HELP I'm afraid of the gym...

tig3rang3l
tig3rang3l Posts: 270 Member
edited September 19 in Health and Weight Loss
Hey everyone, I'm looking for some help/motivation.

I'm afraid of the gym. I just recently got a pass through my university, and have been using the elliptical arc machine, and I think I'm doing it right... I just put it on weight loss. That takes me about 30-45 minutes. But... then what?

I don't know how to use a lot of the machines, and I can't afford a personal trainer to take me through. The guys in the gym are all student athletes (mainly male) who are super intimidating, lifting huge amounts of weight.

Does anyone have any ideas for other machines I should be using, or weight lifting ideas (small, easy to use is best)? I feel like I'm wasting my membership, I'm so lost once I get off the elliptical!

Thanks guys :laugh:
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Replies

  • tig3rang3l
    tig3rang3l Posts: 270 Member
    Hey everyone, I'm looking for some help/motivation.

    I'm afraid of the gym. I just recently got a pass through my university, and have been using the elliptical arc machine, and I think I'm doing it right... I just put it on weight loss. That takes me about 30-45 minutes. But... then what?

    I don't know how to use a lot of the machines, and I can't afford a personal trainer to take me through. The guys in the gym are all student athletes (mainly male) who are super intimidating, lifting huge amounts of weight.

    Does anyone have any ideas for other machines I should be using, or weight lifting ideas (small, easy to use is best)? I feel like I'm wasting my membership, I'm so lost once I get off the elliptical!

    Thanks guys :laugh:
  • Iceprincessk25
    Iceprincessk25 Posts: 1,888 Member
    A lot of the machines have instructions on them about how to use them. You could also look on something like youtube to get some visuals on how to work out on the machines.

    They're REALLY easy to use.

    Don't worry about the guys in the gym. They're WAY too busy worrying about how they look. They won't even notice you! :laugh:
  • toots99
    toots99 Posts: 3,794 Member
    When using the machines like an elliptical or a treadmill, try to enter your weight and age if possible. The more info it has, the better.

    And don't be afraid to ask at the front desk for a club tour! They need to show you what to do...no one can assume you know how to use it all! Orrrrrrrrr, ask the cute guy next to you to show you how to use a machine! :wink:

    Chances are, the people around you are so focused on what they are doing, that they aren't paying attention to what you ar or aren't doing. Once you're comfortable there, you'll notice that you don't really pay attention to others too! :)
  • eriny
    eriny Posts: 1,509 Member
    lol damn i really need to stop looking at my self :)
  • Phoenix_Rising
    Phoenix_Rising Posts: 11,417 Member
    I felt your pain, feeling like a fattie in a college gym. I hated my college gym. It was miserable. I hated working out there.

    My advice is to go early in the mornings. Those people are there to actually work out. If you go in the evenings, you will see the girls in the full face of makeup and jewelry and the guys more interested in groaning the loudest to attract the makeup girls. :grumble:

    Ask the worker at the desk to show you the machine or machines you are interested in. Have them show you how it works and ask them to watch you on it to see if you are doing it correctly. That is what they are there for... not just to swipe your card as you come in.

    :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:
  • Iceprincessk25
    Iceprincessk25 Posts: 1,888 Member
    I felt your pain, feeling like a fattie in a college gym. I hated my college gym. It was miserable. I hated working out there.

    My advice is to go early in the mornings. Those people are there to actually work out. If you go in the evenings, you will see the girls in the full face of makeup and jewelry and the guys more interested in groaning the loudest to attract the makeup girls. :grumble:

    Ask the worker at the desk to show you the machine or machines you are interested in. Have them show you how it works and ask them to watch you on it to see if you are doing it correctly. That is what they are there for... not just to swipe your card as you come in.

