in need of a confidence boost

happyfrogg
happyfrogg Posts: 86 Member
in Motivation and Support
Ok folks, I'm trying to work up the nerve to start lifting at the gym tomorrow. I'm anxious just thinking about being the fat woman in what's usually the man cave (weight room). Plus I'm a total beginner so I'm worried about poor form and hurting myself (and looking the fool) and it'd just be so much *easier* to stay at home. I don't have a friend or a workout buddy to help me out. How do you lovely people get yourselves out of your comfort zone and start doing things that are scary but you know are good for you? Any tips for actually getting myself out the door and into the weight room?

Replies

  • santini1975
    santini1975 Posts: 175 Member
    I spent the first 9 months of my journey doing only cardio- I walked on the treadmill (or outside) for 30 minutes. When that got easier I raised the incline on the machine and did an extra 15 minutes. I worked my way up to spending at least an hour on there at 12% incline walking 4mph and when I'm ready to end my workout I crank up the speed so I'm at a dead sprint until I think I'm going to fall off/ throw up/ die etc. Sounds horrid but it feels amazing after I catch my breath.
    I don't lift a lot of weights, I stick to my old army routine: push ups, sit ups, flutter kicks. No gym equipment necessary! (Cheap too)
  • erin1276
    erin1276 Posts: 38 Member
    Having been that girl myself in the past I found that all my fears were for nothing. I tried to go when I thought no one was there and it turned out that that time just doesn't exist. hahaha... so anyway- I had the same fears. I was really heavy and I wasn't sure if I could do it at all let alone do it right. Well, guys who lift weights, turns out, LOVE it and they want YOU to love it too. I had no less than three different men just come up to me to offer help. I guess it was sort of obvious that I was out of my comfort zone. Each machine was explained and so were the lifting techniques for free weights. So, give it a shot. People are excited about that sort of stuff. I'm sure you will find help when you need it. Good luck!
  • ArtemisMoon
    ArtemisMoon Posts: 144
    Great topic! One day I know I will have to give in and try heavier weight lifting as well to help me recover from the huge amount of weight loss I plan to have. :) Right now puny weights are enough, though, LOL...my mother is more reliable at opening jars than I am! ;_;
  • happyfrogg
    happyfrogg Posts: 86 Member
    Thanks for the advice, everyone! :flowerforyou:

    I hope my experience is as positive as yours, erin12776.
  • childofArtemis24
    childofArtemis24 Posts: 334
    The gym around here most men will be glad to give you tips on weight lifting, and proper form. Or you can get a personal trainer here at our gym and he will teach you everything you need to know. He will also push you to give it your all.

    But another option for loosing weight is the new Zumba craze going on. have you tried it? I do it and I am sooo addicted to it.We have women of all sizes and ages. We are a bunch of positive women, who will encourage you to dance all the weight off. It is like working out without even knowing that your working out. If you have any questions or want to know more feel free to message me.
  • happyfrogg
    happyfrogg Posts: 86 Member
    Thank you for the tips! Edit: did not even consider the PT angle. I think I get a free session for joining this gym, so I should put it to use!
    I have done Zumba and I liked it well enough, but I really want to try weight lifting. Plus my school's gym (where Zumba classes are) is further from my house and I don't have a car... it's no fun doing an hour of Zumba and then making a 40 min shaky-legged walk home in the dark! :ohwell:
  • ilovesparkle
    ilovesparkle Posts: 127 Member
    I purchased a few sessions with a PT and it made all the difference (when I actually work out). They are there to offer help and guidance, and if you have the free session, USE IT!!!! :)
  • leslisa
    leslisa Posts: 1,350 Member
    I agree a personal trainer can help, even if it's just one session every now and then to correct form. Also, might want to carry a "cheat sheet" with you on the proper ways to lift so you don't end up hurting yourself.

    Can't help bunches in the motivation department as my gym is here at work and when I go in there is usually no one there but I can say that I think you are amazing overcoming your anxiety and busting out of that shell (I hope the pieces go flying).

    :glasses:

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