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Maybe this is a Stupid Question, but....

JohnTaline Posts: 11 Joined: 2002/04/26	2002/05/13, 11:14 AM I've nervous about going to work out in a Gym alone. I've been hitting the weights pretty good for about 1 1/2 years at home. I've made some good gains and loses, but obviously I don't have all that is available at a gym. I'm a littly nervous of going though...... There is a gym by my house that is fairly affordable and very Good.... What should I do... Should I shut up and go.. and stop being a baby...or Find a partner to go with....? Please give suggestions...and Be nice..:)
rpacheco Posts: 3,770 Joined: 2001/12/13	2002/05/13, 12:00 PM Do what you feel is comfortable. Personally, I like going to the gym alone. I'm sure that you can make new friends there. Good luck! -------------- **_Robert_**
Boddhisattvha Posts: 1,226 Joined: 2002/03/07	2002/05/13, 12:15 PM It kinda depends on why your nervous too.. -------------- And my soul must be iron, because my fear is naked. I'm naked and fearless.
JohnTaline Posts: 11 Joined: 2002/04/26	2002/05/13, 01:12 PM ============ Quoting from Cainsands: It kinda depends on why your nervous too.. Well I'm skinny... and I'm going to feel awkward because of all the other big guys around me....is that crazy? =============
rpacheco Posts: 3,770 Joined: 2001/12/13	2002/05/13, 01:13 PM Dude, they all started out like you! You think they were born that way? -------------- **_Robert_**
Boddhisattvha Posts: 1,226 Joined: 2002/03/07	2002/05/13, 01:15 PM Naw, I think the concept that people feel like they should be Adonnis' to work out in a gym is outdated. The only person in the gym you have anything to prove to is yourself. Anyone else can take a long walk... know what I mean? Besides you won't stay skiny.. Even the big guys had to start somewhere. -------------- And my soul must be iron, because my fear is naked. I'm naked and fearless.
fireloard Posts: 665 Joined: 2001/03/27	2002/05/13, 01:27 PM There shouldn't be anything to worry about.. I like going alone because I don't have to wait on my partner to finish his set and so on.. but either way is good.. If you get a partner then you have someone to spot you on heavier lifts.. and if your worried about being skinny and in the gym just look at my pics.. I'm pretty much the smallest guy when I goto a gym.. most people (at least at the one I goto) are nice and don't comment but sometimes I hear people behind me commenting "look what that guy is lifting.. I bet my arms are as strong as his chest" but you can just ignore them... besides if your on a good diet and supps you should be huge in no time.. although I haven't found a pic.. some people on another board arnold looked 'skinny' when he was just starting out.. not sure if thats true but overall.. don't worry about what other people are thinking about you.. unless its something postive..
Boddhisattvha Posts: 1,226 Joined: 2002/03/07	2002/05/13, 01:30 PM I recently read that Arnold had badly underdeveloped calves when he first started. Apparently he cutoff the legs from all his pants to show them off. He used the ridicule as fuel when he was doing calves.. -------------- And my soul must be iron, because my fear is naked. I'm naked and fearless.
joe_licioux Posts: 29 Joined: 2002/04/18	2002/05/13, 02:53 PM Hey John let me just say that when I first started I was really skinny and was very intimidated to go to the gym. Finding a good partner was my way to help get over that. But let me just say now almost 4 years later I'm 70 pounds heavier and a lot more muscular. I feel like the situaition is reversed from when I first started out. But I ALWAYS remember when I'm in the gym that I too was once skinny!!! If I wouldn't of gotten over the intimidation factor I wouldn't be where I am now pyhiscally. Dont' worry about those other guys at the gym. It's like what the others say they all started out small. One day you'll be one of the big guys. It just takes some getting used to going to the gym.
SeanMS Posts: 27 Joined: 2002/05/02	2002/05/14, 12:17 AM You would be surprised, there's lots of people in gyms that workout by themselves. I started out in Jan. of this year at a new gym (lifting by myself) and now I know everyone in there and can always find someone to jump in and workout with. About the only time I like having a partner is when I'm needing a spot for bench press. Most people will be glad to spot you in between their sets anyway. If you think your skinny find someone big and the bigger the better and start lifting with them, that will motivate you even more. One thing I miss about being skinny- I used to get the good looking girls to spot me, most of them got a kick out of spotting a guy on bench press but now they think it's too much weight- they won't even try now :-( What a bummer, that was good motivation too. Some gyms will give you the first workout free, if they do you could go in and kinda check it out before paying any money.
Boddhisattvha Posts: 1,226 Joined: 2002/03/07	2002/05/14, 01:27 PM You might want to stay away from "Hardcore" gyms. These are gyms where serious bodybuilders hang out only. Places like Nautilus are a little more rounded out. -------------- And my soul must be iron, because my fear is naked. I'm naked and fearless.
FitLilAlien Posts: 36 Joined: 2002/04/26	2002/05/14, 02:23 PM Personally I like to go to the gym alone, mostly because of the time issue, but also because I stay more focused. If he need a spot or help, I can always ask one of the trainers or people in there. I know how you feel about being a bit shy, I was that way at first too. It was a lil different for me because I started going with my mom who is as strong as an ox, and I felt puny next to her! But I think that you'll see after being there for a while with the same ol people every day, that people will start to compliment you on your gains, your acheivment, etc.. which is a really great feeling. Not many people are there to see who's bigger, stronger, better, or whatever, and if they are they are there for the wrong reasons and aren't worth your being nervus anyway. Just my $.02
qualters Posts: 343 Joined: 2002/04/21	2002/05/14, 05:21 PM I am another who likes to go to the gym alone, but at the begining it did feel a little wierd. I waited about a year before I joined a gym and just worked out at home to try to get myself into shape for the gym......sounds crazy but I did. I was a little itimidated at first but got over it, you really need to find a gym you like to go to aswell. I have been to many gyms that the atmosphere really SUCKS! REMEMBER everyone has to start somewhere. BQ
bombx Posts: 69 Joined: 2001/02/12	2002/05/14, 07:18 PM Well I also use to train at home then moved and had to go to a gym or nothing.So I signed up at the gym and gave it a try (and im one hell of a shy/nervous guy). And I still remember the first few days I LOVED it so much i couldnt stop talking about it. Presonally I love going alone, besides you'll make friends over there in no time and youll feel more at home soon. Myself I got me a mp3 player and I blare the tunes and its like Im all alone at the gym :) Dan