The only gym I had ever joined previous to this was the YMCA. I enjoyed it. But, I stuck to myself and did my best to stay hidden. I only went on my lunch hour to swim. I wouldn't make eye contact with anyone, let alone speak to them. When you are uncomfortable with your body and have no self esteem, you immediately feel inferior.. No, it's not just you. It's every woman that is even slightly over weight and entered a gym. It's like being the new kid in class walking into a room with a wedgie - It's uncomfortable and you swear everyone is staring.
With a little bit of know how, you can navigate the gym and all of it's weird equipment just fine without looking like too much of a novice. Below, you'll my top 7 suggestions on picking out a good gym and getting started:
1. Not all gyms are created equal.
That's right, they aren't. Find a gym that is convenient to your home and/or work. And, make sure it's priced right. You have to want to go to the gym. If you have to talk yourself into it, who are you kidding? You won't go. Don't set yourself up to fail.
2. Browse the menu.
Make sure the gym you have offers the services you want. For instance, my husband works nights so it was important to us that the gym be open 24 hours. I needed child care, so a daycare was important. Make sure the gym you choose has all the options you need. Plenty of treadmills if you enjoy running or walking (no body wants to wait on a machine). Maybe a gym that offers great yoga, zumba, spinning, or even water aerobics. The options are endless.
3. You've got a friend in me...
This sounds silly, but, make sure the staff is friendly. For starters, no body like a grouch. Secondly, if you need help with something, you need to feel comfortable. Even if it's just for a towel. You are going to be spending some time in this place and you need to feel like you belong.
4. The lay of the land
Most gyms are set up with the aerobic equipment such as treadmills, elipitcals, etc. in one area and the weights and resistance training in another. Usually one over looks the other as well. If you have the opportunity, set yourself up on a treadmill and set it to a comfortable walking pace. Try and choose the machine closest to the front. After you get situated, take that time to look around the space. Do you recognize the equipment? What are other things in the room that you haven't noticed? Why do I suggest this tip? Because you are moving and burning calories. And, you aren't standing in the front of the gym looking around feeling like a goon while other people are staring at you wondering what you are up to. You are now "part of the group". No one is staring at you - it's like being inside enemy lines in disguise. You can take your time and not feel like you should hurry to take it in. Do you see another machine you can utilize while doing your recon work? Jump on over to it and continue looking and learning. Do this the first few days. After that, you'll start to feel right at home.
5. Freebies please?
A lot of gyms offer introductory specials such as a free hour with a personal trainer. This is the best way to get to know the gyms equipment. Take advantage of this if it's offered. Also, some my offer a discount. It is perfectly acceptable and EASY to learn the machines on your own, but, if you have a few extra bucks, hire a trainer for an hour and pick their brain. Also, most gyms offer a trial week before joining! You try on shoes before you wear them, why not try this out too? This way, you get a real feeling of what things are going to be like, how crowded it is at the time you like to go and if they staff and clients are friendly. Always ask for this before joining any gym! Any gym worth their salt offers a trial.
6. Avoid the Barbies!
You know who they are... the women that come in the gym in full make-up, jingly jewelry and bathed in Bath and Body Works' latest body spritz. Stay away from them. They are there for the social interaction. And, they do nothing for anyone there to work except choke you on the fumes of their perfume. You are there to work.
7. Start with what you know
Don't get caught up in the details. Stick to the basics. Get your heart rate up. You won't burn calories any differently indoors than you would at your house running with a stroller. Start with cardio and get that sweat rolling! Later, you can add resistance training to further your cause.
Next blog, continues with how to learn the basics of weights and why they are important to your lifestyle. And, yes, how anyone can use them without seeming like a weenie.
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