Embarassed to go to the GYM

Hey...maybe you can help me out here.... What exactly do you all do at the gym??? I wouldnt' even know where to start?? Do you feel self conscious??? I feel so embarrassed to go to the gym.. ADVICE?????????????? El

They should have someone to orient you. I go to the YMCA and when I started I had an orientation to learn about some of the equipment. If you dont want them to go thru all of that just ask ffor info on the main equipment you are interested in.

I hired a personal trainer because I felt exactly the same way. The first time only I was self conscious, now I'm not at all. They tell me exactly what to do. Expensive, though. I agree that there should be somebody to show you around. Just remember- it's YOUR life and YOUR body- and you are doing this to improve yourself- that should make it a little easier to deal with. Good luck!

I go to Curves for Women. They are everywhere. It's a very supportive place with only women who are in all stages of physical fitness. I felt very welcomed there and not out of place. You should stop in one just to check it out. Jennifer

Once you get in there and know what your doing - you will be a pro. The hard part is getting there. Ask for assistance. The first day is probably going to be awkward after that - a breeze. My surgeon has a gym at his office. I think his daughter runs it. I was all set to go when I fell and injured my knee. However, I am not letting the injury get the best of me- I will be starting Physical therapy next week... Hope to get more excercise in after the PT. I commend you for the surgery as I do all of us here. Try the bike and go at your own speed and work up to where you need to be. Also a treadmill for 5 minute 10 minutes till you can work up to the rest. They have equipment and personnel just waiting to do there job and assist newbies. YOU CAN DO IT>>> I did at 276 pounds as the pounds melt off and compliments come you will be more than eager to go and do better.

I know exactly how you feel. I had a month free pass at 24Hour Fitness, went to the one, and I didnt feel comfortable and was very self conscious cuz everyone in there had a body to die for ... no lie, and I never went again!! I decided to join this weekend though, at another 24Hour Fitness which is bigger so I can blend in, I need to do this for me, and if I want to get where I need to be, I gotta do what I gotta do!! Hang in there, we can do this!!

Hi, Elizabeth I'm sure all of us feel the same. But once you start feeling good about your workouts, theres nothing in the world that can stop you later.If you feel unconfortable to go to the gym, then, just start a routine walking. Thats what I did, and now I can walk 3 miles a day. Everyday I'm adding more into my workouts. I walk every morning and go too the gym 3 times a week. I love the cardio classes that my gym has! Just start out small then work yourself up. Take care.

Start slow-- Walk on the treadmill. It is definitely worth the money to get a trainer for 2-4 sessions. If you are tight on cash and don't want to consider it on a weekly basis. Just let them know that you need them to set up your workout for you. So go in for an orientation, get a plan of attack for a month and then go back to the trainer. Alternatively, my nutritionist gave a web site that has good exercise DVD/Video. Maybe you can start that way until you are more comfortable. Getting fitter actually gives you more confidence. I know I can't keep up in the classes yet, so I just do my own thing and I feel so much better! www.CollageVideo.com

El I give a thumbs up for CURVES. I have been going since 6 weeks out. All women all sizes and shapes. They show you what to do -Its only a half an hour out of your day 3 times a week. Can't beat that. It is also not expensive at all. I have done the other gyms and this where I feel most comfortable. Heck what do I know? Hugs Pam

Elizabeth, When I joined a gym, YEARS ago, they took me to each machine I wanted/needed to do and showed me how to work it. They were available anytime I needed them. It was not as intimidating as I thought it would be. HOPE THIS HELPS! HUGS K