Joining a gym…nervous

[Pinkvici22]

I know I sound ridiculous

I’m joining a gym tomorrow (early 40s and haven’t stepped inside one since I was late 20s) and I’m feeling really nervous!

I want to lose a bit of weight but I’m also hoping it helps my mental health. Aiming to go to classes 2-3x pw. I’m not completely unfit - home workouts, some running etc but I’m panicking over all sorts…!!!

Not actually sure what advice I’m seeking - I assume I’ll just have a tour/induction to begin with?

Good on you. Don't worry, you're completely normal. I'm not sure what kind of gym it is you've joined. Some do attract very young people. But these days, it's more common to see a real mix.

You might not automatically get an induction so definitely ask for one. I go to a pretty fancy gym (got a great deal after the lockdowns) and even at mine, people have to book inductions. They are useful so do ask if there's one with a free training session to get you started. I know you're planning on doing classes, but it wouldn't hurt to do a bit of resistance and cardio in the gym itself. The induction and going into the actual gym (not just the class areas) might help you get over some of your fear.

You might find it a real slog at first because you haven't been for a while. Just make sure to keep the faith that you will eventually feel great after exercise! I have a stressful job and have had to get back in shape at least three times now. It can take months, even if I'm working hard at it, to feel in top form again. It does happen though. I don't mean to scare you but to let you know that you're not weird if it feels like things are taking a while.

And if you feel like you have two left feet in those classes, again, don't worry. Everyone is a beginner at some point and it is totally normal for newbies to start classes. Honestly, people will be focusing on themselves. Just focus on you and be persistent. Keep going and if you fall off the wagon, resume going. Good luck.

Thank you so much! Good point as I’m not sure if it is a proper induction or not.

it’s actually a fairly basic gym but lots of classes - there’s a really nice fancy gym close by but I purposely avoided that as I don’t want to bump into work colleagues (highly likely!). I think I am worried it’ll all be full of Lycra clad twenty somethings and I’ll feel old!!!

@Pinkvici22, you may very well be surrounded by 20-somethings if it's cheaper than a nearby gym but honestly, you have nothing to worry about. It is completely normal to go to the gym these days and they won't think anything of it. I'll be surprised if they're all Barbie lookalikes! It's normal for pretty much anyone you can think of to go now.

I really think people underestimate other people's interest in themselves! I'm around the same age as you and yet when I'm at the gym, I'm thinking about me. When I was younger, I was probably worse. Honestly, you have nothing to worry about.

As for your work colleagues, I would not worry about that either. It's healthy to go to the gym and if anything, you should use it as something to boast about and boost your reputation.

I surprised myself recently by not caring in the slightest that the head of my department at work (a judgmental man) goes to the gym at the same time I do. He is clearly a bit weirded out and in the past I would have scuttled around trying to rearrange my schedule. Now, I genuinely don't care because everyone goes to the gym. If you just feel like a break from your colleagues though, that's completely OK.

I hope you'll post an update after a few sessions to report on what it's like. Hope it goes well!

I have done the exact same thing - joined the gym for the first time ever. Not completely unfit but been a lot fitter.

You should get an induction of some sort, I did ask when the quieter times were which helped when getting started.

I picked the gym with care and have found it friendly and welcoming. Survived my first class- I had to relearn how to skip, which was comical. Expect people to know one another but are helpful when you look lost. Not full of skinny lycra clad 20 somethings, people of all ages, shapes and sizes there.

Not at all ridiculous! Hope it goes really well. I used to find plugging the AirPods was helpful for zoning other stuff out and feeling confident.

After many failed gym memberships I'm now absolutely hooked after discovering strength training. So give that a try too if you fancy it.

You don't sound ridiculous - lots of people feel like that and the brilliant thing is you haven't let it put you off! I've trained in several gyms and all have had all sorts in them.

