Weight Room Fear
Ever since I have started weight lifting I have had a few hand DBs at home, different weights or was lifting at my old gym which was like a cheap little whole in the wall where not to many people were there at one time. I’m now starting to go to the gym at the YMCA in abingdon, md around the corner from where my parent’s live huge difference. How do you kick the nervousness more so than fear of going over and lifting weights with the big boys and exp gals? Not feeling like they are waiting for you to idk make a mistake or something idk lol.
June 7, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Grit your teeth and go anyway. It is all in the attitude. Act like you belong there. For all they know you worked out there all along and just changed times.
June 7, 2008 at 6:36 pm
First, read magazines like Oxygen and Muscle and Fitness Hers-cover to cover. They do a GREAT job of explaining how to do excercises with free weights and machines, in detail. And bb.com has videos of how to perform excercises, so you can actually SEE what you are supposed to do. For some, starting with machines is a way to get your feet wet.
But ultimately, just GO to the gym, get in your zone, and practice. Let go of any inhibitions. feel like I started getting the best results when I stopped worrying about everyone else, how I looked, or the sounds I made. LOL!
June 7, 2008 at 7:16 pm
I really relate to your post. Kept me out of the gym. I started out at Curves for Women - best move I ever made that and joining Weight Watchers. When I had the self-confidence and was more fit I segued into a regular gym by hiring a personal trainer. He introduced me to the equipment and the form for the various exercises. This gave me the confidence I needed and helped me build a physique safely.
Now days when I go into the gym I am not intimidated because I can see that most of the folks there have no clue what they are doing and I really could care less what those folks think.
June 16, 2008 at 8:27 pm
I totally understand where you’re coming from. If you have anybody who knows how to lift to go to the gym with that would be excellent! If you don’t - well then follow one of the other’s suggestion: read oxygen or some other mag/book to make sure you get the right form and some good choices. I’ve found lots of videos on certain exercises right here on our Board. Just keep going - stay consistent and the next thing you know - you are going to be part of the crew. You will get the nod when you walk by and as you make progress you earn respect. You’re doing great! Keep up your efforts.