Going to the gym

I honestly prefer working out alone, or, for example, if my husband goes to the gym with me, we do our own things (but will gladly spot one another or offer form corrections/cues etc).

As far as finding a workout buddy...is there a message board or FB group for your gym? You may be able to post a quick, "hey, looking for a gym friend for accountability and fun getting in shape - normally train Mon/Wed/Fri at 6pm but flexible on schedule" or something like that? Or even a local Meetup may be a good place to search? If your gym offers group classes you're interested in, that may not be a bad way to meet others who are into the same stuff as you too or at least familiarize yourself with some of the people who are there a lot, so even if you go in to work out by yourself, you still recognize people and feel like you've got some camaraderie?

A few sessions with a personal trainer may help you feel more comfortable though, so worth at least looking into, especially if it's comfortably in your budget.

jennamburchette2014 wrote: »

I recently joined a gym that I really like going to and working out. The problem is I only like going if I have someone with me. I only have a few friends who go to that gym and out schedules don't always match up to go together. I feel uncomfortable going by myself because it's almost always full of only guys and I also don't like going alone because I'm still new at working out and I don't know what I'm doing without being told. I watch workout videos on YouTube but I still feel lost when I walk in the gym. I thought about getting a personal trainer but I don't have the extra money to do that long term. Would I be better off to get one just for one month? How did you guys get comfortable working out alone?

There's a sticky post in the bodybuilding forum with information on various programs - pick one and it will tell you what to do. Some will also have good descriptions and diagrams on how to do the individual exercises. It'll be less uncomfortable with a plan.

Just sign up for a female only gym

jennamburchette2014 wrote: »

I recently joined a gym that I really like going to and working out. The problem is I only like going if I have someone with me. I only have a few friends who go to that gym and out schedules don't always match up to go together. I feel uncomfortable going by myself because it's almost always full of only guys and I also don't like going alone because I'm still new at working out and I don't know what I'm doing without being told. I watch workout videos on YouTube but I still feel lost when I walk in the gym. I thought about getting a personal trainer but I don't have the extra money to do that long term. Would I be better off to get one just for one month? How did you guys get comfortable working out alone?

Have you tried just going one day, and just speaking with a trainer, like a consultation or even someone who simply works there and is familiar with the place? Maybe, they could just have a conversation to get you familiarized with equipment or any questions that you may have. That is what they are there for, they want you to use their gym and equipment, so I'm sure they'd be willing to explain some things to you without too much hassle. Perhaps that could put your mind at ease about not knowing exactly what to do and make you feel more comfortable when going in the future.

You don't even have to go in for a workout, literally just go in and start asking questions and explain a bit what you're looking to do - provide some background, etc..

Might be worth a shot.

i, too, actually prefer to work out alone. started going to gym with my son, had to show him a few things in first few sessions but now we work out separately. i followed a few videos on line about which exercises to do and form and stuff. never saw a trainer as i knew i'd be suckered in to more sessions i couldn't afford, but if you have strong will power that might be a way to go. good luck.

I have a fitness room at my apartment - actually pretty nice. There is a weight machine in there - if I can figure out the settings....I have a couple figured out (bench press/leg press) - free weights - barbells, dumbells - so it's nice that there are free weights IF I can figure it out. I try to sneak down when no one is there so I don't look dumb trying to move the position of the seats and stuff. When the room is packed (last night after work there was 10 people in there) Then I try to use an elliptical or go in the GYM and shoot the basketball or smack a racquetball against the wall - that will make a 1/2 hour of cardio go really fast!

I get really self conscious because my apartment has a TON of professional aged students (ie. the med/dental/law school kids) since I am literally 4 blocks from campus. Honestly - I kind of try to watch what some of them do - not stare - but glance over to see what they are doing.

If I had the money I'd hire a trainer to come show me how to use 1/2 the stuff and give me a routine....but I don't. My boss offered to come over after work a day and show me some stuff - which will be nice when he has time (I literally live across the street from work). He's also encouraged me with the Free Yoga we have at the office - so if I'm gone a little too long at lunch and that's where I am - it's all good. He knows I've been through a lot lately with a separation from my husband, moving and all that - so he is super supportive of anything I do for ME right now.