To be scared of gym induction

[nothappywithmyself]

I want to to lose weight. I am hugely overweight, recovering from alcoholism and finding myself very depressed sometimes. I want to take action . I need to change.

When I was young I ran and cycled and did spin classes. I was fit and healthy, and happy. I lost my son 12 years ago, and that all changed.

I'm ready now that I've stopped drinking to start again, but am really put off by the "induction" I'll have to suffer if I join the gym. I fit. Want to use weights etc. Just the treadmill and bikes. I do t want to be dragged around by a 29something fitness coach being shown the machines and having to humiliate myself proving I can use them. Aibu to think this must put others off too? I can't be the only one who just wants to turn up, pretend to be invisible and get on alone?

Good luck with your new choices. Just say that you don't want it yet. Tell them you are going to start with classes. They shouldn't mind. However, some of the machines these days are so complicated it can help to be shown how to switch it on! Lol. Most inductions are little more than showing you how to use the equipment.

I think they legally have to show you the safe way to use things, so they're covered by their insurance. From what my gym-working friend tells me, it's about that, and pretty much just that. They don't care if you're overweight, or unfit, or have the most buff body in the world - they simply need to prove that you've been shown the correct way to use the equipment so that their insurance doesn't kill them.

Gyms vary on inductions. Some say if you are over 18 it's up to you whether you have one. Also they are often in groups and they show you the machine but don't get you to use it. Don't let it put you off. If you are there you are making positive steps to get fit.

Yes I hate those inductions too. But I think for their health and safety and insurance reasons they have to do them. But think of it like going to the doctor - there’s nothing they haven’t seen. You will not be the only overweight person who has joined. And they may be very happy and keen to help you. I don’t think they will make you go on the machines and I suppose you could say you are not interested in them. Be positive and not embarrassed.

Sometimes leisure centre gyms are less intimidating as tend to employ a mix of staff.

Just don’t do one ? Is that an option.
At my current gym I never did one.

At my gym you can sign a waiver if you are already familiar with the gym equipment. Maybe ask if you can do this?

Please don't be scared OP. I've been there and the person doing the induction was lovely. She said it was a real change from seeing uber-toned people who just wanted to show off. I did go regularly but then suffered a horrible broken ankle and had to take 4 months off. When I went back, I booked some sessions with a personal trainer and again he was lovely. Both instructors tried to make it fun and wanted to help me. Although the 2nd lot was rehab more than weight-loss, they both tried to show me programmes and ways of working that would suit me.

Could you join with a friend, partner etc? I did that many years ago and it made it feel easier. Well done for giving up alcohol and for making the move to get healthier, that’s massive on its own OP.

Please don't be scared. There are some very lovely personal trainers/gym instructors out there and they're not going to judge you. At some gyms they're optional. Or you can start going to the gym and then ask advice on weights/machines later when you're feeling a little bit more confident. Is that a choice with yours?

Whatever you do don't get talked into doing the Legs, Bums & Tums class that starting just after you induction by the friendly instructor like I did. It was a bit of a shock as it was my first time back at the gym for 10+ years!

An induction should be to make sure you are comfortable with using the equipment you want to use, safely and properly. It's not a test, it's to help you and make sure you can get out of your time spent at the gym what you need.
Even for treadmills and bikes, setting the different programmes can be really helpful for a workout.Good luck.

I don’t think, bar my first ever gym, I’ve ever done an induction. Maybe say you want to do classes and then when you want to to try something new grab someone and ask them how to set it up. If I want to try something new I wait til someone is on it, watch them and then when they are done as them if they can show me quickly. Most people in gyms are actually really nice and want to help

Its definitely compulsory in the leisure centre where I enquired. An hour session with one of the personal trainers before they'll even let you in. I know logically that they will be lovely people, who's literal job it is to be nice to me and motivate me, but it makes my skin crawl to think of having to do it.

PureGym don’t make you do one, you can book one if you wish. If that’s an option for you obviously.
Honestly it may help, I did an induction at my first gym where they gave me a little workout plan and it really helped. Another one I did they literally just showed us (a group one) the different areas of the gym and said to give them a shout if we needed any help.

I felt exactly the same in my induction a d said i didn't wish to try them at that time and the person doing the i diction demonstrated instead without a problem.

There are lots of overweight people at the gym i go to and no one bats and eyelid we're all there for the same reason to get fit or stay fit. Since joining in January I've lost just under 3 stone and i love it not just the losing weight but how it's helped me mentally with depression/anxiety issues. I get such a boost going and I've found everyone extremely friendly.

You can do it op sounds like you've already come so far so get over this next hurdle

OP, I think it is a sign it is a good gym that they want you to do this. And if with a PT they will also be wanting you to like them so you consider PT down the line, or recommend them. I really understand why you feel as you do - I was sooo anxious before mine, years ago. But it was one of the best things I ever did. I would say at the start that you are nervous. If they are good, it may really help you. If less good, it will be over and actually, learning how to use the machines properly (they do change) may make you feel more confident and at home in future? Really good luck - you are doing such a good thing for yourself and I wish you all the best

I wanted my induction so I would do a good balance of activities. The guy was sweet and I just laughed when he asked if I wanted to record my weight and said I’d do that at home. What he got me doing is much more effective than what I was doing for the few weeks I went casually before becoming a member.
I’m often the largest person in the gym but each week I’m a bit smaller. There are people there whom are super fit, young lads and girls, lots of elderly people, some clearly doing physio type stuff for injuries, people with disabilities. People might “see” you but they aren’t really looking at you, iyswim.

Well done for taking positive action. I would explain your worries when you book the induction and ask when the quietest time of day is- probably late morning or early afternoon.

I've tried to figure out why you are scared of the induction. This is the only bit I can find, I do t want to be dragged around by a 29something fitness coach being shown the machines and having to humiliate myself proving I can use them.

In what way would you find it humiliating?

Try to imagine the trainer is really supportive and encouraging. They are saying “well done on making a start.” They want you to feel good about yourself. They are helping you.
Think of yourself there, and no-one looking at you, everyone just doing their own workout.
Imagine yourself successfully finishing a short set on the machines. Think of yourself there, feeling good about yourself.
Think of yourself red in the face and a bit puffed out, but you feel strong and good about yourself because you did something hard.
Imagine the gym is full of people who are your age and size, all just doing something for their health.
Buy a t-shirt and work out pants that you really like: it helps you feel more positive. I wear lipstick and mascara when I’m feeling really insecure. Get your hair cut or blow waved before you go, so you feel a bit more confident.
Good luck!

Jayne- perhaps scared isn't the right word, but I'd feel humiliated because I am embarrassed of myself, my body and fitness level is a source of shame because I have low self esteem and am feeling depressed. I think that this is a feeling that other depressed overweight middle aged women share, and think that the induction is likely to put more than just me off.

Anyway, I am going to go. I am an early bird so will be going at 6am and hopefully it'll be emptyish.

I have never done one, it's always been an option. Is it mandatory?

Ah sorry OP I missed that post of yours. Explain how you feel, they want you to join at the end of the day.

I recognise those feelings. I recommend Brene Brown, The Gifts Of Imperfection.