    :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

    Damnit Lauryn....I wear full make up to the gym!!!! What do you want me to do?? Wash it all off right after work??? :grumble:

    :flowerforyou:
  • havingitall
    havingitall Posts: 3,728 Member
    http://www.exrx.net/Beginning.html

    Look at this site. It explains what muscles are worked and shows how the machines work. Ask some of teh guys at the gym, they will help as long as you don't keep them from working out too long. Or watch somebody that has a trainer and see what they do.

    I had 150 lbs to lose and went to the gym. I go 5 - 6 times a week and I am now recognized as a regular there. Everybody says good morning and goes on with their workout.
  • cardigirl
    cardigirl Posts: 492 Member
    I felt your pain, feeling like a fattie in a college gym. I hated my college gym. It was miserable. I hated working out there.

    My advice is to go early in the mornings. Those people are there to actually work out. If you go in the evenings, you will see the girls in the full face of makeup and jewelry and the guys more interested in groaning the loudest to attract the makeup girls. :grumble:

    Ask the worker at the desk to show you the machine or machines you are interested in. Have them show you how it works and ask them to watch you on it to see if you are doing it correctly. That is what they are there for... not just to swipe your card as you come in.

    :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

    Damnit Lauryn....I wear full make up to the gym!!!! What do you want me to do?? Wash it all off right after work??? :grumble:

    :flowerforyou:

    Doesn't it get all smeary when you work out?
  • havingitall
    havingitall Posts: 3,728 Member
    I felt your pain, feeling like a fattie in a college gym. I hated my college gym. It was miserable. I hated working out there.

    My advice is to go early in the mornings. Those people are there to actually work out. If you go in the evenings, you will see the girls in the full face of makeup and jewelry and the guys more interested in groaning the loudest to attract the makeup girls. :grumble:

    Ask the worker at the desk to show you the machine or machines you are interested in. Have them show you how it works and ask them to watch you on it to see if you are doing it correctly. That is what they are there for... not just to swipe your card as you come in.

    :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

    Damnit Lauryn....I wear full make up to the gym!!!! What do you want me to do?? Wash it all off right after work??? :grumble:

    :flowerforyou:

    Doesn't it get all smeary when you work out?

    Silly..you aren't supposed to sweat...just look good
  • cardigirl
    cardigirl Posts: 492 Member
    I felt your pain, feeling like a fattie in a college gym. I hated my college gym. It was miserable. I hated working out there.

    My advice is to go early in the mornings. Those people are there to actually work out. If you go in the evenings, you will see the girls in the full face of makeup and jewelry and the guys more interested in groaning the loudest to attract the makeup girls. :grumble:

    Ask the worker at the desk to show you the machine or machines you are interested in. Have them show you how it works and ask them to watch you on it to see if you are doing it correctly. That is what they are there for... not just to swipe your card as you come in.

    :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

    Damnit Lauryn....I wear full make up to the gym!!!! What do you want me to do?? Wash it all off right after work??? :grumble:

    :flowerforyou:

    Doesn't it get all smeary when you work out?

    Silly..you aren't supposed to sweat...just look good

    Hee! Yeah, that's true. :laugh:
  • Nich0le
    Nich0le Posts: 2,906 Member
    Ask the front desk if there is anyone that can take you on a walk through and explain the equipment to you. Most gyms have a trainer or manager that can walk you through and get on the machines and explain the basics.

    If not recommend your gym offer this, I know some gyms don't let you come in for your first workout until you have completed this phase. This is due to liablity issues and it is in their best interest to give you the tools to avoid some injuries.

    Otherwise, like Ice said, the machines generally have instructions and horrible cartoonish drawings to give you a basic idea what to do and what muscles that particular machine will work so you know you are doing it incorrectly if way different muscles are hurting.
  • MyaPapaya75
    MyaPapaya75 Posts: 3,143 Member
    Hey everyone, I'm looking for some help/motivation.

    I'm afraid of the gym. I just recently got a pass through my university, and have been using the elliptical arc machine, and I think I'm doing it right... I just put it on weight loss. That takes me about 30-45 minutes. But... then what?

