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Original poster

All the best intentions, no confidence!

17 replies

DaffodilPower · 20/02/2019 10:27

Hello All!

Well, I've joined a gym and got myself a PT. She is brilliant, and the weekly sessions are fantastic. I really feel that my body is working during them!

I have two issues outside of the sessions..

I don't have the confidence to use the machines/free weights on my own/without the PT. I get intimidated by the huge muscle-bound men using them. Due to the time I go (6pm) it's always super busy, so I just stick upstairs and spend 30 minutes on the cross trainer before calling it quits. How can I get myself more confident?! I know everyone is friendly etc., interested in their own workout, but when I've been there with the PT they do watch between sets.

Second is, I could allay the confidence issues if I went before work. I start at 9, so would have to leave there at 8:15am latest. I am not the best person in the morning but if I've something to get up for I'm better. The problem comes with this; the showers are awful, and the hairdryers are even worse! I have bought some dry shampoo thinking I could just spruce myself up rather than wash my hair (I sweat a lot so need to do something), and just shower off to freshen up.. Is it the done thing though to do your make up etc. in the changing rooms? I've never seen anyone else doing it! I'm a PA so need to be quite presentable, and I definitely don't have the confidence to go make-up free to work! I also always wear my hair down, so maybe some up-do ideas that are easy to do would be a good thing, so I'm not worrying about carrying straighteners with me, too!

I am probably majorly over analysing all of this.. please, gym go-ers, help!!!

OP posts:
Karigan195 · 20/02/2019 10:29

Honestly you might be better looking at other gyms. I hate having to queue for machines and people watching so have a gym attached to a spa club at a business retreat place. It’s usually empty and I get to use the machines at my leisure.

Original poster
DaffodilPower · 20/02/2019 11:24

I did used to go to another one, that wasn't as busy, but the cost was so high!
This one is 24/7 and relatively cheap compared to others.. and less 'meat-head' than the one across the road (I don't mean that in the derogatory way it comes across!)..
I had the same confidence issues at the other gym, so I think it's me, rather than the location!

Yours sounds like a dream though!

OP posts:
Karigan195 · 20/02/2019 11:26

Keep open to options and look around. My quiet little gym is actually the cheapest around here that I’ve found. Just look in unusual places like hotels etc :)

SexNotJenga · 20/02/2019 11:28

It is fine to do your makeup in the changing rooms. If you usually go in the evening it's likely that other women aren't bothering because they're on their way home after. Don't worry about it.

DrinkSangriaInThePark · 20/02/2019 11:29

I have always done my hair and full makeup after gym sessions... Long time ago now but I'm sure plenty of people need to get ready for work after morning sessions

Original poster
DaffodilPower · 20/02/2019 11:35

I don't mind not doing make up in the evenings, I just grab my stuff and go, but in the mornings if I go before work I'll need to..

Karigan I will have a look around. I'm in Oxford though so even the hotels are pricey (and too far off-route for the commute! If I go home first I won't go back out again!).

I've booked a couple of classes to see if that helps with the confidence issue!

OP posts:
OnlyFoolsnMothers · 20/02/2019 11:49

It sounds so easy to say but honestly f-em. You have every right to be using the equipment as they do, you pay your membership. Also no need to be self conscious in a gym, truly other people are are only concerned about themselves and their fitness

ChocOrCheese · 20/02/2019 17:36

Of course you can do your make up in a gym changing room. Maybe you haven't seen anyone else doing it because the changing rooms are skanky and they are all escaping to do it at home. But needs must. And maybe in the morning you will not be alone in this.

Original poster
DaffodilPower · 21/02/2019 09:11

Well, I went last night and tried to be as confident as I could. I can't do the free weights/resistance machines just yet as that's where all the heavy lifters hang out of an evening, but I did 10 minutes on the stepper and a 10km bike ride, then left!

I'm going to try a session before work tomorrow, and see how it goes. Got myself a lovely new towel to instil changing room confidence..!!

OP posts:
UnperfectLife · 21/02/2019 09:33

Maybe just persevere, just keep on going there. The more time you spend there, the more familiar it becomes, the more comfortable you feel and then you'll be more confident to take your rightful place!!!
Any yes to putting on your makeup and doing your hair properly before work- no dry shampoo on top of sweaty head for a day at work!!! No!!

Original poster
DaffodilPower · 21/02/2019 09:45

Haha I did consider the potential mess I might be left with if I add dry shampoo to a sweaty scalp..!!

I will persevere. Thanks all for the support!

OP posts:
ChocOrCheese · 21/02/2019 17:51

You go girl!

Original poster
DaffodilPower · 26/02/2019 10:42

Thank you! Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
DaffodilPower · 05/03/2019 09:44

Well, I did it! I went this morning at the arse crack of dawn, lifted, cycled, and even finished with a shower and hair wash - I didn't feel daft at all! What was all the fuss about eh?!!

Thank you all for inspiring confidence!

OP posts:
AuntVanya · 05/03/2019 15:55

I'm happy for you! When are you going again?

Original poster
DaffodilPower · 06/03/2019 09:18

I went today! I'm going to try and make it part of my morning routine..!

Woop!

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