just joined the gym but embarrassed and worried about it.

Thanks Dizzy. Yes a good sports bra is definitely vital! Hope you enjoy your new gym.

If ever I am in the gym Dizzy, I am totally focused on my own exercises/books/magazines/thoughts.

If I see anyone looking mega fit, I think "oh they obviously work out a lot". If I see someone looking less fit, I assume that's why they are at a gym and good on them.

So don't feel anxious - it's great to feel healthy. I had DS2 two weeks ago and I already can't wait to get to do some light exercise and feel healthier again as it makes me feel very positive. (Sadly I had a c section so I'm just sitting down and eating a lot of chocolate currently.)

I look at people because 1. they need to buy a better sports bra [bushock] 2. I can't believe they are running in canvas beach shoes [bushock] 3. same as WizardofOs [buwink]

I joined a gym over a year ago having never stepped foot in one. At the induction we were just shown around and how to use a few machines. I was dreading getting started but it was fine and no one stared at me at all. There are all sorts of shapes and sizes who go. As you get more confident even if you do catch someones eye you don't assume they are thinking anything about you. If I do look at people it is usually either 1. very fit people working the maching v. quickly who make me feel bad 2. men in ill-fitting sports kit 3. very well built men (well I am only human).

First of all OP, well done for signing up

What the others said about the induction - just showing you the ropes basically

At my gym there are all shapes and sizes (I'm one of the largest) and I have never felt uncomfortable or like anyone is staring.

Keep an open mind about what to try - even if something doesn't appeal, give it a try. You might find you love the cross rainer, or the rower or whatever.

Most of all, have fun and let us know how you get on

Well done for signing up! Last time I went to an induction one trainer took me off to a little side room to ask questions about my goals and what I wanted out of gym usage, and asked about any relevant medical stuff I wanted to share with them. I was horribly unfit and they were entirely understanding - they said all sorts of people go to the gym and I could see there were quite a few people about who were as large and larger than me, and people who were retired and all ages, men and women and so on. It was not like there were lots of 'fit' people and then just me, which was reassuring! :)

for the induction session itself I was shown how to use the treadmill and adjust it (just walking, didn't run) and rowing machine, and a couple of others I wanted. If I said 'I really don't think I'd fancy using that' about a machine they gave it a miss. I was shown the weights too.

There were a few serious looking people using the free weights but it basically just felt like there were all sorts of fitness levels about and people were just getting on with their own stuff, and it was fine. Definitely no pointing and staring! Hope you enjoy x

Well done for signing up!

I think the induction will be a weigh/measure and then show you how equipment works and how to work it safely

At the induction they will show you where to find things and how to work things and tell you what you get included in your membership (free classes etc).

If you are lucky you may have the option of a free session with a personal trainer who will help you to put together an exercise program based on your goals. That'll be totally optional though.