Weight training for the, uh - shy?

[Bags4Bubbles]

OKay... this is going to be incredibly odd, but here we go.

I love the elliptical machine, if it were up to me that would be my ultimate 'shaping up' tool - however I realize it doesn't work that way and that I need to get some weight training incorporated back into my routine. (I just started working out again after a few years with an off & on fitness schedule, in which I gained some weight that I would like to see disappear now... Prior to that, I was on a dance fitness schedule, with dance practices, working out 1-2x a day, and weight training.)

So... I've been back to the cardio for a few weeks now, its getting easy - so its time to incorporate some weight training. Here's the problem: Even though I "know" how to use most of the machines in the weight room, and I've used them in the past at other gyms - I have this mortal fear of lifting weights in the same room as guys... I don't know why, I don't care about being on an elliptical in the same room??

At my undergrad college, the girls & guys had seperate weight rooms, so its just probably something for me to get used to... but my question would be - I know that once I get going I'll be okay... does anyone have any advice for getting going though? Or do I just need to suck it up?

[Sportsmedjosh]

Here is a good piece of advice go pick up some weight at your local sports authority or some place like that. maybe some 10, 15,20 and also pick up a stability ball. The majority of the exercises you can perform on a machine or at the gym you can do at home with those tools.

The bench can act as sort of a bench allowing you to support your back.

[cabezon]

What is it that is part of the fear? is it that you will be lifting less weight? is it that people can see you in weird positions? I always hate to say suck it up, that's too Dr. Phil for me.

You already have a gym membership, so going to a womens gym is out, huh? Was there ever a time that you felt comfortable working out with men in the room? You mentioned the separate gym in the undergrad. Have you tried it yet, or is this pre-try fear? Can you go with a buddy? I'd try some positive self talk too. When I run, I say "I'm light, I'm fast, and I'm free."

I'd have to disaggree with Josh, I'd rather be in the gym than at home to work out. I'd also like to see you overcome and achieve.

Good luck, and report back when you get home from the gym. When are you going?

[The League Champ]

I also disagree with josh on this, I think just starting back out into working out it would be a better atmosphere for you at the gym. Cabezon has good ideas, try out some of his suggestions, also try taking an mp3 player with you as a tool to distract you from your surroundings so you can get into your own world.

[Sportsmedjosh]

I knew a lot of people would disagree with me, here is a great piece of advice though. A gym is like a club there will be tons of people at certain times but not a lot of people the other times. Call your gym up and ask them if they can tell you what time are the busy times and what times are the dead times. Also make it a point to say hi to the people who work there. It makes it feel more home like and less intimidating.

[bellavus]

I agree with josh here. When I have worked out at a gym, I have felt most comfortable with a trainer, or with my ipod on whilst lifting. It keeps me focused on what I am at the gym for, which is to improve my strength and my body.

[Bags4Bubbles]

Opps, forgot on more detail that would probably be helpful... I am a grad student - so the gym I go to is the campus Rec Center one, so it should be all students, professors, or campus-related members in there.

Actually, I think everyone has had some great points... and it might be good to combine them!

If I could ease into it with a home routine, and transition it into the gym that might be a way to "work into it"... Also, I'm not really sure what the hold-up about weight-lifting in a guys & girls room... but I'm sensing it is definately part of the issue. Also, part of it - is just "getting back into it" I guess....

I realize that while its not expected for me to be doing the same thing as everyone else, but I tend to be a pretty competitive person - so part of it might be that I know I'll never be lifting as much as them, or be quite as "refined" doing it. I make the clinky noises accidently sometimes, and starting out - I'm going to "remembering" a few of the machines & my form... so I just have this feeling like a guy is going to pop up behind my shoulder and start critiquing me. (Yes... this probably won't happen, I know!)

I think I should do a little bit more research into what times of days are the busiest, because when I getting started - I know I'm going to be going at my own pace.

Anyhow... probably the most then any of those, it is just something new. Plus I'm not in the peak physical condition that I used to be... LOL... so, I'll be waitting for someone to just call out, "Just give up! Too much has been lost already!"... Okay, that was a joke, but you know what I mean...

Off to the gym...

[E36Guy]

I think it might be one of those scenarios when you THINK everyone is looking at you and talking about you, when in reality, nobody is really paying attention. hehe. You just need to concern yourself with doing your workout.

I personally used to find it cool to see girls in the gym. I dont look at them like Im going to go pick up on them or something. I would just think to myself, "Awesome, there is another person trying to improve their life." Honestly, just try not to think about it. Everyone is there for the same reason.

[Sportsmedjosh]

Different gyms have different atmospheres. I have worked at both these type of gyms and you can really tell the difference. I've had clients who don't care one bit about other people and clients who want to work out in the most isolated areas of the gym which is fine also. Then I've had the type which are their only to meet people. It was hard to work out clients who would leave to go fix their make up 4 times during a workout.

Bags are you a GA. If you are chances are you're on campus during the day and that might be the best and less crowded time to work out there.

[Bags4Bubbles]

You mean everyone isn't always paying attention to ME??

Okay... ya'll are right. I just need to suck it up. I think its more the competiveness thing then anything else... but I need to get over that. (Or find a different athletic competitive subsitute for dance.)

I am going to look for a few things this weekend to keep at home... trying to balance on a ball with my legs flailing everywhere isn't something I think I want to attempt in public right now... LOL...

Yup, I am on campus during the daytime, so I think I just need to workout as early in the morning as possible... I was going around 9am to 11am time frame... but if I could get there even earlier then that, it would be best.

I'll keep you all informed as to when I work up the courage to "expand my workout" into weight lifting... I just did the elliptical /bicycle again today. My goal for starting weight lifting is going to be Monday...

Oh, and I don't wear makeup to the gym.... anymore.

[The League Champ]

Does the complex have a racquet ball court? You could have someone go with you and be competitive playing that if you have to compete

[LoveGuinness]

di, i totally agree with you, i have a fee or lifting in front of guys, and its the whole looking at me and then critizing me on my lifting techniques.

personally i LOVE having weights in my TV room because during comercials i lift. i also have my stability ball in there for some ab work also...its one of those things that i feel more comfortable at home.

[Sportsmedjosh]

Guiness killed that stability ball though.