How did you all get started at the gym?

Michelangelo

I am a little bit self concious about the fact there are 20 stone musclemen lifting weights and bench pressing etc down my local gym and I have never done weights before and will be starting at the bottom.

So how did you get started?

Did you have a buddy to go with or what?

dudara

When I was an undergrad, I used to lift some weights, but it was confined to women's hour at the old gym only. Then my boyfriend got me back into it, as he really enjoys it himself. I get some odd looks, being one of a few women to use free weights, and one of three people in total who do free squats and deadlifts.

Everyone in the gym paid their dues at the start when they began lifting weights. Just work on the training, have good form and you'll make great ground.

I'm getting back into weight training soon after a break, and I'm really looking forward to it. It's very satisfying to physically exert yourself.

rs

Everyone starts at the bottom. Even the 20 stone musclemen.

The sooner you start lifting, the more progress you will make.

I know I felt pretty out of place the first time I went into the free weights section of my gym. But you get over it pretty fast.

Also, as soon as the bigger guys see you training regularly with free weights, they will respect your dedication, even if you are only a beginner.

Personally, I put off going into the free weights section of my gym for ages when I first started (several months). I just used machines. It was a big mistake, and I would have made much more progress with free weights. Once I started using free weights, I have never looked back.

Just remember, you pay just as much as anyone else to use the facilities, so use them.

Genghis

I never understood this fear. It's like my SO who won't join a gym because she feels she will be so much more unfit / out of shape than others. When you take a look around and beyond the poseurs, you will see plenty of people just like you.

Just do what you need.

DrummerBoy

Originally posted by rs
Everyone starts at the bottom.

Also, as soon as the bigger guys see you training regularly with free weights, they will respect your dedication, even if you are only a beginner.

Just remember, you pay just as much as anyone else to use the facilities, so use them.

It is true that everyone starts at the bottom. However one very important thing to remember is everyone has there own goals when they workout. You don't need "the bigger guys respect" whyand how would that make you any fitter?

I would say just go to a gym and look at the instructors. Listen to what they're saying and how they say it. You'll soon see which one's are doing things correctly and what ones are giving good advice.

Then talk to that instructor and join that gym and get a programe made up for you. Because everyones different, who's to say what that guys over there is doing is going to be suitable for you (no matter how easy it seems!).

Chucky

Bring your gym to your home. My brother and I purchased weights 3 years ago and a chin-up bar.

I've been using them everyday since we bought them plus cycling and doing a few sit-ups and leg-raises everyday.

dudara

The home gym is a good idea, and I've often considered buying a bench for home use. Just make sure to watch your form always. THis is the most important thing above all else. Otherwise you'll just damage yourself. If you're doing exercises at home, try to do them near a mirror or so, in order to monitor yourself

Chucky

I don't have bench at home. I concentrate mostly on pullovers to tone my chest and simply use a large table we have; push it up against the couch and that acts as the bench. Cheap and effective.

I've never damaged myself seriously but have definately overstretched and pulled muscles.

rs

Originally posted by DrummerBoy
It is true that everyone starts at the bottom. However one very important thing to remember is everyone has there own goals when they workout. You don't need "the bigger guys respect" whyand how would that make you any fitter?

Of course it won't make home any fitter. It will hopefully mean that he is no longer self concious about training with more experianced lifters, which is the problem.

Scarinae

I find it way better going without a friend. If you only go with a friend then if they cancel you will be less likely to go yourself. You also don't feel obliged to leave when they do, you get a lot more done if you're independent and ffit it in when it suits YOU. Not everyone in the gym will be super-fit, there are plenty of people like you there as well I'm sure

paulthelegend

Michelangelo I had the same problem starting at the gym, but your right get a buddy to go with you, get an instructor to show you around, you'll feel a bit stupid cause everyone knows your a beginner then but then after that things can only get better

stick to the machine wieghts to begin with, the normal down to earth people use them, then after 2-3 visits with a buddy your then on your own and grand, you wont even notice anyone around you and you can venture into the poser heaven ... free wieghts section.

And even thou muscle men are really intimidating at first im sure subconsiously there kind of an insentive so there not all bad but just remember how you feel now so that if you even become close to that size you dont become a poser.

Michelangelo

No I am fit and healthy and toned but I just do not have the massive muscle these guys have. Thanks for all the advice. I will take it all into consideration and probably go with a buddy for a while then go on my own. It is all good. Cheers people.

SprostonGreen

In college, I gave up smoking and joined a gym for three months. I was over the moon with the results, as I've always been a bit thin.

Anyway I didnt take it up again for a few years, I joined the squash club in Rathgar for 3 months and then Jackie Skellys in town.

I was originally conscious of the 20 stone brick ****houses, but after a while didnt care and still dont. Everyone does there own thing.

smiaras

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