It is a great idea to start with classes - and if it is a normal high street gym, there will be a range of people there, for sure. Keep trying new things (even things you never imagined you would like - I got into boxing a few years ago because of the instructor) till you find a really good instructor would be my advice. And get there a few minutes early and tell the instructor you are new. And ask staff and other members for recommendations about classes.

I go to a 'not fancy' gym and the clientele is a real mix. The staff are fantastically friendly and most know my name which is lovely. Good luck!

Well done! Some of the insanely fit influencers I follow in instagram talk about how anxious they feel going to a new or different gym so please take note that it is entirely natural even for those who know exactly what they are doing and are paid £££ to train others.

Nobody starts at the top and most people are concerned about what they are doing, not others.

Morning! Thank you all for the responses.

I’ve had my induction and booked in for a 1:1 on Tuesday before I start classes. It was very busy but definitely a mix of people which was comforting and quite clear everyone is just focusing on what they’re doing.

I’ve signed up for 3 months - there’s a huge variety of classes and a ladies only gym so I think that’ll give me a decent amount of time to see whether it’s for me.

I’m now a little excited!!

@Pinkvici22, I'm so glad to hear that!

Don't worry, things will calm down as people give up on their New Year's resolutions. It's always crazy in January.

If you end up thinking it's not for you, don't give up. Try the fancy gym you mentioned. The exercise will make you feel so much better and healthier; it's often a case of looking around for the right fit. That said, this all sounds very promising! Especially you're 1:1 appointment. Good for you!

Good luck OP. One thing I will say is that when it comes to classes, turn up on time or a couple of minutes early and let the instructor known so that they can show you the ropes, especially if the class involves equipment like weights etc.

Quick update! I ended up signing up to a group PT course after my 1:1, did the first session today and although it was a killer, I feel great!

Have another session booked for later in the week and a class.

The anxiousness has eased!

Fantastic! I'm glad you're enjoying it !

I got into the gym when the gyms first reopened after COVID and I really enjoy it which I never expected TBH.

Brilliant! Well done! Group PT sounds like a really good idea. You should learn a lot about how to exercise happily, safely and effectively, and that and classes will give you a chance to find out what you like.

Don’t worry. No one cares what you look like or why you are doing, they are just getting through their own thing so they can finish and go.
Once you’ve been a couple of times, your face will be familiar, and you’ll feel like you belong.
Enjoy it !

I found a PT really helpful before starting classes, they can help with your technique to prevent injury and gave me more confidence in the classes that I knew the exercises and didn't feel totally clueless

Try different classes until you find your thing, and enjoy!

Glad to hear it's going well.

You need to work out what motivates you to go. For me it's primarily being booked onto a class and having a nice shower afterwards (the showers at my gym are really nice).

I find people absolutely fine at the gym - occasionally I'm aware of judgy looks (i'm pretty overweight) but that's unusual.

I do weekly PT and find it really helps to motivate me to keep going. I'm also currently doing a "try a different class" challenge with my PT. If nothing else it amuses him as I describe my various coordination disasters (I'm very poorly coordinated and cope by taking the piss out of myself about it).

I joined a gym in 2019 at 42 and have never looked back. I missed it so much during lockdown that I took up running. I met one of my best friends in a class, we both ended up spending half the class laughing. I felt a bit intimated at first but after a while i was fine. I have a pt now and it motivates me to go the rest of the week.

I didn't think I'd stick it out(never have done before) but 3 years later, lockdowns and injuries haven't stopped me. I love it, it's my happy place

Thanks for all the encouragement, I’m at the start of week 2! Managed 2x PT sessions and a spin class last week. Booked into another class tonight, 2x PT again and maybe even try another class later in the week if I can.

Not sure I’d say I’m enjoying it, but everyone is really lovely and encouraging and I definitely feel better and am starting to sleep better from going.

I’m a recent gym goer and at 56 it’s doing wonders for my shape and energy levels. My PT has been invaluable though, I’d have been lost without her. I really love my sessions and the feeling that continues afterwards!