After choosing a gym and signing up contract, it is time to go to gym. However, some beginners feel intimidated going to a fitness center or gym because of the looks they get. My friend told me that, it seems like an individual has to be slim and fit to go to gym nowadays. I know what he meant. I had the same feeling too when I first started. Going to gym alone for the first time can be frightening. You don’t know what to do, where to go and whom to talk to. You pick up the weight, but not sure what exercise to do, how many set you need and how many repetitions you should do.
1) So, I suggest that, if you have already joined a gym, ask whether any free personal training (PT) session provided. If you are entitled to free PT session, make an appointment with a trainer who can show you how to use the machines. When you know what to do, you will feel more comfortable.
2) Alternatively, go to the gym with someone you know, probably your friends or colleagues. He or she will show you around. If this person has trained for some time and willing to be your gym buddy or train together with you, by all means, grab the opportunity.
3) I also found that the small fitness centers tend to be more down to earth and less intimidating. They may be smaller, but their staffs are friendlier. One of the best gyms which I think best suit beginner over here in Malaysia is actually Clark Hatch. The trainer will help you with a simple plan to kick start your fitness program.
4) Knowing the unwritten rules or the so called gym etiquette will help too. Read the Top 13 Gym Etiquette You Must Know.
Regardless of whether you are going to a gym for the first time (similar with your first date or first kiss), you will feel self-conscious. Try not to let these feelings hold you back. Just like with work or school, you start out not knowing many people and not being sure of what to do, but, within a short time, all will change.
Going to a gym will not be too much different. The more you stick with your gym, the easier those feeling will go away. And remember, after all, fitness clubs are places to stay healthy — not beauty pageants or Olympic competitions.
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Real Womens Fitness // Nov 4, 2007 at 8:05 am
Another excellent post. I always encourage women to get into the weights room as well. Good gyms usually have a instructor or trainer floating around to help you out if you need advice etc for machines
Angie Tan // Nov 5, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Another great post!
Unfortunately, the only place where I’m still feeling intimidated at is at the weight training area. The bodybuilding guys there are just ….. (explicit here)… and they don’t want to share the place with other gals/new gym goers. I only head there when I’m with my PT. :-(
So, I end up being at the machines where there are a lot more different people of different levels there.
One Big Health Nut // Nov 5, 2007 at 9:26 pm
You are right. Many poshy fitness center (no need to mention name :) but it’s the one which charge ridiculous amount and has very elegant interior) are becoming more like fashion cat walk rather than fitness center. That can be quite intimidating for starters.
Markus // Nov 6, 2007 at 6:49 am
In my local gym everyone will get 3 personal trainings. They show you almost every exercise.
And yes, I like this post and I will subscribe to Mun Fitness today :)