Hi. My name is Lara, and I'm a gym-phobic.

[LaraMN]

So I just signed up at our local "fitness center." I have never been in a gym in my life. I've always run outside and worked out at home, but I decided it was time to take the leap. I will likely have someone to go there with, three mornings a week, and do at least and evening or two, as well. Now I'm slightly intimidated, as I'm going to walk in with no idea how to use any of the equipment. What do I wear? Will I be ostracized for the fact that I show up at the gym with make-up on; because I never go anywhere without it. Do I need Aqua Socks for the showers? Heeeelp.
:P

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

1. A good gym will show you how to use the equipment when you sign up

and have staff around to answer any questions about it.

[LaraMN]

2. Well, they better,

or I'm gonna look like a dumbass. Not that it would be the first time that happened, but I prefer to keep humiliation at a minimum.

[miss_american_pie]

3. I know nothing about gyms

but the nurses at the hospital laughed when I showed up for my inductions wearing makeup. :hi:

[LaraMN]

5. Well, then they'd have laughed at me, too.

I was in full-blown labor with my last when I got to the hospital and you bet your sweet bippy I had my "face" on!
:rofl:

[miss_american_pie]

6. Of course

People were taking pictures. :D

[idgiehkt]

4. no honey, you will be just fine.

this is a coed gym, right?

My experience is that male trainers are always willing to help an attractive woman get acclimated. You won't be the only one there with makeup, don't worry.

[LaraMN]

Yes, it's co-ed.

And the last thing I want is anyone ogling me, while I'm exercising. (That's largely the reason I've avoided gyms, thus far; I get enough crap from idiots when I'm running, around town.)
Maybe I should rethink the make-up.:o

[idgiehkt]

8. they're probably not going to be looking at your face.

that's part of it.

women's gyms are better but they generally suck.

but what I was saying is that male personal trainers that I have been around in gyms I've either worked out in or worked at are usually willing to help the cute girls. Not that they are not willing to help the less than attractive people, but that the rules of nature apply in gyms as well as every where else.

[LaraMN]

9. Lovely.

So I guess I'll have to look for a female trainer, then.
:eyes:

I may have to just haul my gym-savvy friend with, so she can help me figure it out.

[idgiehkt]

11. I've never seen a trainer be untoward.

I really did not mean to make you nervous about it. I actually meant it in an encouraging way. Most of them that I have seen are very polite, but they will notice you and they will usually offer help.

There was one man at my gym in SC that made me uncomfortable with his ogling but he was never rude or anything, I was just very conscious of it. Luckily that gym was open 24 hours a day and I could go in the off hours. You will be so focused on your program you won't even notice what is going on around you.

[Floogeldy]

7. I am in agreement with you.

I never could stand for people to watch me work out. It's weird. It makes me tense. I have always worked out at home, doing aerobics and weightlifting.

I will never go to a gym except to shoot baskets. :)

[LaraMN]

10. Yeah, I've avoided it,

but my insurance offers a sweet discount at the gym, and I really want something more intense, and something that will get me out of the house and moving, once winter hits (which will probably be in about three days, knowing MN weather.)

[Floogeldy]

13. I commend you and applaud you.

You have more ambition than me.

Go for it! :)

[flvegan]

12. Hi, Lara!!!

I've got 3 trainer certifications, all valid. I also think that my pics validate SOME ability.

If you want, I am your personal trainer and sports nutritionist.

Don't be intimidated...you're packin' me.

[LaraMN]

15. Lol! Yay!

An expert in-house! I think I can figure out the treadmill:rofl: but I'll probably be lost beyond that.

[flvegan]

16. I'm all yours.

It's the one thing I can give back to DU that's unique.

[LaraMN]

18. You may live to regret that offer.

I'm an information-sucking black hole...

:rofl:

[flvegan]

21. Nope.

Not at all.

[Placebo]

14. Hello, Lara. I'm a Gym-o-phobe too!

The idea of people watching or looking at me while I worked out sends my stress and anxiety levels literally through the roof. I can't even go jogging around the neighborhood because I don't want anyone seeing me! What little exercise I do, I do in the house.

Don't even get me started on the Locker Room situation! Talk about total horror.

[LaraMN]

17. I hear ya!

I'm strategically making myself do alot of things that make me uncomfortable. I don't want to let my little personal hang-ups hold me back. I'd bring you with, if I could!

[Fleshdancer]

25. That's a very good way to deal with life

I need to do that again too...make myself do things that make me uncomfortable. I'm extremely shy and it's always a big ordeal internally to do things like meet other DUers in person (for example) but I force myself to do it and it's fun. I haven't pushed myself lately though and this thread is reminding me that I'm long overdue.

[LaraMN]

26. Yep. We only live once!

(Presumably)

:D

I'm bent on making the most of what I've got.

[MissMillie]

19. don't wear makeup when you work out

let your skin sweat. Makeup will clog the pores.

[LaraMN]

22. Just some mascara and lip gloss?

Please?

[MissMillie]

27. ok, but keep your skin clean so that your pores can sweat

It's really one of the best skin treatments you can give yourself--a really great, sweaty workout.

[LoZoccolo]

20. No one really even talks to each other at those places.

It's weird. Like I don't think I'd ever be self-conscious at my gym because everyone's too into their own workout to pay attention to anyone else. Might be because I live in Chicago where people ignore each other all over the place (like on the bus and train, etcetera), but yeah, I've barely talked to anyone there.

[LaraMN]

23. I live in a small town. Everyone has to talk to EVERYONE.

It would be an interesting cultural comparison to note if my gym cohorts differ from yours...

[Fleshdancer]

24. You'll grow to love it LaraMN

I see women with make up on in the gym all the time...especially after work. I personally couldn't do it because my face would break out in a heart beat but sweat and makeup has always been a bad mix for me. As for clothes, wear what makes you comfortable. I have seen people at the gym with polo shirts and khaki shorts, small gym clothes, big baggy clothes, and just about everything else. Just wear what you normally wear to workout (assuming you don't workout naked).

It might not seem like it at first, but gyms are filled with great energy because everyone is there with the exact same goal - to improve themselves physically. Since everyone knows this, most people are polite and helpful and deep down we all know we share the same goal ultimately.

I recommend getting an orientation if you haven't already just to get a feel for the machines.

A few basic gym tips:

On cardio machines, if the gym is crowded and people are standing around waiting to use a cardio machine, please limit your time to 30 minutes or less per machine.

Please do not stand directly in front of the free weight rack. If you stand a few feet back, it allows others to get the weights they need. I also recommend not hoarding several weights at once and please put the weights back when you're done.

If you're on a machine and someone is standing around waiting to use it, it's polite to take turns in between sets.

At the water fountain, it's polite to let the sippers go ahead of you before taking the time to re-fill your water bottle.

If your gym has TV's, it is perfectly ok to ask if the channel can be changed but it's nice to ask others around you first before getting it changed.

[NewWaveChick1981]

28. You sound like me prior to three years ago..

:hi: Working out will make your makeup melt, so just take a hand towel with you to take care of the sweat. Nobody will ostracize you for it. :P In fact, some of the guys might check you out....:)

They'll give you an orientation to the equipment and an assessment of your fitness level when you get there, and they'll tell you the best exercises for you and how to do them.

[BarenakedLady]

29. Thanks for posting this question

I signed up for a Pilates class at the local gym. Tomorrow morning is my first day and I'm a gym-phobic as well. Now I shall read your replies so I don't look like a complete nutter.