Embarrased to Lift weights in the gym with the seasoned lifters...yes i'm a newbie...

[vixenbabe]

This has to be the #1 reason WHY most women do NOT lift...They are afraid of what other's will say, or worse YET,fear that other's will laugh at 'em. You gotta start somewhere though!

Shut it allll out...Learn proper form, watch the big guys and gals in your gym- ask QUESTIONS! I've eaten enough humble pie to live on for a lifetime!

 

[Puddles]

I felt the same way for years. But now I realize that EVERYONE started somewhere. Most of the best built guys and women in the gym are the nicest people too. If they're offering to correct your form, listen to them. If they see you in there regularly, they will see that you're trying and they'll be more willing to help ya. Most people go around the same time every day so you may start seeing the same faces. And remember...this is fun work, enjoy what you're in there doing!!!

 

[FitFossil]

Your workout is just as important as anyone else's. After you've been there awhile, you'll see just how bad most people's form really is, even though they strut around like they're hot stuff.

If you can, spend the $$ for a few sessions with a trainer. Proper form is everything, both for progress and injury prevention. Having someone familiarize you with the equipment and its proper use will help a lot to make you feel more confident.

While nothing compares to real-life coaching, here's a link to a great site that demonstrates exercises: http://www.exrx.net/Exercise.html Look under the section Workout Templates and then the individual muscle groups. Click on specific exercises to see a demonstration video of that exercise.

 

[wilson6]

A good trainer will get you around the gym.

I get mixed responses when I offer advice. A few are offended, some are grateful and some become clients.

W6

 

[MsBeverlyHills]

everyone gave you great advice... I would only add not to listen to those "huge guys" trying to correct your form... my first trainer was this huge powerlifter that tore my rotator cuff w/heavy shoulder work I wasnt ready for.

go at your own pace... & it might help to post your workout here & youll get some good feedback.

 

[Brandee]

damn, thanx for the good responses!

well as far as my WO i was going to follow the
whole Bodyfor life book for twelve weeks and
than maybe step it up a notch....

actually i will be at basic training for the airforce in
like eight weeks.....

do you ladies think that i could tone up a bit...
in eight weeks...

i mean this is going to Shock my body so i should
see some improvement in tone and stuff...right?

thanx again.
you guys are super helpful.

 

[nbusch1128]

I am very lucky, we have 4 gyms on the base where I am stationed. I go to one of the small gyms that no one like to go to because it doesn’t have all the neat equipment. Since there is only one trainer at each gym, he is able to work with me much closely. It is funny though, sometimes I will see guys come in the gym and that obviously don’t have a clue as to what they are doing. They are swinging dumbbells around and not using proper techniques. Just because you see these guys in the gym, doesn’t mean they know what they are doing. There is a lot to be said about educating yourself. I know I have spent more time reading and studying about bb then I have spent in the gym, but I am just starting out.

 

[Citruscide]

Piss on anyone that looks at you weird, they all were in the same boat you were at one time, probably not that long ago.

That is a new one.

Basically, anyone who has the audacity to look down on you because you are new and might not know the form on certain exercises, is a piece of shit asshole/bitch. I remember starting out lifting, I couldn't even bench 135lbs and I weighed 160. I am ALWAYS willing to help people who need it, but am always scared to offer up the advice.

Never be afraid to ask "what does that exercise do?" if you see someone doing something that you think might work for you. If they are a dickhead about it, go ask a trainer what they think.

Getting a trainer when you don't know much about working out is always a great first step. Getting 10 sessions or so to learn the ropes, visiting this board (and the training board), and asking questions is the way to learn.

NEVER EVER let someone intimidate you into not working out...

C-ditty

 

[BatZgirl]

Focus

Try, when you go to gym to be 100% Focused on your training! Who cares if you're surrounded by huge big bodybuilders as long as you perform your exercises with FOUCUS and PRECISION they will never ever look down on you.

People who have been training for years, usually mock newbies who walk into the gym with huge 'heads' and lift 100KG weights to show off and cant even lift them.

Good Luck

 

[grlpwrd]

Well, I met my husband when I first started working out in our college's gym and that's how he and I became friends so it's not all that bad.

Yes, I agree with the others who have suggested hiring a personal trainer, especially if it is all new to you. That way you can make sure you are doing the exercises correctly. Plus, you will have a good base in case you get advice that is incorrect or could possibly set you up to get injured. Remember, knowledge is power.

Good luck!