Gym Newbie
I’ve only told a few people so far, but I have this goal. Next semester I will be on campus for all days of the week. I am going to hate this! But I think I will have a long break between classes on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays. This made me think…maybe I could sneak off to the campus gym and squeeze in a workout? I will have to really see how my days are when I start the semester, but that would be my goal!
Oh and I don’t want to play with just the cardio machines, I want the strength machines! See, I can do cardio at home, easy! I have several cardio centered workout videos. However, although I am increasing my library on strength dvds I am still lacking in equipment. Right now my highest weight is 8 pounds and I might get 10s for christmas. But to buy more is going to be too expensive! So I figured I could use the free weights and weight machines at school gym and then cardio at my home on other days.
So that is the plan, but here is my fear. Gym class was never my favorite class in high school! I hated it…people picked on me, I couldn’t keep up, nor did I even understand the things they did. Why was I “out” after not hitting a baseball? Then last fall I had to take a PE class in college. It was required…it was awful. I had been exercising since that summer but everytime I sat in that class I was scared! I have no idea why…we again had to walk/run the dreaded mile. Then one day we got to workout in the gym…oh what fun that was!
I was still 250-260 pounds and doing Curves. I thought Curves was the best workout ever and I just wanted to ride the bike in class. But the teacher said no, I had to participate in her boot camp circuit…so I tried. Now Curves was still very hard for me, but I think if I had not started Curves and working out on my own, this workout would have been alot harder!
I got on the stepper and figured out how to work it…but then she told me to go faster and I was going as fast as I could. Then we had to do things like lunges (which I had no idea how to do those), jump rope and jacks, and other weight machines. Apparently I mixed up machines and did the wrong one and I think that made her mad. Then the treadmill went crazy on me!
Not the best workout…I think I am scarred for life?
So I have many fears going into this. I am a gym newbie! I liked Curves because I was comfortable and confident with that workout. There were no mirrors there!
I guess I am afraid of many things. What if they think my workout is weird? When doing my own routine or a dvd with a bad warm-up I start out by doing things like arm circles, arm crosses, toe touches, and jogging. What if they think that is weird? What if I lose balance and fall while doing my lunges? What if people think it is weird to do static lunges? What if they think I have a big butt when I squat? 
Or, what if I look big in the mirrors? I am sure I do…what if I end up on youtube.com? lol and then there are workout fears like what if I don’t know how to use these machines but am afraid to ask? How do I know how much weight I should lift and reps I should lift? What if people see me doing things wrong and pick on my form behind my back?
So…I want to take this jump and “leave the nest” so to speak. But what if I spread my wings to fly only to realize I don’t have wings yet?
Things I can control to make myself feel better:
I found a cute workout outfit because Nancy inspired me to look good while working out! It is pink pants (like yoga) and a cute pink & gray shirt and a pink jacket. I think if I look good, I will feel more confident.
I figured I don’t have to start out with strength at the gym. I know and trust the stationary bike, I could use the bike a few days to get used to being in the gym…maybe that would improve my confidence?
I also don’t need to start out immediately. I can go to my 10 pounds, and I have Jillian’s No more trouble zones as well as the Biggest loser strength workout. I could follow these a few months and increase my knowledge of strength training with free weights. Therefore, when I get to the gym I will be able to remember some exercises that I can do with the dumbbells.
And lastly if I am worried about trying new exercises, at least with the dumbbells, I can always keep one day of strength at home to try new strength exercises where no one can see me. Then I can always practice these before doing them at the gym?
Sorry if this was long! If you are still reading, thanks! 
So, were you worried or nervous working out at the gym? What were your experiences as a gym newbie and how did you adjust?
Hey kitty kat, I have to run to my Pilates class and gym. I want to read your blog, when I come back. I gave you a shout out in my blog.
TTYL!!
Oh, sweet friend, I wish I had your phone number! First, DO NOT be scared about being scared!
The gym is *terrifying*…the first time. I did a ton of research on the Obesity Institute’s website and the most important thing I learned was: Everybody has the same right to work out and be healthy, no matter their skill level or appearance! My concern was my size; you sound more concerned about the other. I found it helpful to practice exercises at home first, and plan my workout. I used the Mayo guide to exercise, for instance. Anyway, You can do this! Use the resources you need, and remember–somebody is always starting out! Just the fact you’re already working on your schedule is amazing! I am so happy for you and this decision. Lots more to say, but I’ll shut up now! 
Thanks guys!
Yeah I think that everyone has the right. I also know that to some I know alot, but compared to others I know nothing…meaning we all have our level of knowledge.
I think after going once you will be fine BUT there WILL be skinny girls there working out so don’t be scared.
Those skinny girls r gonna wish they could do what you can do. I do believe you will be fine!
screw everyone else there!!!!!!! go and do your thing!!!! you can def do it!
I was scared too. But you know? every one feels that way, and you are all there to work hard. And if someone doesn’t like what you are doing, so what! You do what is right for you. Hey, if I can do it, you can
I think that is a great plan Dagny!! I know you will be fine doing it, but I do understand your fears…I have them too. That is why I am still working out at home or at my office!!! You have gained a lot of knowledge about working out, so yea..go & do your thing!! You will do GREAT!!
I think no matter how many times you’ve been in any gym, when you atart at a new one that fear always comes back. I haven’t worked out a single day since we moved because I’m afraid of what these new people here will be thinking. I totally get you. I would say, go for the day one on the bike and get a feel for the gym atmosphere. I like the idea of having a plan, a set up in your head of what you want to do, what weights/machines you want to hit. On that day you are there scoping it out on the bike, try and observe others working out and try to observe the trainers or people who are there who can help you figure out some of the machines. Once you get comfortable you will love it so much and you may find a surprise…. others coming up to YOU to ask for help! Remember you’re not that big girl anymore, you are one of the skinny girls! You can do it and you will love it, I just know it!!!
oOoo! a mid-day workout! working out halfway through your school day is a great boost to get you through the entire day (esp. if your lectures are typically loooong, drudging, classes that aren’t at the top of your lists of interesting topics/or u have boring, mono-tone, slow talking, snore-fest inducing professors…) or at least, that was my experience…
I know we have talked about most of this. You know what I thought when I went to the gym the other night. The class had mirrors and I wasn;t always able to hide behind someone. “I’m the fattest person in the class and everyone is staring at me”. After I was like what a idiot you at 65 pounds lighter and you would NOT have been able to do this 6 months ago.
You have came so far. You are so knowledgeable, i’m jealous. You will have great workouts. I know you will plan everything :P… I think you will have a great time and the feeling will go away.
Oh, so many worries. But you have to realize you are doing this for you. So what of others. Most people won’t really care. They will be in there becaseu they are working towards a goal, or they are like you and are a newbie. But remember you are doing this for you.