Gym - boutique over franchise...?¿? Intimidated by big guys

spyder_rose
spyder_rose Posts: 193 Member
edited October 2 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi,

I am thinking of joining a gym again, even though I have one at work. There are no classes at my work gym and it is only open 7am - 6pm with cardio machines and weights machine/free weights...

I have previously only ever been to boutique gyms, however there are none near where I live, so I would be looking at joining a franchised gym (i.e. Fitness First) which has locations opposite work, and also 2 minutes from my home. The hours are much better and there are classes, but I am worried that I will not use my membership to its advantage. Or should I try to find a smaller, more personal gym, that may be further away?

What does everyone do to get past the intimidation of massive guys doing weights when you're only small (i.e. I'm 4 ft 8 and cheer to myself when I leg press 110kg, and can only lift a very small amount on free weights... ).. ????

Any thoughts or personal preferences are most welcome!

Hayley :)

Replies

  • Felesina1
    Felesina1 Posts: 142
    I'd think that regardless of what you decide, it needs to be convenient and comfortable for you. I always feel pretty weak when I put little 2.5pound weights on a bar bell for bicep curls, but I also know that in the future that weight will increase slowly. I find that I do better if I have someone to help keep me motivated to go - fitness buddy or a trainer. I've wasted my money on gym memberships in the past, so for me a cheepy gym was helpful initially until I made this part of my daily routine; then I upgraded.
  • Enforcer25
    Enforcer25 Posts: 350 Member
    My wife and I used to workout at a gym that was just for working out, no frills, no extras, they were a 24 hr gym and sometimes she would go after work and the guys in there were huge, she was intimidated too until she realized they were in there to sling iron, they just did there workouts, wiped down the benches ad moved on. I think most of these guys are focused on working out and not paying attention to others. I say go to the gym by your house, you are more likely to go. Classes and location are a big plus, especially if they have no long term contract. Good luck

    Sean
  • mideon_696
    mideon_696 Posts: 770 Member
    not a big bloke myself. not intimidated at all anymore. I was at first, but as said before, they are there for the same reason, and couldnt care less about what anyone else is doing really.



    The UNSW gym is awesome. and cheap. ~500 per year+classes(~200?). You probably go straight past it on you;re way home every day.
    Bus stops right in front.

    To be perfectly honest, there are not many big guys there...I can recall only two body builder's, possibly three.
    and a handful of powerlifters. The remainder is you're typical gym mix (half of them serious, half of them "in the way" - lol).

    Has classes, lots from i can see. Plus is very well equipped otherwise also (else i wouldnt be there, lol).

    Its much cheaper than Finance first. and doesnt have that horrible fitness club atmosphere, lol.

    I'd be having a chat to them. they are all pretty friendly and approachable there too.
  • jellyfishjen
    jellyfishjen Posts: 1,787 Member
    Hi, do you like gym work, ie machines or would you rather do a class. eg zumba. Many gyms will let you try a class on a casual base first. Maybe you should try that. I like dance classes and there are many you can attend paying as you go.
  • Lozze
    Lozze Posts: 1,917 Member
    I don't know if they have them in Sydney, but I've just joined Anytime Fitness, which is 24 hours but has awesome equipment. It doesn't have classes but unless you have regularly go to them before I would avoid it.

    I'm not a fan of Fitness First. It's too impersonal. I was at Fernwood for a couple of years, but the one that was my one over here I hated, because it was SO impersonal. Besides my PT no-one really knew my name. (which was the opposite of the experience I'd had at my one in Sydney)

    See if Fitness First will give you a one month membership and try it out. Most people I know don't like them, but you might end up loving it. You never know!
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    I'm 5'9 and I get intimidated by some of these guys.... Mainly because they look at me like I'm invading their "area'.

    I find though that if your really serious about it, it doesn't matter who's looking at what or doing what. Bring some headphones/ipod, and some water and you'll be ok.
  • XFitMojoMom
    XFitMojoMom Posts: 3,255 Member
    Intimidated? Never. Get in there and show them how a 4'8" powerhouse can leg press 110 kg!! Surprise yourself and try lifting heavier, for shorter reps. They'll give you props and show you respect girl. You have this.
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