    I don't know how to use a lot of the machines, and I can't afford a personal trainer to take me through. The guys in the gym are all student athletes (mainly male) who are super intimidating, lifting huge amounts of weight.

    Does anyone have any ideas for other machines I should be using, or weight lifting ideas (small, easy to use is best)? I feel like I'm wasting my membership, I'm so lost once I get off the elliptical!

    Thanks guys :laugh:
    I say walk up to one of those buff guys and boost their ego ask them how something works...hehhe
  • eriny
    eriny Posts: 1,509 Member
    I felt your pain, feeling like a fattie in a college gym. I hated my college gym. It was miserable. I hated working out there.

    My advice is to go early in the mornings. Those people are there to actually work out. If you go in the evenings, you will see the girls in the full face of makeup and jewelry and the guys more interested in groaning the loudest to attract the makeup girls. :grumble:

    Ask the worker at the desk to show you the machine or machines you are interested in. Have them show you how it works and ask them to watch you on it to see if you are doing it correctly. That is what they are there for... not just to swipe your card as you come in.

    :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

    Damnit Lauryn....I wear full make up to the gym!!!! What do you want me to do?? Wash it all off right after work??? :grumble:

    :flowerforyou:

    Doesn't it get all smeary when you work out?

    Silly..you aren't supposed to sweat...just look good

    "silly..you arent supposed to sweat ...just look good "
    ooooh that explains it all ways wondered why i always look like a wet dog after i work out damnit :mad:
  • cardigirl
    cardigirl Posts: 492 Member

    "silly..you arent supposed to sweat ...just look good "
    ooooh that explains it all ways wondered why i always look like a wet dog after i work out damnit :mad:

    Must be because you forgot your makeup. :wink:

    Sorry for the thread hijack, tig3rang3l.

    I agree with the others, ask the person managing the gym to show you what machines to use. I'm shy too, but every staff person at my gym has been more than happy to help me out when I asked.
  • chrissyh
    chrissyh Posts: 8,235 Member
    I felt your pain, feeling like a fattie in a college gym. I hated my college gym. It was miserable. I hated working out there.

    My advice is to go early in the mornings. Those people are there to actually work out. If you go in the evenings, you will see the girls in the full face of makeup and jewelry and the guys more interested in groaning the loudest to attract the makeup girls. :grumble:

    Ask the worker at the desk to show you the machine or machines you are interested in. Have them show you how it works and ask them to watch you on it to see if you are doing it correctly. That is what they are there for... not just to swipe your card as you come in.

    :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:


    Damnit Lauryn....I wear full make up to the gym!!!! What do you want me to do?? Wash it all off right after work??? :grumble:

    :flowerforyou:

    Me too - even if I am leaving from home I still put makeup on why not look good when you're all sweaty.....
  • tig3rang3l
    tig3rang3l Posts: 270 Member
    Thank you all!!! I've been going right before my 7:00pm class... maybe that's the problem, need to go earlier...
  • tig3rang3l
    tig3rang3l Posts: 270 Member
    Hey everyone, I'm looking for some help/motivation.

    I'm afraid of the gym. I just recently got a pass through my university, and have been using the elliptical arc machine, and I think I'm doing it right... I just put it on weight loss. That takes me about 30-45 minutes. But... then what?

    I don't know how to use a lot of the machines, and I can't afford a personal trainer to take me through. The guys in the gym are all student athletes (mainly male) who are super intimidating, lifting huge amounts of weight.

    Does anyone have any ideas for other machines I should be using, or weight lifting ideas (small, easy to use is best)? I feel like I'm wasting my membership, I'm so lost once I get off the elliptical!

    Thanks guys :laugh:


    I say walk up to one of those buff guys and boost their ego ask them how something works...hehhe

    Oh if only my confidence was that high!!!! Lol, maybe 10 pounds from now, hehe
  • sniffles
    sniffles Posts: 295
    In my experience gym people aren't the nicest people in the world so whatever you do don't ask any of your fellow gym goers for help. I'd suggest finding a member of the gym staff and seeing if they have any programs you can follow. Some gyms provide workout schedules for paying members.

