Let’s Talk About: Gym Confidence + Gear Options
Hi friends! How’s your morning going? Hope it’s been lurvely so far 🙂
Last night, I took Bella to one of my little bro’s baseball games. The white dog parade was there! Bell was so happy to see her cousins.
(with my nana and stepmom)
Today is day #2 at the resort- 6 classes today to take/observe! It’s been a challenge to pack my eats since working out on a food baby is no picnic, so I’ve been doing smaller bites and snacks all the livelong day. I’m going to see how it goes this week and tweak as necessary.
Here’s what I packed up for today:
A quinoa, chickpea, Greek style salad
(with 2 servings of quinoa, 1/2 C garbanzo beans, some olives, a red bell pepper, cucumber, lemon juice, mint and olive oil)
a smoothie
(almond milk, Sun Warrior, banana, strawberries, raw cacao powder)
and a coconut water.
I should be good to go for the day, and may stop by the employee caf to pick up something to munch on the way home. Everything there is healthy and most of it is organic- I’m a happy girl 🙂 We’ll see how it goes.
Breakfast was another egg-rito 🙂
I was out of salsa, but it was still good with mustard and nutritional yeast.
Since I’ve gotta peace out, I thought in the meantime it would be fun to discuss two things:
1. Gym confidence and
2. Workout clothing options for gym-goers looking to lose weight
Here are a couple of questions that I recently received, along with my input:
I want to work out at the gym, but every time I go, I feel like people are staring me. I have over 100 lbs I’d like to lose, but get so self-conscious when I work out. Any tips on overcoming this?
This is something that I definitely struggled with when I was beginning my weight loss journey. I made the mistake of working out at the Campus Rec, which is basically hot bod central, and felt self-conscious every time I was there. I always thought the girls were judging me and the frat boys were scoffing at me, which probably isn’t true, but I certainly felt less than comfortable. It blew my mind because I thought gyms were for *getting fit*, and everyone seemed to be fit already. I was discouraged.
What did I do? I changed my environment. I worked out at the YMCA instead, which had a lot of families, guests of various fitness levels and ages, and was able to work out more comfortably. Later, I joined LA Fitness when I wanted to start taking more classes and was more at ease in a gym environment.
I totally understand that it’s not always possible to change place of sweat-age, so if you have to stay at the same gym or spot, here’s what I think:
-99.9% of the time, people are way too focused on their own workouts to worry about what you’re doing. I’ve seen some crazy stuff in gyms since I’ve worked at quite a few: people huffing and puffing (more like screaming), doing crazy calisthenics and jumps, insane workout attire, people of all walks of life and fitness levels, and guess what? No one cares.
-Every time I see someone who is working out to take charge of their health, I want to hug them, tell them I’m proud of them, and to stick with it. But then, I’d be a creeper, so I refrain. I’m willing to bet that the trainers and instructors in your gym –and fellow gym-goers who have worked hard to get where they’re at- feel the exact same way.
-Even if some people are staring or being obnoxious, some people are just jerks. Eff them. I’ve a big fan of faking it until you feel it… fake your confidence (tell yourself “I’m making myself stronger and healthier. I’m proud of myself”) and your confidence will grow. When you say it enough, you’ll start to believe it.
I’m at a place where I’m in a super duper high amount of stress and have let myself slip on my workouts. I now need to lose about 40 pounds and am ready to take action but have found that I’m uncomfortable in my own skin. Workout clothes are tight and clingy and hard to find in my size, especially that are flattering. I also am on a budget, and workout clothes seem to be so expensive. I was curious if you had thoughts or ideas for workout clothes in bigger sizes that look flattering on a curvy, heavy girl, and are a bit on the cheaper side. Especially since my intention is to lose weight – I hate the idea of spending hundreds of dollars on new workout clothes that I don’t intend to be able to fit into for very long. I imagine you have other readers that might be interested in this topic too – but I could be wrong.
I always tell clients who want to lose weight (or decrease body fat %) to NOT buy new workout clothes! There’s nothing worse than spending $100 on a pair of black stretchy pants to have them falling off your bum a month later.
My tips:
-TJ Maxx is your friend. You can find AWESOME workout clothes at TJ Maxx (in a variety of sizes), for sick prices. Usually workout tops range from $7.99-19.99 and pants around $20-30. I’d only recommend buying a couple of pairs of pants, shorts and shirts. No need to go buck wild if it wont be fitting for long!
-Target (the fancy French boutique). They make decent-quality workout gear, which is also inexpensive. I’ve noticed that a lot of my stuff I used to wear from Target didn’t last very long, but when you won’t be counting on it to be an investment, NBD.
Any other tips?
Did you ever struggle with gym confidence? How did you overcome it?
What’s the best bet for inexpensive workout clothes in all sizes?
I’m excited to read your tips and advice. You guys will blow me away with awesomeness, per usual 🙂
Have a great day and I’ll see ya this afternoon!
xoxo
Gina
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WOW sounds like an amazing place to work! I think you’re gonna enjoy yourself…I know I would with an employee cafe with health food <- OH YEAH!
