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overcoming gym awkwardness

pastelcircus

pastelcircus

Bluelighter
Joined
Jun 12, 2011
Messages
9,084
Location
the greater, whiter, north
So I have a gym membership and have for a while but haven't gone more than twice due to letting myself get caught up with summer festivities and socializing. The problem with that is that my body isn't exactly up to par, people say that I don't need to lose weight but I personally need to shed a few and become more firm/ toned/ healthy in general for more confidence and physical comfort- I feel like shit when I neglect my physical wellbeing.

I was wondering if anybody else feels kind of 'lost' when it comes to the gym. Like, I haven't used machines or equipment since high school other than my own personal yoga ball, weights and resistance bands, and the occasional use of a treadmill or elliptical. I know that nobody was born in a gym but I also want to avoid being more awkward than necessary.

My plan of action is to go do some cardio and maybe calf raises, adding a machine or two until I have another mastered. Any input or improvements on this idea are more than welcome as I really would like to make the most of my time at the gym.
 
When I first started going to the gym I felt the exact way that you were describing. Most people do feel like this. It's natural. No one wants to be judged, especially about their body in a negative way.

What I found is that most people are too self absorbed to even notice me and they're really not judging me/looking at me. When I first started at the gym what I would do is start off on a machine (usually either treadmill or elliptical) to get "warmed up", and that would build my confidence to do other things I wanted to do while at the gym.

Plus, everyone at the gym has a common goal, and that's better fitness :)
 
^ thats right I was the same, I wondered how was I going to perform if I can't even run on the treadmill or lift weights. But what I did was I did it slowly, walked on the treadmill the first day and then do a little bit the second day. I think if you are going to start going to the gym, you should do it per exercise like let's say just concentrate on cardio for now and then go from there.

Going to the gym is not necessarily losing weight for some people, it is important to exercise to keep a healthier body (healthier blood circulation) this plus eating healthy. Tbh I also feel like bad when I don't go for a week so for a start, you can go at least 3 times a week then go to 4 times. Ideally it should be at least 4 times a week.
 
What you may also find helpful (I know I did) is picking an area where there are not a lot of people, or maybe going at a time when you find it is less crowded just until you get comfortable.

I always choose ellipticals/treadmills etc that are in the back and kind of "isolated" so that way I knew there was a lesser chance of people looking at me :)
 
I felt the same way. However after a day or two you get used to the exercises. You can watch workouts on youtube to learn proper form and exercises. Here are the good channels I like to watch everyday :
-physiquesofgreatness
-legendsofaesthetics.
-luimarco
-thetigerfitness
-kalimuscle
-ct fletcher
-hodgetwins. Those twins are super funny.
It's easier than you think. Some gyms have stickers on each machine indicating how to use it. Your confidence will go up as you start increasing the weights. Good luck!
 
i was the operations manager for a local gym chain for 3 years, i did it all there from selling memberships to chasing the steamroom bandit (weird swarthy gay guy who used to post on CL about casual encounters in our steam room and sauna lol...whatever ppl do in their home is what they do...not in my gym!) anyways, one of the things we were taught on how to sell memberships was to grab on to the five potential fears of a new member. fitness anxiety was one, which also fell in with physical insecurity. like oh man all these dudes, chicks whatever are so ripped i have no clue what im doing, im going to stick out...

nothing to worry about man. EVERYONE feels like that to an extent, thats why gym membership sales capitalized on it. you go in and do the things you know, if you see someone doing an exercize you want to learn and dont feel comfortable asking them, ask a trainer. many gyms give a few free training sessions so they can try and sell you personal traning sets, but most trainers are more than happy to share, its what they get paid to do. the fact that you are in the gym is great, so many ppl say ohh this will be the year i get to the gym...and they never do. but youre in there and want to make a change, tells me you are ahead of the pack.

just like in life there is more than one road to your destination. if thats with machine weights or free weights or combinations of things, i cant say, thats for you to find out. but one of the benefits in asking a trainer is you will most likely get a well rounded answer, where as johhny fitness nut over there doing dips with that crazy leather harness on his head attached to 45lb plates probably wont know much about lower body toning lol. now if you want to shred you lats and delts and not be able to put your arms to your side, then yeah hes probably the dude to talk to lol. at some point those ppl didnt know those things, and its not like their first try they mastered it. so keep that in mind. people were always really accepting of fellow fitness enthusiasts, no matter the person who is getting on the treadmill after years of inactivity, or the ppl that do 2x a days and would spend more time in that place than i did, and i was the manager lol. good luck to you. def a right choice.
 
A lot of gyms offer a complimentary session with one of their trainers. Or at least someone to show you how to use all of the different machines. You should ask at the front desk, or just try bringing up the fact that you're new to the gym and you're wondering if someone could train you on the equipment.

If you go to group fitness classes, you can just follow what other people do, which takes some of the awkwardness out of it. Also its good for learning some combinations of things to do at the gym next time you go alone.

Like others above said, most people at the gym aren't looking at other people, they're focusing on their workout. And even if they do look at you, who cares? You're all there for the same reason, to work on your body. Everyone has a first day or is a beginner at something. Don't worry about it :) What's the worst thing that can happen? People think you don't know what you're doing? Well, you don't! So that's how you should look! Who knows, maybe it will lead to someone coming up to you and asking if you need help. :)

Maybe make it your goal to try one new machine each time you go. Watch someone else do it first, read the instructions on the machine (if there are any) or ask someone who's using it currently if you can rotate in with them and if they could help show you how to do it correctly. The gym is a good place to meet people and find a workout buddy!
 
