Gym Virgin

crby

Hi guys just looking for some advice, tips etc!

Im a 28 year old guy, never stepped in a gym before, don't do any sports and im pretty un-fit.

I've lately decided to give myself a kick up the arse and im thinking of joining Crunch in Westmanstown to sort myself out.

Problem is im really lacking in self-confidence as im quite skinny and not the strongest and i'm bricking it about the first visit to the gym.....not knowing what to do,how to use equipment etc.

Any help on how to make that first trip easier would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers

Sangre

Do you have any sport/active friends? Anyone you know go to gym regularly?

Also, nobody will be watching you so relax. They'll be too busy worrying about whether you're looking at them.

grimloch

Ignore Sangre, everyone in the gym judges everything you do.


Seriously though, nobody really gives a **** what anyone else is doing. Most people will be 100% focused on themselves. If you don't know how to use anything either ask someone who works there or failing that ask the swolest bro in the vicinity.

Everyone has a first day.

itsallaboutheL

I read that title a bit too fast.

batmanandrobin

I would get a gym instructor to teach me some starter exercises, probably machine weights and cardio type stuff. after 6 weeks get the gym instructor to bring in some free weight exercises and modify the cardio work.

otherwise I would hire a personal trainer or find someone I know who knows their way around the gym to teach you the basics.

If you train early in the morning the chances are the gym will be more quiet and that means less people eyeballin ya!

magotch07

crby

1st thing to do is get an assement some type of starter program and get the instructor to teach you how to use the machines

2nd thing is get a ipod/ mp3 and headphones and put it on its amazing how much music will block out

3rd thing dont worry about other people looking at you or talking about you cause they dont care what you do

anyone who goes the gym to laugh at people is more then likely the one most people are laughing at

T-rev

bite the bullet and go dude. After a few sessions you wont care anymore.

FatBoyKriss

SpaceCowb0y

Get stuck in and pay no attention to whats going on around you! I only stated training seriously a few months ago and felt the same but believe me it passes! Get onto an instructor or book yourself a personal trainer for a session! Failing that look through the forums! Theres a wealth of information freely available on here and plenty of experienced gym heads to point you in the right direction if you need it!

Good luck!:D

crby

Hey Guys

Thanks a lot for the tips/advice...really appreciated!

I was talking to a mate in work today who has to move from Total Fitness and is going to Westmanstown so thinking of joining it together and i'm sure that will give me the push and already feel much more confident about it now!

blindasfcuk

I was actually in the exact same situation as you a couple of months ago. Im 27 yrs old and had never even seen the inside of a gym. I was very skinny just over 60kg and really unfit. My diet was horrendous for years as well. I was really shy about going to the gym for the first time but what got me off the mark was signing up for weekly circuit training sessions. It was tough for the first couple of weeks with stiffness and everything but with that and a better diet its made a huge difference to me. Its about 8 months now since I started and Im up to 73kg and a few weeks ago I got a gym assessment done and had an instructor show me around all the equipment and put me on a weights training plan for 5 weeks. Im still a bit shy with some of the exercises particularly the bench press as I hate taking all the massive weights off the bar only to put on the piddly 5-10kg ones on for fear of choking myself with the bar but im sure that in a few weeks ill be able to bench something more respectable.

Anyway from my experience Id advise you to try a few circuit sessions till you get comfortable with it and start eating all round you. Then once your happy with that get an assesment done and kick on from there

metamorphosis

In 2005, i was 6 stone heavier than what i am now OP. I felt horrible, went to UL for college, joined the gym but the though of going gave me butterflies - i thought people would be wondering who is this heffalump there. I thought i had no right going to a place that should be an 'oasis of health'!! It was all in my head of course.

I went to the gym and just stuck in the earbuds and ploughed on. Il be honest - i was still very self conscious and thought people were looking at me etc. But i just kept on going. After a little bit of time i noticed i was much fitter than people who looked great and that was motivation for me and boosted my confidence.

6 years on from that initial visit, 6 stone lighter, work full time in a gym and i freelance in other gyms too teaching classes and training people.

Now i know you're the opposite of what i was, but maybe it will throw a bit of perspective on your situation. Nobody will say 'man look at that skinny guy'. However, they may say ' fair play to that guy for getting in here and doing something'

crby

Very inspirational and motivational posts guys...its definitely going to give me the push to do this...thing is i know once i get in and start i'll probably be addicted! As mentioned its that first visit that i need to get over.....and then start a new chapter.

I'll keep you posted on my progress!

crby

Hi Guys

Just thought i'd give you an update on this!

I had my assessment in Crunch this morning and my first proper workout which is pretty basic to start with but because i'm so unfit it was pretty tough going, could hardly walk out of the place my legs were like jelly!

I feel great now though and so happy that i just went for it bit the bullet so to speak...and im determined to stick to it and enjoy it!

Thanks again for the great replies etc

TeddyTedson

crby wrote: »

Hi Guys

Just thought i'd give you an update on this!

I had my assessment in Crunch this morning and my first proper workout which is pretty basic to start with but because i'm so unfit it was pretty tough going, could hardly walk out of the place my legs were like jelly!

I feel great now though and so happy that i just went for it bit the bullet so to speak...and im determined to stick to it and enjoy it!

Thanks again for the great replies etc

Good to hear man. Keep going and you'll get addicted sooner than you think.

SpaceCowb0y

crby wrote: »

Hi Guys

Just thought i'd give you an update on this!

I had my assessment in Crunch this morning and my first proper workout which is pretty basic to start with, it was pretty tough going, could hardly walk out of the place my legs were like jelly!

Haha:) I rmember that feeling! 1st day i trained seriously my friend put me through my paces and it was about 3 days before i could walk up the stairs with ease again! Fair play chief thats the hardest part over now!

murphthesmurf

We all gotta start somewhere. When I 1st went to a gym, I was 6'1 and only just over 11 stone. I looked like a bean pole with wind erosion.
So many people get worried what others are gonna think in the gym, when the truth is most people in the gym wont even realise your there.
When me and a friend 1st decided to find a gym and go training, we visited a place 1st. It was on the 2nd flr of an old waterworks building in the UK. We pulled up outside in my mates car. He refused to get out, saying 'f%&* that, I aint going in there, we'll never come out'. I went up and was greeted by a guy who was as wide as he was tall, with a shaved head, and looked like maybe he'd spent a little time at her majestys pleasure. I s**t myself. But, I started training there, and after a while got to know people. It was the best gym I have ever been to by far. Their were weights left everywhere, the equipment was old, and their were some really big guys there. But it was great. Anyone would help you. I would be doing bench press alone, then next thing i'd know there'd be someone stood over me saying 'come on, one more, PUSSH ITTTT!!!' lol.
Never found another gym like it.
A bit of advice now you've found a gym, do some research for your diet. If your looking to build a bit of muscle, this is the most important thing of all.

Good luck, and enjoy it.