    I don't know how university gyms work though but you might even be able to find a gym schedule online. Just ask google! Google knows all!
  • cardigirl
    cardigirl Posts: 492 Member


    Me too - even if I am leaving from home I still put makeup on why not look good when you're all sweaty.....

    Gee, when I'm all sweaty my makeup starts sliding off my face. :wink:
  • tig3rang3l
    tig3rang3l Posts: 270 Member


    Me too - even if I am leaving from home I still put makeup on why not look good when you're all sweaty.....

    Gee, when I'm all sweaty my makeup starts sliding off my face. :wink:

    I've done this before, and I looked like a raccoon... even with the waterproof mascara.
  • taryn_perry
    taryn_perry Posts: 193 Member
    I'm with ya...and most of the hilarious comments on this thread. I'm not so much afraid of the gym, I just HATE the gym. I don't care for the sleazy trainers (sorry PT's no offense, as I'm sure most are great, the ones at my gym can't hold their job for longer than 30 days), leaching onto me asking me what I'm trying to achieve while being there and if I need help. NO THANKS!! What am I trying to achieve? Well, LOOK AT ME??!! I need to lose some weight wise-*kitten*! LOL.

    Ok, seriously, after I realized I wasn't seeing the results I deserved for going 4-5 days a week, I got pissed and discouraged. Make-up and all...didn't help! :sad:

    For the last year, I've been working out at home with various Beachbody at home workout programs. Particularly P90X. It was a God send. I finally got results and much quicker than hanging around that meat factory. 25lbs, 14 inches and 10% BF in 90 days. GONE, forever. Now sketching leaches, nothing. Professional training from a celebrity, in the privacy of my own home. I'd be happy to share my experience if you'd like to hear it!

    Of course, P90X isn't for everyone, but moral of the story, I was able to escape the gym, save money and get better results! BUH-YA!!

    Good luck everyone!

    Taryn
  • kimber607
    kimber607 Posts: 7,128 Member
    Holy crud Taryn, you have some awesome abs!
    My gf just gave my copies of the ab and back/leg work outs from P90X..I'm a little scared!

    I just wanted to say that I have never been into the gym
    I came here in Jan 08 and lost 30 pounds by changing my eating habits....some may not agree but at that time I didn't work out
    I wanted to maintain and bump up my cals as well as tone up so I started walking on the treadmill, doing yoga and other exc. DVD's
    Moral of the story is that as long as you get moving....walking, jogging, doing tapes....you don't NEED to go the gym if it isn't your style or u don't feel comfy
    As far as the muscle heads, I agree with the others....try to ignore them.....
    Good luck
    Kim
  • mc92367
    mc92367 Posts: 14
    what gym do you go to. I love golds gym. Don't give up. ask alot of questions
  • Iceprincessk25
    Iceprincessk25 Posts: 1,888 Member


    Me too - even if I am leaving from home I still put makeup on why not look good when you're all sweaty.....

    Gee, when I'm all sweaty my makeup starts sliding off my face. :wink:

    Maybe you have crappy makeup! :wink:

    I'm kidding. My make up stays put no problemo and I DEF sweat....like dripping down my face sweat. I wear MAC makeup for everything with the exception of my Mascara which is by benefit. I :heart: make up!!
  • coliechacer
    coliechacer Posts: 105
    Hi well i love the elliptical arc trainer its my fav... I stay on it for 40 mins and go from level 4 to 9 and from resistance level 25-45 and it kicks my butt and i burn about 520 calories and then i use the stairs from 7 mins on level 3 and 4 and then i do the bike for 5 mins lol then i go to abs even tho i dont have any i still do them and i dont do much stregth training b.c i and trying to get my weight down fist... My gym also offers class witch are amazing i take step and step punp thats with light weight and cycling once a week cause it hurts my butt lol but i have been seeing a difference and with te classes the time flys by and there are people there to push you good luck
  • Phoenix_Rising
    Phoenix_Rising Posts: 11,417 Member
    I felt your pain, feeling like a fattie in a college gym. I hated my college gym. It was miserable. I hated working out there.

