I am very scared about the gym

[vestanesta]

I joined up to a new branch of a chain gym which has now opened. I'm 3 stone overweight and 48. Not been to a gym since my early 30s.

I am trying to book an induction and I'm petrified. I don't know what to do. Do I wear gym kit to the induction. Then what? There are a couple of 'intro to' classes and programmes on the gym app.

Main aim is strength training to improve peri and health issues.

Please help - I can feel myself bottling it....

Hi! I joined a gym a few years ago and felt equally nervous over it - I’m disabled and was so worried about showing up using my walking stick and getting loads of questions and attitude! It was fine though! I wore my gym kit too my induction so that I could get them to show me any machine that I didn’t understand. I would definitely recommend an intro class if you interesting in taking up certain classes. But if you don’t feel confident in a class yet (I didn’t for a good while), then just go to the gym a few times and do 20-30mins of something easy, like walking on the treadmill/cardio machines and get into the routine and feeling more confident there. It will be easier to work out what you’re interested in once you feel more comfortable in the setting itself. Good luck! x

Yep wear gym clothes to the induction.

Will they write you a programme?

Be really clear if you want to do strength training so they don't just send you to the cardio machines.

Hopefully they'll show you how to use stuff then give you a programme of some description. Then just turn up and do that. AirPods in if you like. Be consistent. Increase your weights as you get stronger. And enjoy the feeling.

Or go to classes if it's your bag. It's really not mine so don't feel you have to.

You'll then be able to figure out what you like and what you don't like and take it from there.

Don't worry about other people, they'll either be absorbed in themselves, or if they're competitive they won't be focused on a new person who's just starting out.

Hope you enjoy it! Strength training changed my life, it's the absolute best.

I go to a chain gym and they have 'intro to weight lifting' sessions you can book, some are only for women too.

My gym is fantastic, the PTs and staff greet me by name and say goodbye, the atmosphere is fantastic and friendly.

I sat outside the gym the first time I went and I was terrified, but I love it now.

Having a clear plan with set exercises is essential once you know what you want to achieve.

Good for you! It is understandable to be nervous.

I messed around in the gym for some years (as a break from children 😁) then started properly in my early 50s (in a normal high street chain), and now strength train quite seriously. In so far as people notice me, they have been encouraging at all the gyms and parks I have exercised in.

Classes can be. great way in IF the instructors are good. At my first gym, I got into boxing and pilates just because those instructors were great. When you start, I think it is worth trying different classes unless you hate the idea - structure, support, enjoyment and accountability can help you build a routine that is sustainable. And if they run "intro to" sessions then that could be a great way to begin. Strength training has changed my life too - but I started with HIT classes that included a bit of weights, boxing, pilates, circuits and getting to know people and how gyms worked - and got a lot fitter and stronger, and had a LOT of fun, just doing that. Then when the chance arose to learn how to lift heavy and do more specilaised training I took it. So I wouldn't worry too much what you do at the start if you are enjoying it and getting into good habits, learning new things. It will all help down the line.

Wear gym clothes to the induction, turn up on time with a smile to help calm your nerves and, if you like explain you are nervous. They should be used to that.

All my gyms have been friendly and welcoming. Don't stick with anything that isn't.

Thank you everyone, this has really helped and I managed to nab a cancellation spot for tomorrow morning (eekkkk). I will need to shoot off afterwards to start work but it's a step!

There are some beginner weights classes (women's and everyone) which I will try to sign up to and also am planning to get a at least a couple of PT sessions. The gym app also has some programmes on it so I may start with one of those and the beginner classes if I can get a space.

I think in time I'd like to go to the strength classes but need to start at the beginning

Hi OP

I'm same age as you and need to shift at least 4 stone!
I joined a gym chain 2 months ago but only got my courage up a few weeks ago to actually go. Honestly there wasn’t anyone even looking at me even though each time I’ve been I’ve been the most overweight person there.

I’ve had someone that I meet to go to the gym and that has definitely helped me get over the fear! But now that I’ve been a few times I would be quite happy going on my own. Nobody cares as they’re all too busy working out and probably worrying about their own body issues no matter what size they are.

I wouldn’t say I enjoy the gym as such but I’m very proud of myself. Hope you get over the fear and make it through the doors - it’s absolutely fine once you get to that point!