Gym Embarrassment (Gymbarrassment?)

Almost all gyms have a free intro session with a trainer when you sign up. They will show you how to use all the machines.

When you sign up, you usually get a free training session with a trainer. Do it. Have them show you around and try the different machines. If you can afford it, schedule a couple of sessions for a month or two. It's really confidence boosting because I totally know what you mean. You can also invest in some fitness magazines or look online or get a fitness book (Men's Health has a big book of exercises that is great).

It's all about getting in the environment and getting used to it. The more you go, the more comfortable you'll be.

I usually just ask someone and most people love to help other people because it makes them feel good that they know something. Yes, you should get an introductory session at the gym as well.

Look up www.bodybuilding.com it has it all from nutrition to machines to free weights I have yet to stump the supper site on a question I have had. It also has Video on all the machines free weights and techniques.

yea most gyms will have someone show you how to use the equipment

if for some reason yours does not, you can alwasy ask someone for hlep, watch another person do it, or even alot of machines will have pictorial instructions for you to use.

If it was me, id try to go when it was not super busy and ask someone if you could kind of follow them around on the machines to see how to use them

We all walked into a gym for the first time at some point and we got through it and learned all of the things we needed to do. Check with the gym and see about an orientation session. This should give you enough knowledge about how to use the machines. Then you can work from there.

My gym has a session for those beginning the gym, often done in a small group where they walk through the machines and briefly try them all out.. and often you do get a fitness assessment by a trainer with lots of info thrown in there as well... and remember, we were all new once and personally, I wouldn't find it terrible to be asked a question or help someone out. I'm sure many others feel the same way. It can feel pretty intimidating for sure, but just go in and try a few things.. or hop on a treadmill and just watch what others are doing.. or go on off times where you can feel more comfortable experimenting with things... thinking about it is a great first step.. now go make a few calls and tell them you're interested in meeting up with someone to discuss joining and seeing what they offer.. Lots of luck!!!

I had this idea in my head that the gym would be full of fabulously fit people ready to ridicule someone as out of shape and unfamiliar with equipment as I am (was). I couldn't be more wrong. I work my *kitten* off when I'm there, huffing and puffing and get more used to it each time I go. Everyone else is doing the same.

Get the staff to show you the machines. Hire a trainer for a few sessions if the introduction isn't enough. You'll be fine! I just stay away from the mirrors!!!! (They scare me)

Just remember that everyone feels that way when they start a gym. And many times trainers will be more inclined to take you through a work out and give you a hard sell on training packages as opposed to instructions on how to use the machines. Just be up front and say you'd like to get comfortable in the gym first and you are interested in learning how the equipment works and they'll get the picture

Any gym should offer to have someone show you how to use the machines. If you don't use them correctly, you could get hurt.
If anyone looks at you, just look back. Eventually they will look away.

I know what you mean. For years I have just stuck to cardio and haven't really done too much in the way of strength training, because I had no idea what I was doing. Even after a intro session with a personal trainer, I was not comfortable enough trying out the weights. I signed up for a intro to Weight Lifting class at my local community college, and I am becoming way more comfortable in the gym. So 2 days a week, its like I have a trainer, as my teacher is always there to give tips, and to answer any questions I may have.
Obviously, not something that everyone can do, but its working for me. Also, at the beginning of the semester, we filled out a goal sheet about what we want to accomplish, as well as taking body measurements and doing a series of strength testing. At the end of the semester, and I believe at midterms, we will go back and assess where we are and what we can improve on.

I feel you. I absolutely hate going to gyms. I am kinda nerdy and I think they can sense it! I moved to a new city last year and decided to meet similar moms at the gym. What I found were evil people! (just kidding). I would try and talk to people in my aerobic classes and they had their ready-made clicks (like high school), give me crazy looks and ignore me completely! I even tried to meet other moms in the gym daycare center and got the same treatment! Not to mention, the trainer who helped me in the beginning was looking at women as he showed me the machines!!! Anyway, not a big fan. I just use my exercise bike at home, walk/jog in my neighborhood and as of last summer, roller skate while pushing my daughter in a jogging stroller. That said, many people have had great experiences at the gym and I hope you do too.

I've got to say I have an awesome gym. The folks that work the weight floor are more than willing to help you figure out what to do and how the machines work. They don't treat you like morons and push services you don't want/can't afford. My gym also has pictures on "MOST" of the machines to show you how to use them. I'd check out a few gyms and see what you get at them and then make your decision from there. Good luck!

Almost all gyms have a free intro session with a trainer when you sign up. They will show you how to use all the machines.

Exactly. I know my gym does. I recently rejoined and they offered to show me how to use the equipment. Even though I was a prior member (I was working out at home, but joined again so I could get leaner and tone up) I took them up on the offer because there was equipment there I had never tried.

Don't be afraid to ask the staff for help. That is what they are there for!!