gym newby

edelg

Hi im 18 and have never been to a gym or exercise class before. I really want to start but the following factors are stopping me:

-Im really really shy and self conscious
-I dont have alot of money
-I dont want to go on my own
-I dont want to go to a mixed gym
-I dont want to do a class with dance involved
-I dont want a gym where the staff are at you too much (if that happens)
- Any classes that are very active/make you sweat would be good

Does anyone have any advice? Thanks

Oryx

If you give people an idea of where you are based, it might help.

Pay as you go circuit classes might be good, if you have any close to you. No dancing, your effort is individual, your instructor wont be on your back as they will have a whole class to deal with, youll sweat and work bloody hard if thats what you want. You can bring a buddy with you, of course.

Its many, many, years since I first walked into an organised fitness class, on my own, at about your age. I was scared to death (I suffered crippling shyness). I really had to grit my teeth and get on with it. Im afraid youll probably have to do a bit of that to begin with, but it will be worth it. Like you, I dont do the dance thing as my coordination sucks. Even step aerobics is beyond me.

Some things to realise:
Noone is looking at you.
People will chat if you make conversation, other gym goers can be really helpful too.
Everyone there started sometime too, they remember what it was like.

cmyk

edelg wrote: »

Hi im 18 and have never been to a gym or exercise class before. I really want to start but the following factors are stopping me:

-Im really really shy and self conscious
-I dont have alot of money
-I dont want to go on my own
-I dont want to go to a mixed gym
-I dont want to do a class with dance involved
-I dont want a gym where the staff are at you too much (if that happens)
- Any classes that are very active/make you sweat would be good

Does anyone have any advice? Thanks

You've got some good advice there from Oryx, i'll just add to it the option of taking up a sport too...you don't have to go to the gym for exercise.

As for being shy and self conscious, you're in the same boat as most gym goers. It will be intimidating for you, bring a friend, get some instruction...if you know what you're doing that in itself will build confidence. (and consequently put you ahead of most others there)

You're going to have to step out of your comfort zone to some degree, but I can promise you this...at 18 years of age it won't be the last time in life you'll have to do it. I firmly believe that confidence through health and fitness transfers directly and indirectly to other areas of your life too, so pick something you'll enjoy doing and/or try a few different things to find out.

Squaredude

edelg wrote: »

Hi im 18 and have never been to a gym or exercise class before. I really want to start but the following factors are stopping me:

-Im really really shy and self conscious
-I dont have alot of money
-I dont want to go on my own
-I dont want to go to a mixed gym
-I dont want to do a class with dance involved
-I dont want a gym where the staff are at you too much (if that happens)
- Any classes that are very active/make you sweat would be good

Does anyone have any advice? Thanks

I started the gym this week,was very self conscious about going to the gym and people looking at me.I went down on Tuesday and paid for a once off gym session.No-one batted an eye lid at me as they're all there for the same reason as you,to get fit and healthy.I actually quite enjoyed it.Went back today and got a 3 month membership.
Take the plunge,you won't regret it.