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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

The Gym......ARGH!

35 replies

StillOnlyMondaySigh · 09/06/2021 08:56

Joined the gym with my DH last month with all good intentions to go together.
I can't get him to commit to a time and day to go so thought I'll go by myself...….well tonight's the night and I AM FREAKING OUT!
what if everyone stares at me? what if I trip on the treadmill and smash my face on the floor?!

I need some encouragement PLEASE!!!!!!!!! Blush

OP posts:
BackBeatTheWordisOnTheStreet · 09/06/2021 08:58

Aaaaa OP it'll be absolutely fine. In most gyms at least half the people there are like you - going for the first time and a little unsure.

Muddydoor · 09/06/2021 08:59

No one gives a damn about you. They are all busy worrying about themselves. Don’t you get shown how to use the machines before you go on them?

OrangeRug · 09/06/2021 08:59

I mean this in the nicest way possible but honestly no one at the gym will be at all interested in you. You'll be fine! :)

GooodMythicalMorning · 09/06/2021 09:00

It'll be ok. I work st one, you see the experienced and the inexperienced but most ppl will help if you're unsure on what to do. Also I haven't seen anyone smash their face on the floor (so far) and the only person to fall off a treadmill was me, when I was cleaning it! Grin

princesspenny · 09/06/2021 09:01

No one will stare at you I promise! In my experience everyone at the gym is too focused on their own stuff (whether that's their workout or getting that perfect Insta shot 🤣)

plominoagain · 09/06/2021 09:02

No one will stare at you, they’ll be too busy doing their own thing. You’ll be fine . As as someone who missed the stop button on the treadmill ( I forgot the stop button on the home gym treadmill was on the left , whereas the one on the work gym treadmill is on the right , stopped running whereas the treadmill didn’t and got whooshed off the end of the treadmill ) just know it is possible to style your mistakes out ....

Aisforharlot · 09/06/2021 09:05

Aw, I wish I could go with you. Do you have a program to follow?
Don' be worried about looking up videos of what you need to do, I've been going to the gym for 6 years and I still do it to get form correct.
I know I don't speak for everyone, but I'm always more than happy to show a newbie how to do stuff properly, even if I have headphones in. Hopefully someone will look friendly if you're stuck.

Mydarlingmyhamburger · 09/06/2021 09:05

Honestly, no one cares. I know it’s nerve wracking working out in front of people for the first time. I started going to the gym a few weeks ago, I was feeling self conscious at 6 stone overweight (especially when I’m doing a wobbly run on the treadmill) but the only time anyone notices me is when I’m struggling with one of the machines and they offer to help.

Original poster
StillOnlyMondaySigh · 09/06/2021 09:07

Thanks everyone! I know I'll be fine when I get there....it's just daunting going for the first time.

OP posts:
OldTinHat · 09/06/2021 09:11

Hehehe! I feel your pain! I'm very fat and joined a gym a couple of months ago. You'll find everyone is self absorbed and won't be staring/looking/give a shit! I watch programmes on my phone to distract me from fixating on the timer otherwise I'd cry - 6 seconds feels like 6 hours!

MorganSeventh · 09/06/2021 09:15

I've been to a couple of gyms since they reopened, and they are probably less intimidating to a beginner now than during non covid times. They are emptier, as there's only a certain number of slots bookable per session, the machines are further apart, and because the sessions are timed everyone is focused upon getting their workout done in the allocated time.

The only thing to watch out for is there will likely be a one way system and a cleaning protocol for you to follow, so make sure you know what they are.

LilMidge01 · 09/06/2021 09:25

It's really daunting...but dont put too much pressure on yourself. Remember that you're doing better than the version of yourself that would have just stayed home, and consistency is key. Consistency trumps super duper workouts. Each session is just one more step towards the goal/improvement, and you will get better at it, fitter, and better at using the various equipment

myBumJuiceSmellsLikeRoses · 09/06/2021 09:26

Does your gym offer group exercise classes?

Personally I find that better than going alone.

Tinselandlights · 09/06/2021 09:28

I was the same! I was so self conscious a few weeks ago. It really reassured me to see there are other people with wobbly bits, it wasn't all 19 year old Adonises looking at themselves in the mirror!

Good luck!

SunnyCoco · 09/06/2021 09:33

It will be absolutely fine, the first time doing anything is always the most daunting isn't it.
Most gyms you can book and induction if you're not sure how to use the machines, or most people are really happy to help show you if you ask.

I agree with the pp about trying group exercise classes, more fun and less intimidating than trying to figure stuff out on your own. Get there early and tell the instructor you're a newbie and hopefully they'll explain everything as you go along.

You won't regret going - it's a great choice and you'll feel amazing afterwards. But you might regret NOT going!

Go for it you'll be fab xx

PotassiumChloride · 09/06/2021 09:36

Putting it bluntly, no-one gives two shits what other people are doing. Admittedly, if you fell off a machine I’d look, or if you did something really outlandish (e.g. went in with a parrot on your shoulder, went in dressed as a gorilla, screamed NO PAIN NO GAIN), then I might have a stare. But that’s about it.

queenatom · 09/06/2021 09:52

@Muddydoor

No one gives a damn about you. They are all busy worrying about themselves. Don’t you get shown how to use the machines before you go on them?
Agreed. I was at the gym this morning and I would struggle to give you even a vague description of anyone else I saw there (other than my husband). I'm mostly focused on not keeling over from exhaustion...!
Loubilou09 · 09/06/2021 10:04

This is exactly why I have a Peloton! No need for that awful anxiety going to the gym plus it is brilliant fun :)

coogee · 09/06/2021 10:08

I'd avoid my gym. People actually speak to each other.

Lyricallie · 09/06/2021 10:11

Agree with everyone, also a thing you can do is have a plan of what you're going to do when you get there so you don't have an awkward standing in the middle trying to decide what to do. I speak from experience lol.

chocolatesaltyballs22 · 09/06/2021 10:12

Hi OP, I was in your position 6 years ago but I bloody LOVE my gym now. And everyone is right - no one will be looking at you. Would advise you to take advantage of any free PT sessions where they can design a program for you. Also, classes are fabulous. My personal favourite is spin. Daunting at first I know, but lots of fun when you get into it.

Original poster
StillOnlyMondaySigh · 09/06/2021 10:39

@PotassiumChloride that made me laugh!!! I think if I ran in screaming, people might stare but at least they wouldn't try to talk to me!!

Thanks everyone.....you've given me the boost I needed!

OP posts:
NeverDropYourMoonCup · 09/06/2021 13:47

The key to not falling off the treadmill is to fit the emergency stop clip to your top so the machine stops if you lose control, remembering you jump your feet out to the side if they're running away with you - keep it to a low pace and don't go for a ten minute sprint first time you set foot on the thing!

You'll be fine. And they have air-conditioning, which makes it the best place to be this week...

CounsellorTroi · 09/06/2021 14:20

Nobody will be looking at you. That said I was a bit put off yesterday when I was using one of the weights machines and a woman came and stood right in front of me lifting weights. I get that she wanted to watch herself in the mirror - the walls behind the machines are mirrored - but there was plenty of space lower down - the rest of the machines were unoccupied. I didn't want to look at her but she was standing right in front of me!

SunnyCoco · 10/06/2021 12:50

Did you go op?
Please say yes!

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