    My advice is to go early in the mornings. Those people are there to actually work out. If you go in the evenings, you will see the girls in the full face of makeup and jewelry and the guys more interested in groaning the loudest to attract the makeup girls. :grumble:

    Ask the worker at the desk to show you the machine or machines you are interested in. Have them show you how it works and ask them to watch you on it to see if you are doing it correctly. That is what they are there for... not just to swipe your card as you come in.

    :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

    Damnit Lauryn....I wear full make up to the gym!!!! What do you want me to do?? Wash it all off right after work??? :grumble:

    :flowerforyou:


    LOL:laugh:LOL:laugh: LOL:laugh: LOL:laugh: LOL:laugh: LOL:laugh: LOL:laugh: LOL:laugh: LOL:laugh: LOL

    For the record, I wear makeup at the gym.
    I go on my lunch break from work. But I don't touch up afterwords, and after a good workout, my makeup is practically non-existent.
    My job ends in two weeks and I'm starting a new gym. We'll see if I feel the need to wear makeup to the gym! LOLOLOLOL
  • Iceprincessk25
    Iceprincessk25 Posts: 1,888 Member
    uh....hello....if there's hot trainers there you gotta be ready!! :bigsmile:
  • cardigirl
    cardigirl Posts: 492 Member


    Me too - even if I am leaving from home I still put makeup on why not look good when you're all sweaty.....

    Gee, when I'm all sweaty my makeup starts sliding off my face. :wink:

    Maybe you have crappy makeup! :wink:

    I'm kidding. My make up stays put no problemo and I DEF sweat....like dripping down my face sweat. I wear MAC makeup for everything with the exception of my Mascara which is by benefit. I :heart: make up!!

    Honestly, I don't have crappy makeup, but no matter what mascara I use, I sweat so much it just is useless. So I forego the makeup. Tinted moisturizer is it.

    I may check out the benefit mascara though. Thanks for the tip.
  • Iceprincessk25
    Iceprincessk25 Posts: 1,888 Member


    Me too - even if I am leaving from home I still put makeup on why not look good when you're all sweaty.....

    Gee, when I'm all sweaty my makeup starts sliding off my face. :wink:

    Maybe you have crappy makeup! :wink:

    I'm kidding. My make up stays put no problemo and I DEF sweat....like dripping down my face sweat. I wear MAC makeup for everything with the exception of my Mascara which is by benefit. I :heart: make up!!

    Honestly, I don't have crappy makeup, but no matter what mascara I use, I sweat so much it just is useless. So I forego the makeup. Tinted moisturizer is it.

    I may check out the benefit mascara though. Thanks for the tip.

    I'm a mascara junky and have tried EVERYTHING out there!! The benfit bad gal lash is by far my favorite. it's thick and lengthening all in one.
  • tig3rang3l
    tig3rang3l Posts: 270 Member
    Holy responses, thanks so much guys!

    Just to clarify why I'm going to the gym at all... I have steadily been losing weight for about a year now without trying too hard. I put a lot of it on when I went through my depression, and when I got over that I lost most of it. I have been watching my calories and trying to eat healthier seriously for about a month now, and have seen excellent results (11 pounds!). I was also doing a lot of walking. However, after reading a lot on here, I decided it was time to incorporate some more serious cardio and resistance training. I have been running, but that never goes well... I'm not supposed to put too much impact on my knee. I go to McMaster University, and their (new) gym is only 60 dollars for 4 months. So I figured what the heck... about time I got over the gym phobia!

    I knew they offered a bunch of free classes for members, including yoga and cycling... but after reading all of your responses tonight, I checked online, and sure enough there's a class for beginners that shows off the weight equipment! I'm going to go tomorrow afternoon and see if that helps any.

    *gets out the MAC makeup, just in case....!*
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