I used to care what I looked like when working out but like you said, I realized that most people are just focused on their own workouts that they could care less what you look like or are doing! Everyones in the zone! LOL!
I’m a total creeper as well, I just want to hug people who are taking their life by the balls! Not in a condescending way, but in an empathizing way. I have to remind myself that restraining orders are still in style…
I agree with Target…Walmart is another. Granted, they won’t last very long if you wear them often, but that’s ok because if you are losing weight they will be too big eventually anyways. Kohl’s also. Especially clearance. You can find more quality, name-brand stuff there (like Nike, Danskin, etc).
Personally, I think somewhat tighter clothes give me some more confidence than an oversized tshirt and sweatpants because, although I have weight to lose, it gives me the opportunity to not look frumpy either. There is most definitely a happy medium. I found that a tank top with an empire waist and a little extra fabric in the tummy helps with any abdomen self-consiciousness.
My thing with new workout clothing, is if you are “well endowed” in the top, bend over in the dressing room and see if anything falls out. I teach yoga and have learned the hard way, not everything works.
Also, if anyone has specific brands that are made more roomy at top, please share.
Nux tops are great for this. They rise up a little higher than, say, lulu tops. http://nuxusa.com/
Moving Comfort has awesome bras! I would recommend going to a running store to try one on, but I got mine from Amazon. I read through the reviews and should have listened…their sizes run a bit big. I had to purchase one cup and bandwidth size down from my “normal” size.
The most important thing is that you are taking care of your body and nothing else matters! People who stare or make faces have their own problems to deal with.
I work out in my on campus rec center & once & awhile I feel self conscious but I usually just tell myself “F that noise. No one is looking at you” or I just convince myself that I look baller or that even though I may look like a goon while I’m doing strength training – it will be worth it!
I second the suggestion for Tj Maxx/Marshalls & Target. I’ve found shirts, capris, and bras there for less then 20$. There are also websites online that you can pick up higher quality stuff for cheap once you get closer to the size you wanna be. 🙂
My last tip is to dress in things that make you feel comfortable. For example, if I’m going to be running or strength training, I usually choose to wear capris, because I don’t like it when my thighs rub together (I feel like I have the body type that this is going to happen forever) and I don’t want to be showing anyone my goodies haha.
I second Target! Also Wal Mart, if you have one has some great Danskin stuff that’s really cheap and has variety of flattering options at a lot of sizes. I do think once you’ve dropped some weight you should splurge on one pair of workout pants or top that makes you feel like a super star. It’s worth the money. Even though I have to use the drawstring in my first pair of lululemon pants I still remember how proud I was to buy them for a self reward of running consistently for 7 months!
This post totally inspired me! If either of those people are reading, HIGH FIVE! I remember when i first started working out and feeling like I was getting healthy. I felt like my life changed 100%. MY friends and family noticed and I felt GOOD about myself. It’s a lot of hard work but man, it’s worth it! Good luck and you can do it!
(Sorry this was so long!)
Also, outlets if you have them near you! Nike outlet sale rack has given me some of my best workout clothes!
Gap has really decent workout stuff and I feel like a lot of it goes to clearance quickly…I got 2 pairs of my favorite running shorts there for $7 each this week! They have really cute/flattering tops too.
Seconded! 3 days ago I got an amazing bra for $6!
Target is the best! I do have pants that are thisclose to ripping in inappropriate spots (that are over a year old) and I’m afraid to wear them in a yoga class for that reason. But they lasted at most a year and still work for lazy evenings!
When I worked out at the gym, I really only did cardio. I didn’t know how to use the weight machines or other things to do with free weights besides bicep curls. And I wasn’t about to go into the weight room with all of the crazy buff men and women who take over their own spots on the floor. I ended up working with a trainer and learned a lot of fun, new exercises to do with weights. He taught me proper form and gave me the confidence to do the workouts he gave me on my own. 🙂
i haven’t really been uncomfortable at the gym. I go alone, and no one ever talks to me or barely looks at me. It is kind of lonely and depressing, but i go there for ME so i deal.
my workout clothes were all gifts, so they are lulu, but i do plan to buy a few more items this year, from a sport store that has a good selection for a decent price. I can’t spend crazy amounts of money on stuff like that, PLUS i plan to lose a bit of weight, so i dont want to get super fantastic stuff until after, when i am maintaining.
All your eats look very good! I definitely hear ya on tweaking it next week, just got to figure out what works for ya.
ok i’m done writing a book here lol. Have a great day!
I usually get my workout clothes at Target, but I do live near a TJ Maxx so I will have to check that out!
I have no problem with gym confidence when I work out on my own. I have major confidence issues when I do group classes.
forever 21 has some good inexpensive work out clothes, too! these are awesome tips. 🙂 I love that work out tank, it’s so cute!
I second everyone who said TJ Maxx! If you have a Lohemann’s near you they are another great source.
Also, don’t be ashamed to workout if a t-shirt if you are comfortable. Even after getting into better shape, I’m still happiest in my old college tee. It doesn’t have to be a fashion show – the important thing is that you are there doing the work!
