Nervous about joining a gym..

I'm pretty nervous about joining a gym. I really want to exercise and lose weight, and I enjoy gym equipment. Before I moved out on my own I had access to my mom's weight bench, treadmill, and stationary bike.. but now I have a teeny tiny apartment. I'm not too worried about the price of the gym membership, I'm more concerned with the social aspect of it.

I'm pretty shy, especially when it comes to working out. I feel like because I'm so overweight that I should hide.. and that no one wants to see ME work out. I'm just very self conscious right now. Are people in gyms generally you're sterotypical jocks? I mean, I feel like I'm in high school saying this.. but they aren't going to be mean to me, are they?

It's just an idea I've been mulling over. I really want to meet new people, so I thought I might could kill two birds with one stone by joining a gym.

What's the general CC consensus on gyms?

my main suggestion would be go to a gym that caters to adults more so then college or high school age kids. Most and I stress MOST adults aren't that juvenille. I am 301 lbs so I understand the not wanting everyone to see you work out but you must do what you can for you not for them. I was a marine believe that or not so I know a bit about exercise my health went down and I became sedentary but didn't reduce what I ate so I am finally working on that now after all this time :) Good luck keep your chin up and hope you find a great place to work out!

Steve

Generally speaking, most people at the gym are just interested in getting through their routine and heading home.  Most are friendly, aside from the occasional jerk who won't share a machine or station with you. 

The trick is to get confident in your routine - know exactly what exercises you're doing - how much weight (please try to lift some weights) - get comfortable with the cycles or treadmills (the trainers can usually assist you if needed).  Don't try to do too much your first couple visits - use light weights or a slow pace until you get the hang of it.

A lot of the nervousness comes from just not knowing what to do/how to do, but that quickly passes once you get your routine down. 

Nobody's going to be mean to you. People go to gyms to work out, not to people watch. And since you already know how to work gym equipment, there's no reason to feel self-conscious at all.

You should go visit the gyms in your area before committing to one. Personally, I find gyms with younger people more inviting. And I prefer the big name "chain" gyms over the private ones, especially for socializing.

Gyms are a totally personal thing. I highly recommend your NOT joining any gym until you get a good 2 week trial out of as many different gyms as you can find.

Personally, I can't stand them. I've joined a few in my lifetime and have never gone. The gym I attend now is a martial arts dojo.

Trials are the way to go, for sure.

my experience with gyms is that most people are completely absorbed in their iPod/magazine while they work out (yes, I do see people reading magazines while on the eliptical, I don't know how they do it). There really isn't much talking. I was pretty nervous about it at first, too, but once I got there I realized its nothign to worry about. Its a bit like going to a library, really. Nobody talks...

I feel joining a gym is a good idea for so many reasons

1)Access to many equipments

2)You are going to meet people with more or less similar goals

3) It really motivates you to workout regularly after paying a huge fees (This point particularly works for me)

4) Gym is also a good socializing avenue

5) You get many workout tips and diet tips from your gym coach

I too felt very shy working out in front of others. But i got used to it.Try visiting various gyms and find the one right for you. Good luck

Speaking from experience (before I moved too far out in the country to get to a gym), and from my brothers experiences, the only time most people look at other people is to see if someone is using a machine he/she wants to use.  I'm usually too into my music, the tv, or my magazine/book to care what other people think about me, and besides, I'm there for myself, not for them.

I wouldn't worry too much about it....like everyone else has said, people will be all into what they are doing.  All I'd say is to avoid a really trendy gym-rat gym...they tend to be the expensive ones.  We have one where I live and it's full of barbies and testosterone monkeys. Plus, most of the people aren't actually there to work out, just to show off, so it has no good classes.  I joined the community gym (The YMCA) here in town and it rocks, just lots of real people, tons of weight loss support and fun classes.  Once you get in to it you'll love it, nothing kills stress dead like the gym.  Good luck!

i see all kindsa folks in the gym, old young, slim, round, everyone.

look and see if there's a planet fitness in your area, they have this "judgement free zone" slogan where they're totally against, well, judgin others.

i signed up for the cheap price & unlimited tannin & wk out there sometimes too.

people wont be mean to you i dont think.  everyone has the right to be there, more power to you for bein there.

i know what it feels like to have that social anxiety tho.

i get that way if im out of the gym for too long.

like everyone can tell i havent worked out if forever.

once you get into your routine and goin often it will disappear and you'll be just like everyone else there, takin care of business and headin home.

thats all you'll be concerned about, not what others are thinkin.

just gotta take those first steps & get out there

Def try out a few different ones to see which atmosphere you prefer.  People will be people, some rude, others helpful.

I've joined a tiny gym around the corner.  It was a little daunting at first just because it's almost all muscle-bound men or teenage boys trying to become muscle-bound men!  I think there are 3 or 4 female members, including me.

Every single person there has been so helpful and friendly.  If I'm doing something wrong, someone helps.  If I can't reach something or release something that they've screwed super tight, someone helps.  When I head to the bench press, they not only help but also encourage me to add a little more.

Good luck.

I usually go to the gym just to use the cardio equipment. I feel I get a better work out there than at home on my tredmill. But I also just do cardio cause like you im shy and there are many jocks. There is 3 separate areas of weights. The free weights are where most of the hardcore lifting people work out. then there are the standard weights that are in a more secluded back areas that seem more private. If I use weights I use those or if I work on my abs I work out there. But I like to use the cardio equipment cause its usually just women and I feel more comfortable when there are more women around than men. Thats just me. If you have one by you join a Curves. I have a smaller gym by me. I dont belong there but its called Lady of America. I dont know if their located in other areas but maybe check it out or just see what small gyms you have by your house. Good luck and remember everyone goes there for the same reason.

