So I just purchased my very first gym membership. I have been exercising since I started my lifestyle change, but have never been to the gym. I am actually really nervous about going. I wont know how to use the equipment, wont know what the rules are (if any) etc etc. Has anyone else felt this way before and how did it turn out?

Congratulations! I felt this way just last week! A friend got me to sign up for my first gym membership and I was really nervous and self concious. But it's been great. People aren't there to judge me, they are there to do the same as me, workout. The equipment was intimidating too. But the treadmills and elipticals have quickstart and the cybex weight machines have diagrams and instructions right on them.
After only have gone 4 times, I am already a lot more confident about the whole thing, the machines and the other gym members. I even went by myself one of those days, which would have terrified me at first.

Way to go on your weightloss so far, also!

hey there!! I remember feeling very nervous to go to the gym the first time i got my membership. I expected a bunch of skinny people judging me but, as Julie99s said, they aren't there to judge you, they're there to work out too, and it felt good to see people my size there! After your first time you'll be over the nerves! good luck and have fun!

Congrats on your decision to go to the gym!

You can look up "gym etiquette" in google and should find a plethora of sites that will go over the basics. Basically, gym etiquette is about being polite. Don't hog machines (IE during busy times limit your time on cardio equipment to 1/2 hour, and don't rest on weight machines or benches, only be on the equipment when using it.) If you are doing multiple sets, allow people waiting to "work in" and do their set while you rest. Don't grunt loudly or clang the weights when lifting. Don't drop weights on the floor or on the stack on a machine. Don't step in front of someone who is working out in front of the mirror- find an available spot of your own. Don't wear perfume (it can give people asthma) and just generally be overpowering. Wipe equipment down after you use it, a lot of gyms have spray bottles of santizer and towels available, otherwise use your gym towel. Don't wear street shoes on equipment because it gets it dirty. A lot of gyms only have "day lockers" so don't leave your gear there overnight, or they will run out of lockers for people that need them while there. There's probably more, but those are probably the most important. I'd ask the gym manager when you get there if there's anything you need to know. They'll probably be glad you asked- I'm sure some things are just serious pet peeves to them.

As to the gym, part of your membership should include an "orientation". The gym, for liability reasons, should have an employee show you how to use each piece of equipment properly. I'd recommend not emulating other members unless you know they know what they are doing- It's unreal how many people use equipment incorrectly.

Thank you all so much for your responses. I feel more comfortable already because it's good to know that I am not the only one with these fears. I am trying to concentrate on the fact that I am doing something positive for myself and not worry about who else is around me while I am there.

Absolutely. Gyms these days are a hodgepodge of different body types. I go to one called "Body Renew" and I'd say MOST people in there are overweight. It makes me feel pretty welcome. If you do notice someone looking at you, more than likely what they are doing is watching what you're doing so that they can try it too.

Thanks for bringing that up! I would have never considered that

A lot of gyms will do an "Orientation" with you if you ask at the front desk. Someone will give you an intro to the gym and some of the equipment/ etiquette.

Well I had my first trip to the gym and it went fantastic! Everything went as smoothly as you guys said it would. I really enjoyed myself and left feeling so proud and just overall awesome with getting my butt to the gym finally. I spent 2 hours there and will definitely be going regularly. Thank you all so much again for the support!

Right on!

Did you ask for an orientation, or was it all pretty self-explanatory?

I didn't ask for an orientation I just went in and figured it out on my own. It wasn't close to as confusing as I thought it would be. I kind of observed those around me to see what they did and it all went smoothly.