Ask the gym to make a program for you, tell them you want an instructor to take you around and show you what the machines do etc. They will ask you your goals and make a program that will work for you :).

Can you not get a friend to go with you (even if you buy them a weeks membership) - get to find out what the machines are / how they work and then when you go alone your not left scratching your head wondering what the hell is this. If your really out of shape don't try and do too much at the start or you will get sick and simply not go back - 30mins walk 3 times a week is great for general fitness. Do 30 mins on the threadmill or some other cardio machine then 'anything' on top of that is a bonus. Do some leg curls or extensions one night, next time do some arms/shoulder and just build your routine from there.

Start with the resistance machines and don't just guess what weight you can do - (lower weights with more reps at the start seems to be the general advice).

The 'peak' times can be a blessing in disguise if your feeling awkward as its easier to blend into the crowd and much easier to ask somebody just as out of shape as yourself how to work the machine - the quiet times can be a bit more intimidating (depending on the person/gym).
 
Once one starts exercising, the natural chemicals in the brain tend to start flowing, leading to feelings other than 'awkwardness'.
 
soul mate said:
Once one starts exercising, the natural chemicals in the brain tend to start flowing, leading to feelings other than 'awkwardness'.
Click to expand...

What so going to the gym before going to the gym is your solution to overcome the awkwardness ?
 
Bearlove said:
What so going to the gym before going to the gym is your solution to overcome the awkwardness ?
Click to expand...
No. If one encounters a feeling analogical to 'awkwardness' when considering going to the gym (or if first entering the gym), then bearing with the initial 'awkwardness' until it subsides (emotions and feelings change over the course of a workout) through exercise would be the solution in my opinion.
 
thanks for the input guys, i had started a detailed response to all of the input that you gave me but accidentally deleted it via copying and pasting something else.

anyways, i've gone to the gym the past two days and left early the first because of some stomach stuff. it wasn't bad but i felt a little out of place, i don't have the matching gym clothes or anything and kind of felt like a scrub because i hadn't showered yet out of the intentions of getting sweaty. i went again today and hit a cardio machine and proceeded to hit the machines. it felt really good to be able to see my muscles showing through the pudge that has been accumulating but i've still got a loooot of cardio and toning to go before i get to where i want. thanks to what you guys have give me to work with, my early experiences have been pretty good and i'm glad to say i'll probably go back for more either tomorrow or the day after.

don't be surprised if i start hacking your guys's workouts for ideas, thanks again.
 
No problem pastel our pleasure;)

Since you are just starting, I suggest that you rest tomorrow and go the day after tomorrow so that you give your leg muscles more time to recuperate. IME, I felt really exhausted by exercising 5 straight days and have not given my body enough time to rest.

But if you are going to do another type of exercise and rest your cardio training, you can probably do some simple crunches or weights/dumbell exercises and then do the cardio exercise the next day.
 
Stomach problems usually means there aren't enough calories in your body pre-workout. Your muscles make more demands of your GI when you're working out.

As for the awkwardness, I've experienced it before. I'm not overweight, I started off really skinny, and I felt just as self-conscious. I think we've all been brainwashed by the media to believe that a certain image = attractive and healthy, but the truth is that healthy can look different for different people.

One thing though... I used to work out in a part of town that was like mini-hollywood, so everyone was into their lululemon outfits (*barf*) and being little tight asses while they exercised. I ended up changing gyms. I'm not a big fan of the corporate workout centres because the same kind of people seem to visit them. Local community centres with "average" people are more up my alley. I always wear jogging pants and a loose t-shirt to the gym, no brand names. I just can't care less.

I also agree with what others said... other patrons at gyms are usually so focused on themselves they don't care about what you look like.
 
I am a little nervous any time I go to a new gym but I have always remembered one thing my father said to me : " You know that saying: Dance like no one is watching? Work out the same way." Basically most gym people are watching them selves or their mates at the gym and not paying attention to any one else except the hot chick in skin tight spandex. As long as you aren't the guy screaming with every rep no one will care what you are doing, just relax and focus on your form so you get the best out of your work out and bollocks what any body else thinks.
 
the best thing to to initially is go with someone who has experience, and follow their routine. eventually you can tweak it and develop your own, but going with someone is important because it provides clarity, and they will motivate you.

and second, is to actually develop your routine, and STICK with it. this will be your contract, it gives you a goal and you just do it regardless of how you feel.

for example, my routine is like this.
Day 1: chest, traps, abs
1st circuit: chest workout, trap workout, abs workout
2nd circuit: a different workout for each
3rd circuit: a different workout for each

Day 2: triceps, biceps, back, shoulders
3 circuits of different workout for each

Day 3:
Legs: squats, calf raises, and various machines.

i also go on the bike machine as often as possible. you can add your "off" days either every other work out, or after you complete your cycle. just remember rest is important, but the more you workout the more profress you see. i think this is especailly when it comes to weight loss/cardio workouts.

Also, don't ever be shy to ask another person how to use a peice of equipment. gym staff or other patrons, chances are they are more than happy to help.

stick with it!
 
^ 100% true! Lol no.
I look at guys cause I'm curious about how much they lift and how good their form is. And damn there are some super sexy girls in there!
 
I am quite lucky that I go to a company gym across the street so people that go there are not super crazy gymaholics but there are a few lol.
 
You don't need a gym to get fit.

I thought people only went to gyms for fb check-ins and to pose in front of the mirrors?
 
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