fandomsecrets | [ SECRET POST #2180 ]

⌈ Secret Post #2180 ⌋

Warning: Some secrets are NOT worksafe and may contain SPOILERS.

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03.

[Fraiser]

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[Homestuck]

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[Kili/The Hobbit]

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[ ----- SPOILERY SECRETS AHEAD ----- ]

09. [SPOILERS for the Walking Dead]

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10. [SPOILERS for How I Met Your Mother]

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11. [SPOILERS for Rise of the Guardians]

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[ ----- TRIGGERY SECRETS AHEAD ----- ]

12. [WARNING for abuse]

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13. [WARNING for rape, noncon]

[American Horror Story Asylum]

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14. [WARNING for rape]

[MLP: FiM]

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15. [WARNING for rape]

[Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen]

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16. [WARNING for suicide]

[Doctor Who]

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17. [WARNING for rape]

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18. [WARNING for IRL murder/shootings]

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Notes:

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Secrets Not Posted: [ 0 - broken links ], [ 0 - not!secrets ], [ 1 - not!fandom ], [ 1 - too big ], [ 0 - repeat ].
Current Secret Submissions Post: here.
Suggestions, comments, and concerns should go here.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

So, I'm glad this is anon because it's really stupid but how do you start going to they gym? (Yeah I know, find a gym, go inside)
I mean, you have to pay for a subscription or something, right? And then what, you just waltz in there and look clueless at the machines?

I know this will be different in different gyms, but having some idea about what to expect may help ease my nervousness about this.

(It's silly that I have the time and I think the motivation for going, but I'm too afraid of the whole starting and looking silly part... Geez!)

Yes, you typically pay a subscription. If you've never been to a gym before, I would recommend a trainer. Some gyms offer trainers for hire, or you may have to find your own. I don't know too much about that, though. Big gyms typically have services for newbies and beyond, so I'd do some online research and see what other people say about the facilities, etc.

When I went to the YMCA they had people there who would show you the weight equipment and help work out an exercise program for you on it. For free. (The membership wasn't that cheap though...)

Go to gym front desk.

Book an appointment, and sort out the paperwork, pay and so forth - they'll walk you through it, but generally it's a set period, and then subscription model.

Have a half hour to hour session where a trainer breezes through the machines.

You're now set loose and totally on your own.

Ask the staff! Honestly, this is what I do for everything. They're there to help us out, so you might as well take advantage, right? Don't be shy~

A) what the above posters said about signing up, and if possible, get an introductory session with a trainer. Most gyms have a much cheaper initial session deal for the trainers, and you might be able to get just an introduction to the machines from them.

B) when I started working out, I actually had a friend who's much more active show me how to do a bunch of the machines. It's not actually that hard to learn to use the machines correctly, so if your worried about the gym staff judging you or something, try asking a friend to show you around a bit? I'm certainly no expert, but I've helped my mom out a few times with using machines at her gym. Free weights are different, you definitely want someone who really knows what they're doing to show you those, but the machines are set up to make it really hard to hurt yourself unless you use too much weight.

Thanks guys!

I'm still terrified of going, tho.

What should I do? (I know, I know, this is one of the things I have to ask). I'm overweight, and haven't done anything remotely physical since PE at school (which I didn't do the last couple years of High School).

I'm embarrassed of other people judging me. I know it's silly but :(

People are already judging you. Sorry. They'll always be judging you for something. That's life.

Since you haven't had any training at all, I really recommend looking into setting up a fitness/nutrition plan with whatever gym you choose. Like I said, any major gym should offer those services.

This isn't just going to be a diet/exercise thing you do until you are at the weight you want. This is a lifestyle change. You are making yourself healthier and more fit inside and out. You may be working on weight loss now, but you are also learning to live a lifestyle conducive to being healthy and fit permanently.

Fuck what other people think. You are doing this for your own health. (I know, easier said than done. Trust me, I struggle with it too.)

Edited 2012-12-22 03:14 (UTC)

I'm embarrassed of other people judging me. I know it's silly but :(

Let me say this as someone who goes to the gym: if someone judges you, then they are only judging you for a few seconds -- just the amount of time it takes to see you and make a snap assessment. They are more concerned with getting on with their own workout than with paying attention to what you're doing. They'll have forgotten that you even exist by the time they finish up and head out.

Everyone at the gym is, for the most part, in his or her own little bubble. You'll hear people making noises you'd never thought you'd hear in public, without a care for how it might make them sound. You'll see people striking unflattering poses, without a care for how it might make them look. Each individual might look at another at some point and think, "wow, they look silly," but each individual is kept in check by the knowledge that they, too, look silly. It works.

And, what's cool is that if you keep up with it, after a few months, you'll have people starting to recognize you not for your awkward beginnings, but for your dedication. People will start to talk to you because they've noticed that you've got drive. It's actually pretty cool.

DA - yes, I agree with this. I had the same anxiety when I first started going to the gym. After a little while there, you realize everyone is more focused on their own workout and isn't really paying attention to you.

Although I've found that does depend on the gym. I go to what I call 'normal people gyms', but there are the hardbody gyms where the superfit tend to congregate, and those definitely weren't for me.

Maybe try a guest pass for the first time to check out a gym, see if you think you can feel comfortable there.

And you've reminded me to get my lazy lardbutt back to the gym myself, so thank you, nonny, and good luck!

Don't worry about what other people are doing or thinking there. You're there for the same reasons they are so it shouldn't worry you. Actually, most of the people I see in the gyms are in your position, so you won't be alone. Just do what feels comfortable for you and don't worry about comparing yourself to others. Exercise is a great stress reliever for one thing so maybe you can focus on that instead of how you look or what your physical abilities are. Everyone has to start light in the beginning, just take it easy. I can promise you virtually no one will judge you for going to the gym and wanting to be healthy.

Typically there are different packages you can pay for. Sometimes they give discounts for students or first time gym members.

Certain packages allow you to work with a personal trainer. If you can afford it and would like more directed instruction I would recommend it. They will help you with your training goals whether it's weight loss or stamina/strength training. They're pretty nice too, so don't be intimidated by them.

I used to go to a gym for supplimentry training for my HS sport. If you want to go and do your own training and regiment you can just choose the cheapest package. Some people just stick to the cardio mechines but doing some strength training is always good. Just start super light and don't overexert yourself.

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