New to this.. scared about joining a gym?!

For what it's worth, I find my local YMCA to be alot more regular folk oriented. Many of the members are there because their doctor told them to go. So we see all types and generally the fashion oriented ultra fit ken and barbie doll types go elsewere. I love my Y, best pool in the area, too.

I was self conscious for the first two or three times, but then got over it. Just remember that you are doing this for you, and you're not doing this to impress anyone. When I go to the gym, I run on the treadmill, use the elliptical, and use the free weights/medicine ball/etc. If there are other people in the area of the medicine ball/free weights, I'll bring those to a different spot in the gym, or I'll just do that part of my workout when there's not people there.

Hang in there, and you won't be self conscious for long

I was self-conscious about going to the gym at my college because my school is so athletic. Sports are big here, so most people who are even a LITTLE overweight feel self-conscious about going if they'll be running on the treadmill next to a varsity basketball player or a crew team captain.

But you know what? I told myself that I'm not at the gym for anyone but me! I'm here to get fit, deal with stress, and look my best. I am NOT here to be scene like the girls, I'm not here to show off like the jocks, I'm here to work. And if anyone gives me the eye, I toss my head back, throw my shoulders back, walk tall and strut because I did a great workout and should be proud of myself. I have every right to be here.

That's what you have to tell yourself. The gym is DEFINITELY worth it. If you go in everyday and own it like "THIS IS MY *kitten*" then you'll definitely feel good on multiple levels and WANT to go.

I wish you all the best and congrats on your progress so far!

If you are new to exercise, maybe start by just doing some walking. Don't need a gym for that so it won't cost you anything. If you really want to try a gym, see if you can find one that's offering like a free trial week or something, just so you can give it a good try without making an immediate commitment. I have belonged to a couple of gyms in the past but find I can get great video workouts to use in the privacy of my own home. Beachbody.com has a huge variety of different workouts, and in the long run cost much less than a gym membership.:flowerforyou:

Don't feel self conscious! We aren't at the gym to stare at others. We are all there for the same reasons--to get fit, be healthy, feel good, etc...You won't regret doing it.

So true!!!!
And if they are staring at you...just think to yourself...I'm sexy and they know it!!!

hell yeah! I love it when that song comes on my ipod.

I've had gym memberships for 16 years and every time I join a new one I get nervous. Totally normal. Don't let it keep you from your goal.

Most gyms will give you a free training session when you join. Make sure to take advantage of this or if they don't offer it free, pay for one session with a trainer. Having an expert show you around and explain how to use the machines is really helpful in making the gym a comfortable place.

Ask for a free week long trial membership. This way you can get a feel for the gym and see if you will like it. Things to look for might be how crowded does it get whe you go? Are there enough cardio machines so you don't wait long? Is parking easy? Locker rooms sanitary?

Most people at the gym are friendly and just there to sweat. They don't care how fit you are! good luck!

Get in there and do it! Most people in the gym are in there for one thing! Put their time in and get out. Enjoy yourself. Stay motivated! And check in here daily. Ask for help when needed and don't forget to eat right and do your cardio!

I will admit when I first joined a gym I was the same way! I did not want to go and I if I did I tried to make it when I knew not many people were there. If someone was there I knew I would leave. That only lasted a week or so! You will eventually become really modivated and focused when you go and completely forget about anything else! Once you start going and get on a routine, you won't regret it!!

Go to the gym! This is for you and no one else. No one at the gym will be looking at you, they are all busy working on their own health. You are strong and you are worth your own effort, do not let anyone shame you into no feeling your own power. You have all of the potential within you to succeed.

I joined a local gym after visiting several to consider price, contract, and clientale and picked one that had the equipment I was looking for, was clean, and had a nice mix of ages there, I am over 50 so that was important, lol. One thing I noticed right away is everyone has there earbuds in and are pretty oblivious to everyone around them. So just go, put your earbuds in and blend right in

I think it starts off that way for everyone. LIke your first day of school. First few times I went in there I seemed to wander a lot trying to figure out what the hell I was really doing. Lots of strangers and as self-concious that I am. I felt judged in every area I stepped into. However once you have a couple days in you began to become familiar with the regular faces, and you become familiar to them as well no matter who you are or what you look like. A sense of belonging is than established within a brief period of time, and once the smallest results come in no matter what it is, you get a great sense of pride that will motivate you and help you enjoy your time at them gym.

One trick is to wear a hat with the brim low, and throw in a pair of earphones. You'll block out everything around you and find your zone.

Oh yeah..true story, My very first day and first time experience in an real gym with a new membership. I picked up a 40 pound barbell and placed it on the preacher curl. I get into position, and thinking that the barbell curl was going to be heavy, I put all my might into the first curl, and drove it right into the bridge of my nose with one swift curl. I nearly knocked myself out, and I did see a white flash when it struck me and it marked my face. I tried to settle the weight back down without drawing attention, but a lot of people did notice, and NOBODY said a word. I just tried to play it off like nothing and regather my composer, it was hard after that.

I work at a gym and I can tell you, there really is all shapes and sizes. No one looks at anyone and thinks "why are they here?" if anything they think "GOOD FOR YOU!'

It can definitely be intimidating - especially the weights, but if there is the option, you could do an all females location which is less intimidating for most.

Good luck!

Go to the gym. Wait until you see all the different body shapes there. It will make you feel great.

I feel a bit the same way sometimes...I look around the gym and everyone there seems much more in shape than I am. But that isn't true, anyway. Some of those folks may be thin, but have no muscle tone or endurance, and I do! And I feel really inspired by a couple of folks I see there regularly. One older gentleman has obviously had some major health issues, but he is there every day (he's a real social butterfly too...greets every body of the morning regulars), walking slowly on the treadmill. There is one lady I see occasionally who makes me look petite, and beleive me, I am not petite. She must weigh close to 400 lbs, but she is there and doing her best to get healthy, and it shows that it is working. I really respect her dedication. You'll see all kinds of folks at the gym..and really, we all go there for the same reason.