I just joined a gym. I have no idea how to use the equipment. I have an apt. for an orientation and training session. Anyone else have a fear of the gym when they started?

I was scared too. I joined in May and I try to go 4 times a week. I kept thinking everyone was looking at me and the thought of the machines intimadated me so much. But believe me, no one is wathing you. Everyone there is there for the same reason: just to work out. And with the machines, you will get use to them. It's trial and error for sure. But then you get use to it. Good luck!

Thanks so much for the encouragement. I will let you know how the orientation goes! I can't weight to start doing to weight training and things to augment my saily walking!

Yes! Terrified For months all i did was use the treadmill, because i knew i couldnt screw that up and look dumb! I was also scared of people looking at me and being fit and beautiful and me being there jogging along like a blob with bits flying everywhere dont be like me! Get into those machines, ask trainers and gym staff for help and advice, and dont worry about people looking at you- seriously, I have been going for years now and i have never caught anyone watching me. And there are heaps of people there with blobby bits! Seriously, just enjoy it Its really fun now

Yes! Even now after years of going on and off, if I am off more than on I still feel anxious before I go! The staff at the gyms are usually fantastic so dont hesitate to ask them for assistance when/if you need it! Have fun!

I used to be terrified of the local ymca, especially when I would take my hula hoop, I did get a lot of looks with that, but then people started asking and now twice a month I'll book a room and bring a bunch of hoops and people just join whenever they want. It's real big with the older people too.

It's face your fears time. I used to feel the same way in gyms. I thought everybody was laughing at me when I would fiddle with the machines and muttering under their breath "she's not doing those exercises right!" I was always embarrassed when I couldn't stay on the elliptical machine for more than 15 minutes while others were spending what seemed like hours.

Nothing to do but get over yourself. Definitely work out with the trainer your first time, so you know how those machines work. The classes are great too, my favorite once I got over being the biggest slowest person in the room.

when i first joined the gym , i was scared about people laughing at me about sweating, not being able to use the machines, all that. but when i got there, people just sorta kept to themselves. no one paid attention to anyone else. as for the machines, i would just walk around and glance at how people are using it.
maybe a trainer wouldnt be such a bad idea after all..

I used to be, but the YMCA here where I have a membership has really kind people that show you how to use the machines but don't babysit you.

in december i rejoined the gym i was a member in before college when i was doing rehab for an injury thinking i'd be good...of course they're under new management and have all new equipment that i don't know how to use. i was so intimidated by it, i stuck to the treadmill, elliptical, and free-weights. after a few months i noticed that just about EVERYONE reads the directions on each machine before they do it anyway. as i started watching people, i realized no one knew how to use them, even the people i saw there everyday haha. our gym doesn't have a free orientation and no one wants to pay to learn how to use the machines. now that i know we're all clueless, i'm a lot more comfortable haha.

Totally! I agree. I think it's especially intimidating as a woman. Personally, I like doing my exercise outside, centered around activities I enjoy (so that it doesn't really feel like exercise). I do a lot of trail running. Time flies when you're doing fun activities that you enjoy.

I guess the gym never scared me because my first time going was with my sister who worked there. She showed me how to use everything and was always there with me. Now I've worked at a gym for 3 years. I'm pretty comfortable with all the equipment and I know that the staff is happy to help if I don't know how to use something. Seriously, if you don't know do not be afraid to ask! It is their job to show you how to use everything and help you have a good experience.

I have been going to the gym for about 2 weeks now and I am still terrified of the equipment in the gym! I use the stationary bike and the treadmill. All the other equipment looks cool but I have no clue how to use it! lol

I was TERRIFIED of the gym when I started (last week)! I've been doing treadmill only up until today, when I discovered the circuit training room. I was hoping to be the only one in there, but there were others working out at the same time, and they were actually cheering me on! They all had to stop and read the instructions on each machine to figure out how it worked, and by the end of it, we were all laughing together about which ones were the hardest.

Remember, you and everyone else at the gym... you're in this thing together. Whether they're big beefy muscle-men or flabby huff-and-puffers like me, they're all there to get fit and stay that way. Once you overcome your fears, you'll see that there is usually a very supportive atmosphere at the gym, and no one is going to judge you for taking some time to figure things out.