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

[circusgirl]

Hmmm some of the guys offering advice will actually be pretty experienced and some will be trying to get your number .

I guess they feel more comfortable suggesting form advice to women as they are less likely to take offense (I've seen many guys post on the training board that they wish they could give some of the guys who train in their gym some good advice as to what they are doing things wrong, but are afraid it will be seen as macho posturing).

You will find that most of the serious trainers will not be looking down on you, rather they will be delighted that someone, especially a woman, is taking an interest in serious lifting and will be very positive. Remember, some of these guys have been training for 20 years and took a long time to build up to the weights they can lift now. As the coach at my club says, "even Ed Coan started out squatting 40".

Plus as you are a woman the macho "I can lift more than you" contest doesn't apply as they won't feel the need to compete with you.

People offering advice, unless they are really a PITA about it, are probably well-meaning. I'm used to this as you get feedback in martial arts from other students all the time on technique and form, I agree, at first, it can be a bit offputting if you're not used to it, but it is generally well meant.

These days I get the more experienced guys to watch my sets and critique my form and depth (for squats) (as well as bothering spatts on here, she's probably sick of me asking her questions!).

 

[circusgirl]

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.

are you being deployed to the Gulf after basic training BTW? Fingers crossed for you if yes.

 

[Nonerz]

well, you've taken a good first step by coming here for input and advice. I tend to ask a million questions, which (I think) annoys my boyfriend, but I just want to make sure that I'm using correct form and making the most of my time in the gym...I tend to get distracted and off track at times...

learn the basics and build from there...you've got a lot of great advice so far, now just go do it!

 

[bignate73]

well, you've taken a good first step by coming here for input and advice. I tend to ask a million questions, which (I think) annoys my boyfriend no it doesnt..., but I just want to make sure that I'm using correct form and making the most of my time in the gym...I tend to get distracted and off track at times...yes you doooooo.....

learn the basics and build from there...you've got a lot of great advice so far, now just go do it!

hee hee....

 

[SuperWoman]

Brandee, do not listen to any big guy in the gym who's throwing a ton of weight around. It's most likley they have no clue what they are doing. Most people in the gym (other than trainers) don't have a clue and use poor form/technique in order to throw heavy weight around to impress people. I suggest you go to a bookstore get yourself a weightlifing book and either take that to the gym and follow the directions for the exercise step by step until you learn it properly, or write it on little index cards and take that with you.

Don't be embarrassed or intimidated by taking a book into the gym. People will be intrigued by what your doing and will probably ask to borrow it. You can always wear headphones to zone them out. Change your attitude about the gym, it's not "I'm new and scared and don't know what I'm doing" it should be "I'm here to learn, to better my body, achieve my goals, who cares what these people think."

I've been lifiting for 12 years, I compete and hang with pro's and occasionaly when we work out we take books/magazines/etc to check our form and learn new exercises. Now everyone in our gym wants to know all our routines. I even have to go to a gym where people don't know me just to get an uninterrupted workout.

You don't need a trainer, if you can't afford one. You need books. Educate yourself, don't listen to anyone who is not certified.

 

[Nonerz]

while I think the books are a great learning tool, I don't think it replaces the hands on training that you get when you work out with someone that can teach you. It is very difficult (especially when you're a neebie) to "see" yourself doing the exercise. Proper form is a priority, whatever you decide to do.