Newbie- very nervous

Sala

I just joined a gym!! I have never been a member before, have only gone to the gym about 4 times in my life (and only on threadmill). I am really inexplicably nervous, so much in fact I have been trying to go join for 2 weeks. I was afraid I'd join, pay and never show up but they booked me in for a fitness assessment so I have to.

I'm really nervous because a) I don't know how to use the machines (I presume they'll show me at the assessment?) and b) I am unfit. Very.

I just weighed myself in at 10stone 7lb, the heaviest ever (I am female, 5foot 8 or 9) and am flabby-ish. I know different weights are healthy for different people but since I have no muscle, and used to be a lean 8stone 10 ,I deduce it is all fat:o

What will the assessment entail? Will I have to be weighed, run etc. Is it embarassing?

stecleary

Sala wrote: »

I just joined a gym!! I have never been a member before, have only gone to the gym about 4 times in my life (and only on threadmill). I am really inexplicably nervous, so much in fact I have been trying to go join for 2 weeks. I was afraid I'd join, pay and never show up but they booked me in for a fitness assessment so I have to.

I'm really nervous because a) I don't know how to use the machines (I presume they'll show me at the assessment?) and b) I am unfit. Very.

I just weighed myself in at 10stone 7lb, the heaviest ever (I am female, 5foot 8 or 9) and am flabby-ish. I know different weights are healthy for different people but since I have no muscle, and used to be a lean 8stone 10 ,I deduce it is all fat:o

What will the assessment entail? Will I have to be weighed, run etc. Is it embarassing?

if the assessment is embarrassing then the person doing it shouldn't have a job! they are there to help you not make a show of you so relax and enjoy it.
afaik it should just about working out a program to help you achieve your goals.

Brenireland

well for your height just your weight is 100% perfect!,few hours each week with a decent diet/water and your looking good!

SanoVitae

Sala wrote: »

What will the assessment entail? Will I have to be weighed, run etc. Is it embarassing?

The primary aim of the assessment is to find out what your goals are and formulate a routine which will help you get the results you want. The instructor will ask you about your exercise history, also asking about any past/present injuries or medical conditions.

Sometimes, they test your fitness. Most commonly, this is done on an exercise bike and the test checks how your heart rate changes as the intensity of the exercise increases. It's a relatively gentle test.

You can also get weighed and have your body fat measured but only if you want to. It's important for you to know that none of this is compulsory and you don't have to do any of it if it makes you feel uncomfortable.

Besides, at your current weight (which is actually perfectly healthy), the best way to judge your results is by how you fit into your clothes. So you don't need to be concerned about either your weight or your body fat percentage.

Finally, remember that the fitness instructor is there to help you, not judge you. They will make out a great program for you and will give you all the advice and motivation you need to reach your goals.

Best of luck!

Paul

WHIP IT!

No need to be nervous at all. I've often found a big reason people leave the gym and never come back is that feeling of awkwardness, not knowing what to be doing or how to use certain things... don't be afraid to ask... Good luck, OP!

Luke G

No need to be nervous at all, best of luck!

MarkY91

dont worry everybody else in the gym joined for the same reason as you, the machines are easy to use, you will pick up on everything as you go along and in no time youll be flying around

Torakx

Just remember whatever your thinking about yourself, there are probably over half the people there thinking the exact same things about themselves.
We are all the same and only realise it when we take our minds off ourselves and notice everyone else
Have fun! you will soon be buzzing on a fitness buzz.

G86

Don't be worrying, you'll be grand and well used to it in no time! As for getting weighed - you could ask your instructor just to write it down without telling you, so at least you'll know next time what progress you've made.

They'll show you how to use the machines in the assessment, but I'd suggest that once you're feeling a bit more confident you move on to the free weights - you'll make loads more progress. And it's a lot more fun!:)

Naos

When I see "heavy", "flabbyish", "unfit" people in the gym/outside exercising, and I'm sure many others are the same, I tend to think fair play to you for doing something about it as opposed to looking down on them.

You'll be fine

G86

Naos wrote: »

When I see "heavy", "flabbyish", "unfit" people in the gym/outside exercising, and I'm sure many others are the same, I tend to think fair play to you for doing something about it as opposed to looking down on them.

You'll be fine

Exactly, and at your weight OP I doubt you're 'heavy'!

The Guvnor

Don't be nervous and 10st7 is not overly heavy for a 5ft8.5 female.

I'm pretty certain a lot of 5ft8.5 females would have 10st7 as a very nice goal to get to!

As for the instructor - hopefully they will be good and patient but ask questions if you don't understand.

Nothing for you to be worried about - gyms by and large are very friendly places.

yosser hughes

First of all your statistics regarding your weight and height are actually fine. Don't be nervous.
The most important thing for you to focus on,is the reason you are there. Do you have a goal? If so then focus on that and put your head down and do it.The instructor is there to help you,but ultimately it is up to yourself. The mental side of this is huge and you must focus on what you want to achieve.
Never mind what anyone else is doing.

Sala

Hi all, thank you for the replies- I had my first session! Weighed, talked about the goals etc. I had no stuff as I thought it was just a talking session (although I was in a trackie anyway) so he put me on machines. It was ok. I weighed in there at 9st 13 so I've lost weight thinking about going!! (or their scales is kinder )
I will get a plan Monday so I'm very excited and feel really positive- here's hoping it lasts!
Lots of people were milling around and running for ages but it didn't intimidate me as much as I thought- they didn't take any notice of me or each other.

The Guvnor

Well done.

Most gyms are nice places with decent people in there all by and large after the same thing.

Mr. Loverman

Don't be nervous.

There is a very very large woman in my gym, and everytime I see her I think: fair play for trying to sort out your health.

Most people will have a similar attitude. The rest won't even notice you! They'll be too busy looking in the mirror.