Day 8 again - Just a babe in the woods
To me, the middle of the gym area was a deep, dark, mysterious forest of machines and free weights where the experienced spent time. It all looked Greek to me and although I’ve used some of the basic machines before, I didn’t understand what to do with everything else and left it alone. I did my exercises on the outskirts (the gym ‘burbs??) where no one spent time and so I was free of pressure and did as I pleased.
Now, I’m in the midst of that forest of machines.
On Saturday, I didn’t even finish my workout because I got to exercises where I had to use machines I’d never used before. The gym was getting crowded at that point and I started feeling pressured and flustered to know precisely how to use something so I could do my thing quickly and get off in time for someone else to use it.
I did what I knew how to do already and skipped anything that required me to stand at the machine and fiddle around with it to figure out how it worked.
Yesterday, the gym had a sprinkling of geeks and elderly people. I felt like I was in my element and was relaxed enough to take my time at some of the machines I’ve never used before to read the instructions carefully because if I didn’t, the label said I could get an injury that could result in DEATH…yes, it was written in capital letters….what a great incentive to get people to work out. (haha, I’m not that geeky, btw….I didn’t read the instructions carefully, I just fiddled with the machines and figured it out).
Let’s back up for a minute. While doing my 10 minute warmup on the treadmill, I scoped out the gym and made note of the different machines. There was one guy who obviously worked out a lot (no geek), so I watched how he used some of the machines. Then there was an obvious geek who was using a lat machine in such a manner that I knew couldn’t be right because the day before I saw a couple of beefcakes use it and they didn’t sit on it the way he did with their heads bent back at a 90 degree angle looking at the ceiling.
He was obviously not using proper form, but it was fun to watch. Then I watched him get up and smile for no reason….or maybe he was grimacing?
Anyway, so now I feel more comfortable in the big bad gym.
Meal 1: 2 whole eggs
1 cup cooked oatmeal
Meal 2: 5 oz. chicken
1 cup green beans
10 almonds
Meal 3: 30g protein powder
1 tbs peanut butter
Meal 4: 4 oz. lean ground turkey
large spinach salad with 1 tbs olive oil and red wine vinegar
Meal 5: 8 egg whites
October 8, 2008 at 4:25 am
I remember that feeling in the beginning. The big bad wolf was waiting behind the stairmaster! Check out the exercise page at bb.com and there are videos showing how to use equipment for all kinds of routines.
October 8, 2008 at 5:13 am
Don’t fall into the trap that all "beefcakes" know what they are doing either. I’ve seen alot that have horrible form, but just push so hard (or have genetics on their side) they end up gaining muscle despite themself.
Don’t be intimitated, everyone has to start at some point. Ask people if you don’t know, sure looks better than not doing it at all.
October 8, 2008 at 5:14 am
Oh, but avoid the DEATH machines at all cost
October 8, 2008 at 5:18 am
Good point about the beefcakes. True.
I don’t know about avoiding the DEATH machines. It gives me a certain thrill to push the envelope like that.
Cousin Eddie, it’s good to know you went through that too.
October 8, 2008 at 5:45 am
Everything fun has the possible result of DEATH. Be risky!
October 8, 2008 at 5:47 am
Your story made me relive my early days made me think of how far I have come, and how I thought hope no one is watching.
But the other day an aerobics instructor was asking me for lifting advice and I am not a PT, not yet anyway.
You will do fine I know it.
October 8, 2008 at 6:02 am
As a former gym employee, I’ve seen alot of bad form. And why don’t we ask for help? Before I worked at a gym, I was too intimidated to ask for help from an employee. I think it was the dude behind the counter - kinda cocky IMO. But now I know - you’re paying to use this equipment and it’s the people working there to help out those that want to be there and be fit and healthy.
October 8, 2008 at 6:29 am
Can result in death???? Oh no - I better not work out any more!!! LOL
October 8, 2008 at 7:16 am
I switch gyms because of the "beefcakes" caught up in themselves. I saw one guy on the incline bench for 45 minutes to do 3 sets. He spent so much time looking at himself it was sickening. He wasn’t even doing alot of wait. I was so pissed I walked over as soon as he finished and did 15 reps at what he finished up with then walked off. Had everyone in the area laughing at him. Study to know the correct form and do your thing.
October 8, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Gym anxiety is a very bad thing. So glad you’re much more comfortable now.
October 8, 2008 at 5:11 pm
You how they say when you feel nervous….just think of everyone around you being in thier underwear? Well at My Gym….. I have trained in my Underwear!!!….lmao Thats why I love free weights….. you know right what and not what to do! Okay you still get the Death factor too….lol
Keep on Keepin!
Real Men Have Mass!