Just joined a gym, ive had a treadmill in my house for the last 4 months, but i am now ready for some weights.
It was my first day at the gym today and my self confidence is low anyway, but i just have the feeling that people are staring at me, and sniggering.
Can people who are at the gym let me know what to do and what there first few trips were like ?
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The last time I regularly went there was a strange guy I used to see - he had a massive 'personality' and used to strut around the changing rooms naked - obviously very proud of himself.
@bedsaddick @Leroy Ambrose
Ive kind of tied myself down to a yearly membership as i feel i need to do it.
And ive just gone for it, otherwise i never would of done it.
Does having a partner help ?
it's extremely rewarding when u begin to notic ea difference.once you start going regularly you'll feel stressed without it, so my advice would be not to worry about those that think they're all that and strut around proudly. Do your own think, and keep trying to increase the amount you do.
I know I'm a mess so fully expect stares but realy don't care as its about getting healthier
Do your thing and stop being paranoid. You'll be fine
Whatever you do, stick to it. There's nothing like watching yourself gradually get into shape, I can definitley see why some people obsess with the gym. Also, what you do at your resting period between training is where you get 80% of the improvements from. Eat right and sleep right and you will see improvements quicker than 3-4 months. In terms of cardio, remember the heart is a muscle and needs rest, go every 2-3 days at first and then once you get used to that go every other day. Good luck!
Am a fitness instructor/personal trainer
1. Well done in going to gym in first place
2. As others say doesn't matter what others are doing. Everyone's body is different and people within a gym are at differing stages of their training. Most well meant advice is usually very poor, unfortunately because most gym users don't really know what they're doing. In my experience the majority of men train very poorly. (too heavy, too quick, poor range of movement etc, etc)
3. Work out exactly what you want to/are trying to achieve and get an instructor to work out a program for you. Don't be afraid to ask the instructor for his/her reasoning of the program. Some I'm afraid are inexperienced and tend to follow current trends/vogues. If they are unable to explain the reasoning then seek out a more knowledgeable/experienced instructor.
4. At all costs, resist training too heavy weights to start with. You will get injured and set yourself back considerably. The body has to gain gradual condtioning/strength and lay the foundations down. It would be akin to building a house on swampy ground.
5. Write down your times, sets,reps, weights, etc, so you can chart your progress
6. Good luck
7. As said, ---- everybody else
If the gym is half decent, ask a trainer to walk you through some exercises that target the areas you want to tone/build up etc. That'll get you confident on what you need to do & how to do it. Then you just gradually increase the weight (although they also say your routine should change often so your muscles don't get used to it, but I guess it's how serious you're taking it)
As for others looking & laughing; that's their own insecurities, trying to make themselves feel better by laughing at someone starting out. We all feel like mugs starting on the lighter weights than the heavier ones, but you've all gotta start somewhere and it won't be long until you're progressing.
& going with a mate does help, providing you both ain't trying to slack & convince eachother to leave early! You can both encourage eachother on the weights, or on the cardio etc etc.
If your gym has boxing bags, they ain't a bad thing to work out on either.
Really appreciate it, starting today .
Will do everything you say.
Gym membership even at £50 (there are many that are cheaper) is great value for money IF you go regularly.
Most home exercise equipment ends up not getting used.
If you get weights to use at home and you actually do use them, then you'll soon grow out of them as you get stronger.
I think that you'll be lucky to find a set of weights for just £20.
Resistance machines are still a great way to build muscle and can be used in conjunction with the other equipment.
Running outside is probably the most efficient form of cardio, but it does carry the greatest injury risk compared to other forms of cardio exercise. Consider the risk:benefit ratio for yourself and decide if it's the right thing for YOU. Running on a treadmill carries just as much risk as running outside, but for beginners it can work a lot better because you can accurately measure your pace and be more progressive.
However if you persist, I can honestly say that I have never sensed that the more 'ripped' members are sneering at their less defined counterparts - you get the odd meathead who spends most of his time leering at women, but as mentioned I'm no longer a member :-)
I certainly get where you're coming from re: toning up after weight loss. I always considered myself pretty lean apart from the beer gut and man-tits, but most of the weight I lost came from other areas (neck, arms, legs etc) and I've still got the age old problem of a protruding belly to work on. Still the best thing for you by far is running, so even if you want to bulk up, still do a load of running whilst you're on whatever programme it is you're doing.
Echo what the above poster said about what you do during your days off. The temptation will be to load up on protein with a supplement - don't do this. Unless you plan on lifting every day. Eat a lot - A LOT of green salad, with no dressing. You'll be amazed at how much this fills you up, and how little calories there are in a f***ing huge great bowl of it.
Well done for starting but, it's the continuation that makes the difference, keep it up never for one moment think about what others think. In a years time you'll watch as new people start (esp in January), feeling every bit as 'first day at school' as you did and you will be able to extend a welcome knowing how it feels.