embarrased about going to the gym for the first time

teacherabu

basically I can go to the maradyke gym for free as im currently a student. Thing is im small and only starting out. I have my own bench and weights etc at home and have been doing them for about 3 months but want to enter the gym now. I would actually be embarrased going in there for the first time because I wouldnt know how to use any of the equipment and since the maradyke is free anyway how should i go about asking someone to show me. any advice for a first time goer?

Inspector Coptoor

Wander in, ask someone at reception if you could have a chat with an instructor & be shown around.

Don't be nervous, just go for it.

Everyone's gotta start somewhere!

siochain

Could be the first step on one of your life's best decisions, might even save it some day or at the very least extend it.

double GG

Arnold and Ronnie Coleman both started out some place! They had to start somewhere.

Don't be nervous.

Get the correct instructions from the workers.

Use Youtube for exercises and how to do them if needed.

Work hard.

WHIP IT!

Had a look round the Mardyke a couple of months back. It's a super gym. Go take advantage of it and enjoy!

JJayoo

teacherabu wrote: »

basically I can go to the maradyke gym for free as im currently a student. Thing is im small and only starting out. I have my own bench and weights etc at home and have been doing them for about 3 months but want to enter the gym now. I would actually be embarrased going in there for the first time because I wouldnt know how to use any of the equipment and since the maradyke is free anyway how should i go about asking someone to show me. any advice for a first time goer?

Try to go in as soon as the gym opens. This way it will be less crowded and you can get a feel for the place.

RobAMerc

I think the only way people who use the gym regularly will laugh at you or look down on you is if you go and do a half arsed totally ill-prepared workout with a kind of "too timid/cool to look like I am trying attitude".

If there are people there who would still laugh I wouldn't worry because it's likely they wont be there much themselves anyway.

Go get instruction, work hard, look like you are working hard and I think real gym goers will have nothing but admiration for you.

ThirdMan

I'll let you in on a little secret... nobody looks cool when they're working out. Some people think they do, but they don't. So don't be worried about that aspect of it.

Honestly, just walk in and go for it. Book yourself in for an assessment. The staff will provide you with a workout and show you how to use the equipment. Just remember that you're taking control of you health, and that's a good thing.

If you do run into the odd assh*le then so what. You walk by those people on the street every day, so just walk by them in the gym.

Best of luck.

RandolphEsq

teacherabu wrote: »

basically I can go to the maradyke gym for free as im currently a student. Thing is im small and only starting out. I have my own bench and weights etc at home and have been doing them for about 3 months but want to enter the gym now. I would actually be embarrased going in there for the first time because I wouldnt know how to use any of the equipment and since the maradyke is free anyway how should i go about asking someone to show me. any advice for a first time goer?

After a week (3/4 sessions) you will be well set with a routine, and a set plan of exercises to do. And the size of the weights you are lifting is completely irrelevant to other people. Each person has their own goals. And don't be afraid to ask the instructors to show you, how else do you think people learn how to use machines/lift weights?

NinjaK

use youtube to learn how to do exercises

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Stop giving a toss about what other people think, learn the movements, headphones in and work out. Gym time is me time its not a social interaction.

MrPain

ThirdMan wrote: »

I'll let you in on a little secret... nobody looks cool when they're working out. Some people think they do, but they don't

Katgurl

funny, i remember my first visit to a gym, aged 19, totally unfit, was terrified as had no idea what to expect.

book an assessment and consultation with a staff member at reception. You only have to do the first time once and it is never ever embarrassing again. the staff member will just bring you around the machines and show you how to use each one and where everything is. this would happen even if you had been in tonnes of gyms so nobody will know. ask loads of questions, even ones that sound stupid, about changing rooms or whatever. and guys in gyms like to help, I've noticed. you should be given a programme and walked through it on your next visit.

and as for being embarrassed because you're small - i was embarrassed about being 'big'. it soon passed when i spotted a girl being brought through her programme, she was the same age as me and about four stone heavier. I immediately thought "fair f0cks" and then applied same reasoning to myself. people in gyms don't look like they do on tv. some do. some are just starting. some are coming back after a long absence. some people are rehabilitating after an accident. some people are there due to a disability. gyms are for everyone. just go, you'll love it.