5 Ways To Avoid Looking Stupid At The Gym

I love working out, but I have a confession to make. I hate going to the gym! Why? I feel intimidated and I really don’t know my way around the equipment. And honestly, I’m sure many women feel the same way and avoid the gym altogether.

Here are 5 tips that will help you NOT look stupid when going to the gym.

1. Use what you know

I don’t know much about weight lifting or my way around some of the fancy equipment at the gym. I’m afraid of using it incorrectly, looking foolish and worse yet, injuring myself. When I go to the gym, I stick to what I know. Luckily, the gym I go to has an indoor track! Running is easy for me so that’s what I do. The treadmill/dreadmill and stationary bikes are also safe bets for me.

2.  Bring Your Smart Phone

My iPhone is one of my definite must-haves when I workout. Not only does it provide me with inspirational music, but there are also many useful apps. For running, I use Nike Running Club or (my Garmin Connect with my Garmin watch). For weight training or other cardio, I love using Nike Training Club. If you don’t know how to use free weights or don’t know what to do with a medicine ball, use this app for ideas.

My iPhone came in handy one day when I spotted a foam roller at the gym. I had never used one, but I have heard many great things about it. A quick Google search gave me ideas on how to use it to massage my legs. I will definitely use it again.

3. Avoid These

Can you do pull-ups and chin-ups? If you can… great! If you are not sure, let me tell you, they are hard.

I can maybe do 3 or 4 if I try hard. At home, I have the Total Gym, and I can do up to 12 on an incline.

You might want to wait till the gym is empty before you challenge yourself to pull-ups. I would also avoid any equipment I’m not 100 % sure on how to use in order to avoid injury. If you really want to use it, ask the staff to show you how!

4. Come Prepared With A Plan

I always go to the gym with a plan. Otherwise, I’ll wander around, look at the equipment, and waste a lot of my time. When I go with a plan in mind, I get right to work and don’t waste time.

Often my plan consists of a workout from an app on my iPhone. When I was training for my 10 Km race, I used the Nike Running Club which lays out the workouts for you. I use Nike Training Club App for strength training. Alternatively, I write down my plan ahead of time.

5. Dress For Success

If you look great, you’ll feel great, so go ahead and wear some brightly coloured shoes or leggings with funky designs.

Feeling good about yourself will also help to get you motivated. If you dress the part, you’ll definitely look like you belong, even if you don’t 100 % feel like you do.  

And heck, if all else fails and you end up falling off the treadmill, at least you look cute right?

Do you have tips to help people get over their intimidation of the gym? Please share them below.

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