WonderWoman6806's Journal, 05 July 2013

An equipment orientation would be nice! I'm not sure why most gyms expect you to automatically know how to use everything. Ask lots of questions! The more comfortable and confident you feel, the more you will want to go. 

That's what I'm lacking -- the confidence factor. I'm very self-conscious anyway, and new situations are even worse. I'll ask about an equipment orientation on Monday, and I'm thinking about getting six personal training sessions as well, to start me on my way. It's only a month-long Groupon deal, so I'll ask the trainer to set me up with exercises I can do at home without machines. I just bought another Groupon for a month at Curves that I'll use in September. :-) 

Hi I had a couple of induction classes when I started at the gym and they didn't show me any of the machines other than the cardio machines. They told me that doing free weights are better than the weight machines, and I've read the same thing in a few books too. I hope you enjoy it, but don't do too much too soon. I used to love the gym but I injured my arm (it was always weak to start with) and now I can't lift weights at all. Also re the confidence, I am the same so the induction sessions helped with that, and after a couple of weeks you realise no-one is even looking at you anyway :-)  

If it makes you feel any better about your lack of confidence I was terrified when I started going to the gym. I was physically shaking every time I walked In the door for the first month! To add insult to injury, I have irritable bowel syndrome so I spent the first half hour in the gym in the bathroom. So remember that when you're lacking confidence on your own lol. I pushed through it, because it was something I desperately wanted and it literally changed my life. I have always battled with self esteem issues and I honestly think bearing through those fears alleviated a lot of my confidence issues. You deserve to be there as much as anyone else. And believe me, I have been going to the gym for almost five months now and nobody in that place is concerned with what you're doing there. In my opinion, if they're doing what they're supposed to be doing in the gym they won't even have the energy to devote to noticing you! You can do this! I primarily do my cardio at the gym. I use the elliptical for forty-five minutes. The one I use has a full-body mode that kicks my ass. (I started out at 286lbs only able to do one mile in a half hour, Now I do 4 1/2 miles in forty-five minutes on high resistance!) I do strength training in my living room with kettle bells. If you've never used one I highly recommend it! It combines cardio and weights and you will definitely get results!! Obviously, I'm no expert, these are just my conclusions after five months of working out. (holy cow, I never thought I could consistently keep up an exercise regimen for so long) So when you walk in that gym and feel crazy nervous, remember me and what I went through, you can do it too!!  

Thank you all for the support! :-) It's comforting to know that I'm not the only one with gymphobia. Yolanda -- I'll definitely ask about the kettleballs -- I've seen them, but never used them. This gym has a kettleball class. I think I'll enjoy the elliptical, too. Shazzy -- thanks for the advice on the free weights. I have absolutely zero knowledge, so every bit of advice helps! :-) I can do this! :-)  

Enjoy your month at the gym and I agree that you should ask lots of questions. I typically start out each workout on the treadmill or elliptical for just 5-10 minutes to warm up my body and muscles. Then I move to free weights, exercise ball, step exercises, bosu, etc. I had a trainer for a few months last year when I started out and it helped me to learn not only the equipment in the gym, but a variety of exercises that I can do when I am there or at home. I am more confident now when I go to the gym and you will get there too. Just remember your goals and why you want to do this. When I was in cycle/spin class this morning, I kept telling myself "lower body fat %" when it got to some rough spots and it helped me to push myself through the class. Find out what motivates you and use it. :) 

Thanks, kimjinxie!