I get it; when I started at the gym, I felt like I didn't belong. I couldn't do a lot, but I kept plodding along. I don't know if I'll ever feel like I really belong there, but I don't mind going any more, and I've got some tips you might be able to use:

1) Watch other people exercising first. Cardio machines are easy enough, but some weight machines are really complicated--where do your legs go, do you push forward or back, etc. So before getting up/on/in a machine, wait for someone else to use it so you'll know. Any of you who've spent time at a gym, you know that machine that works your ham strings and gluts, you lay on your stomach and do curls upward with your legs. I had no idea how to use it. I stared at the little diagram, but I got on that thing totally wrong, and I couldn't get off, and I had to roll off onto the floor. I looked like such a spaz. Since, I've learned almost my entire weight-lifting routine from watching the people who are in great shape exercising.

2) When starting out, find a good time to go to the gym. At my gym, there's definitely a time when the really intense people go, when the retirees and housewives/husbands come in, when the HS and college students come in. So when I had the chance, I would choose to go when the retirees were there. I was only 19 or 20, but they were a lot less intimidating.

The 24 Hour fitness near my home has all ages and all weights.... i have seen 15 year olds with and without their parents, thirty-somethings like myself, and 85 year old grandpas. I have also seen too-skinny bodies, as well as overweight patrons... and EVERYWHERE in between!! I have never witnessed anyone gawking at someone who is overweight. I think there are all types of people that need fitness, and it shows courage and strength nomatter what your size when you go to the gym.

Do you have a freind that belongs to the same gym that you can go with the first few times to check it out? Many gyms offer a free 7 or 14 day trial, that also might be helpfull in seeing if a particular gym has the equipment that you like to use and feel comfortable on.

Also... if you are a costco member they have a special that you can get 2 years for $297. for 24 Hour fitness with no signup fees... you just buy the card at costco and bring it into 24 Hour fitness

If I look at someone who is over weight at the gym, I just feel happy for them, that at least they have made an effort rather than all those who sit in front of their tellies laughing at simpsons when their life is pretty much like that. Anyone who can enter a gym and try to make a difference to their life has a lot of respect in my eyes. Just think if you had been to the gym 6 months back you wouldnt have to put this forum article, and if you dont go to gym today you will realise in another 6 you will be staring down this article with the same unhappiness rather than the confidence you can get by loosing weight. Its just 6 months mate, as Tom Cruise said "Its a hockey season"

Dont give up and enjoy

Believe me, the people at the gym are pretty much focused on their own thing. They're not thinking about you at all.

Go to the gym, take a look around and interview them.  Gyms are great places.  there are many different body types there.  We are all there to better ourselves.  If you can, hire a personal trainer.  You will be concentrating so much on what she says and proper form that you wont have time to be self-conscious. 

Everyone is at a different level and no one judges.  We all started somewhere and we remember that place.

The people there will be more concerned over their workout than yours.  Still I understand that it could be a little nerve wracking when going for the first time.  I would suggest trying to find a smaller gym.  My old gym was small and run by a religious organization so it was not for profit and the fees were great. The patrons for the most part were overweight themselves like me or bigger or they seniors so it definetely helped with not feeling so self conscious... Although some of those seniours kicked my butt on those cardio machines lol!  Also, depending on the time of day you will have different types of people at the gym.  If you can go during the morning or afternoon the younger crowd will be lesser because they'll likely be in school. 

It's a big step to join a gym for the first time - especially if you don't know what to expect - so I can understand your nerves.

1) Shop around and - yes (as suggested already) ask for trials at the different locations to see which atmosphere you like the most. Make sure you attend the gym during your trial runs.

2) If you are new to weight lifting/exercise in general I would strongly recommend seeing if they have orientations available so that educated staff can show you the proper form on the equipment (form is SO important and I wouldn't risk injury by watching other people perform exercises - they may not be doing it right!). Consider investing in a personal trainer to get you started and make you feel more comfortable as you get used to your new surroundings. They sound expensive but they are definitely worth the investment (especially as a newbie)

3) Go visit the gyms at the time/day you would normally be working out. Is the equipment you would use available? Is it way too busy and congested? Take note because this is a good indication of how it will be when you want to get your work out in!

4) Check out fitness classes and schedules to see if they have a variety of beginner suitable classes at times that suit you! Classes are a great way to meet people since often there are 'regulars' attending and you will get to know people there easier by chatting before/after the class rather than just jumping around from machine to machine.

Good luck on your first gym! I hope you love it!

Great suggestions so far.   Can't advise anything better than getting a free trial.  You can check out the equipment, the atmosphere, the staff, the change rooms etc.   I don't think you could have said it any better though than,

"and that no one wants to see ME work out" 

At the gym I go to, Goodlife in Canada, no one seems to pay any attention to anyone else, unless they know each other already.  Random conversations don't seem to start much because everyone is so intent on working out and there for a purpose and it's definitely not social.  No one wants to see you work out, or anyone else...lol..it's just the nature of the beast.   When I first hit the gym at 220 I admit that although my self confidence has always been good, even at 240, I did wonder while on the treadmill, if people behind me were enjoying watching the rolls roll sort of thing.   I forgot about it quickly and focused on my workout and watching the tv's just ahead of me..

Don't worry about it, just get in there and start working out hard!!!

The gym I go to has a bit of everything. We've got huge muscular people trying to maintain their bodies, chubby people working on fat burning, skinny people toning and building up or working out to stay slim. And I usually don't talk to people other than an occasional question about whether or not a machine is free, and it's been fine.