this is ridiculous but is anyone else uncomfortable at the gym?

[b fold the truth]

I remember when I started in the gym. I had the heart...but not the know how or the body. Was sick at the time. 6'2", 152lbs...and a naturally big framed kid. People laughed at me when I worked out because I killed myself doing all the exercises that everyone else was afraid to do. I remember those 220lb monsters laughing at me when I was going to failure on squats every week. What was a little punk like me killing myself for? Because I had a goal in my mind and nothing could stop me...not even the people staring or laughing at me.

I look at the same 220lb guys now..now that I weigh close to 290...and laugh at them inside.

Once I got bigger and stronger, people would stare at me again in the gym. They thought that I was crazy for working out so hard. I'd bang my forehead agaisnt the squat bar till blood ran down my face before a set of heavy squats. It was just my intensity. I got to where I started wearing long sleeves in the gym and longer shorts so people would not stare at my legs or anything else. Flannel became my friend. Funny...the one time in a million when I'd go in the back room and strip down to my short shorts...people would come back there in amazament and look at my legs..saying "man...your legs don't look near that big or lean when you are wearing longer shorts." I just laugh...

Keep working girl...pay no mind to others in the gym. Keep your mind in the gym...that's where it belongs.

Good luck

B True

 

[americkan woman]

You can do it, small. Just keep in mind that there are a lot of variations on the deadlift---know which style you want to use, learn the form, and practice using no weight. Put plates on gradually over the first several weeks and if you get into some heavy lifting, you will be amazed at how quickly you can put some mass on that frame of yours. Uma would be scared of you!

 

[strongchick]

fear of gyms is why...Women's Workout World came to be....pink dumbells and vinyl and all!

Speaking of which...did you ever go into a Women's Workout World and they had that nasty yellow lump of rubber that represented a pound fat on a woman's rump? Pink vinyl to the rescue!!

 

[poohbear]

Worried about other's looking at your butt? It sounds like you're talking about stiff leg deadlifts. You can put your rump towards the wall, but you have to be careful at what type of top you're wearing that day. Your melons might get the attention of others.

Most gyms usually offer a free tour of the machines. Unfortunately, you don't get the same offer for free weights. Take a muscle toning (aerobics) class that utilize free (light) weights. You'll be able to learn proper form on some moves in there.

On stiff leg deads, make sure that you don't lock your knees. That'll only cause you to loose blood circulation to the lower legs and you'd probably fall (loose balance). Abs nice and tight, shoulders back and slightly down, and chest out. Try not to round your back when you go down. Focus on proper form and not the guy checking out your bum.

Regular deads require more patience to master. Powerlifters will show (tell) you to spread your legs as wide as you can. You might see them do that because they want a really short range of motion coming up for the lift. Since you're not power lifting, it's best to utilize the greatest range of motion that you can possible get. Start of with a naked bar. Legs shoulder (or slight farther) width apart. Use an under/over grip outside of the legs. Abs tight, shoulder back and slightly down, chest slightly out. It's like standing to attention. Look forward or slightly up. Keep bar close to you and lift straight up. I use talc powder on my thighs and knees so that I don't get a rug burn from the heavy weight. I would expand more on the form, but I can't even try it right now, because I'm 9 mos pregnant.

Do ask others for training tips, but check out their form. Even the handsome ones don't know what they're doing and will never admit to it. Just think if the movement looks natural. Is the joint suppose to move that way? Why is he arching his back like that? Are you suppose to lift your tail on the bench? What muscle is he working?....

good luck

 

[absolute hardgainer]

Now, as a guy I felt I just had to respond to this thread...

A few weeks ago, whilst in the gym, a woman who was new had apparent difficulties, similar to the ones you described small. She didn't know how to use some of the machines and she seemed quite uncomfortable.

I could see at a glance that she could use some help with getting started on some of the exercises, but I didn't want to go over there and offer assistance just yet, seeing that she seemed quite self-conscious and perhaps even embarrassed.

Anyway, the ice kind of broke by itself when she dropped an EZY bar making a loud noise. I looked over to her, with a smile and she looked back embarrassed so I just said: "Hi, are you all right there...?" and she said: "Actually, can you show me how to do this...ahhh french press... ahh?"

Needless to say I was over there without a second to loose, I took her through her entire routine and even spend 30 minutes longer in the gym. Now - before anyone starts thinking, no, I did NOT hit on her or act like she didn't know what she was doing in any condescending, patronizing way. I was just happy I could be of assistance.

So what? Well, I think most guys, even gay ones, would be more than happy to give you a hand. I don't think I would ever not help somebody out in the gym who asked me, unless I wasn't able to.

So, I'd say you should listen to Phenomena and do exactly that. Ask a guy for help, not every guy will necessarily come up to you and offer his assistance - some of us are kind of shy in that department. Especially since a lot of people don't like being helped or offered advice. Ask a guy to give you a hand, and I bet he'll give you an arm and a leg and whatever else, too. And if he turns out to be a jerk you can still tell him to buzz off later.

hardgainer (just my two cents)

 

[poohbear]

Hardgainer,

You're a true gentleman.

 

[tripleV]

I feel this way sometimes too which is why I wear a ca and noone can really see my face. hee hee plus I wear a walkman just in case anyone feels they want to talk and I don't.
I had once posted to try and find a workout partner in my area but to no avail. I thought it would be motivating to work out with another strong chick, instead of my husband....not the same!

 

[absolute hardgainer]

Thank you, poohbear.

hardgainer (I try)

 

[dieslgrl]

find yourself

I suggest either find yourself a buff (and cute) guy to show you around... OR (I like the 2nd suggestion better) JUST DO IT!! who gives a damn if anyone would have a different opinion of you for how you look doing squats... Get down and dirty with the gym... get in there during slow times, and do all the things that make you feel funny... then eventually get in there during the busiest times and BE CONFIDENT!! If you are screwing up, someone who really cares and knows their shit will help... or just ask a trainer if you don't have a clue... Even if you have to *act* confident at first, the circle will continue, and you will eventually LOVE working out and proud of all that you do in the gym... who gives a shit?! at least your not at home eating potato chips... right?

Good luck and keep that head up!

Dieslgrl

 

[LeviathanX]

This might sound inconsiderate, but I don't think you should interrupt someone in the middle of their workout for advice. Interrupt them when they go for a drink of water or something, and try to be succint in your questions. I'd be more than happy to help out someone in the gym who has a question, but it is annoying to have people come up to you a couple of times during a workout asking some question where you know you have to go over and show them the in's and out's.