intimidate myself even more' way. just kind of keep an awareness of how useful it is to be among people who do know what they're doing where you can learn a little of the stuff that helps just by being observant.

    good luck, and do it for sure. it's a difficult beginning but so rewarding once you get past that part.
  • edlanglais
    edlanglais Posts: 39 Member
    Don't be shy. Go. Many gyms offer one free personal training consult. Even if you don't sign up for training, they can for sure point you in the righty direction. Also, don't be afraid to ask the gym staff for help. It's their job. Finally, seek advice down the gym goers who are obviously experienced. I've had folks from time to time ask me how to use a machine and I've never minded. Gym goers are a helpful and friendly crowd. Most are very eager to help.
  • canarysal
    canarysal Posts: 118 Member
    Most gyms will expect you to do an induction so they can show you how to use equipment safely, theyll then usually design a programme for you depending on your goals, which you can update/change as you progress.
  • DancingMoosie
    DancingMoosie Posts: 8,619 Member
    Ask for help and find a friend who will be your workout buddy.
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