I can identify with this post. I’m about 20lbs over my goal weight and 10 lbs from my “normal” weight. Even when I’m thinner, I have a unique body type, short, big boobs, thicker around the middle, etc. I’ve found great deals at TJ Maxx as well, 9.99 sports bras, black capris to run in etc. I also look for tanks that have subtle coloring and design that flatter someone like me with a belly and will still fit regardless of weight that I lose. I have this tank in a variety of colors and I love it! Its meant for cycling, but can be used for running or gym going and has a nice pocket in back for your a small food iteam for long outdoor workouts, hikes, bikes, etc. The white coloring on the sides seems to create the illusion of an “hourglass” shape on me, the length is on the longer side, and its tight enough to stay in place without being too tight and riding up.
http://www.gottaridebikes.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Category_Code=RUN&Product_Code=CLOSEOUT9006&Product_Count=3&Screen=PROD
I am all about Target, Old Navy (prob my fav) and Marshalls/ TJ Maxx!!! I am a fitness trainer and LIVE in exercise clothes and REFUSE to pay high prices for them still. Even though I can deduct them for my business.
The biggest misconception is that everyone is staring at you. I ALWAYS tell clients and people that everyone in the gym is usually so into themselves that it only feels like they are staring at you because you feel just as self conscious as they do. Then you have the jacked guys lifting yup their shirts to check out their abs every 5 minutes, haaha. I stare at them in disbelief because it’s like they don’t know people can see them doing it..or DO they??? LOL.
Outlets are great and online sales rock too! I think my favorite get of all time was all purchased at almost 75% off!
I agree with your gym tips 100% Gina. Whenever I see someone in the gym that has a lot of weight to lose in order to be healthy, I want to go up and congratulate them for being there in the first place because I know from my own journey as well that it takes confidence, and you really have to want to make the change. As far as gym clothing shopping goes, I have found some really good deals at Winners (a store here in Canada) and at outlets in the US like the Champion store at the Prime Outlets. If we had TJ Maxx or Target here, I’m sure I’d be all over their workout section! But for now, since I’m at my happy weight, I’m buying pretty much all Lulu because it lasts forever and is SO comfy!
I struggle with gym confidence sometimes, but I try to remind myself that I’m paying to go there… I deserve to use the equipment!
Also, the only time I do tend to judge people at the gym… is when I see someone riding (more like slow pedelling!) a stationary bike while reading a magazine. I think that’s ridiculous!
Like Gina, anytime I see anyone working out (especially someone a bit heavier) I’m SO proud of them for making a change… and I take it as motivation! 🙂 🙂
E-bay is really great for cheap work-out gear too! The sports bra selection on there is huge!
When I go to the gym and see “heavier” people working out, I applaud. I don’t judge. A commmittment to your health is a journey and you have to start somewhere, right?
I second looking at TJ Maxx and Marshalls for workout gear. I buy 99% of my stuff there.
“Fake it until you feel it”- I love that. I believe that you are what you think you are, so why not think of yourself as strong and fit? If you focus on all the wonderful things your body can do, and you push yourself to do those things (while eating yummy, healthy food), your body will come around. Cute exercise gear can be the best reward for hard work! I’ve found many snazzy things on the clearance rack at Sports Authority.
So glad you are loving your new job, Gina! It sounds awesome.
I’m in a different boat, where I just want to get fit & eat healthy rather then lose weight, my problem is just inactivity. So for me, buying cute wear-out gear (inspired by you finessista!) really helped me get moving! GAP/OLD NAVY always have great sales, online and in-store, plus those sweet survey receipt’s that give you an extra 10% off.
I have run into one small problem! I walk outdoors and want to begin jogging, but have found to loathe the feeling of my little cellphone bouncing around (I currently tuck it in my bra), short of bringing back the fanny-pack, are there arm band pouches or something out there that can hold something small?
Honestly I love Target workout clothes — I have some shorts and tanks that I bought there 4-5 years ago that are still in good shape!
I like our gym because there is such a good range of folks there — I think it makes for a comfortable gym experience. And honestly, even if your gym is full of beautiful fit people, they all do embarrassing things like have a sweaty ass crack or fart at times — it happens so just remember that we’re all human.
I always hit up Old Navy for cheap workout stuff. They have sizes up to 2 xl and most of their stuff has lasted me several years which is impressive considering how many workouts/washes I have done in them. Make sure to try on the tops though… The tops are always a little too short for my liking.
And Kohls has a great selection of sports bras!
I totally agree that most people don’t even think twice about what other people are doing at a gym. If I’m ever uncomfortable going into a gym, I have a game plan: start on one of the cardio machines while I review my workout that I have written down on paper. Then I take some time to scope out where everything is in terms of weights and machines. Then I “just do it.”
Old t-shirts are great for loose tops and I try to scope out the sale section of sporting goods store and only buy nicer pants and shorts if they’re on sale. If I find something that’s not on sale that I like, I try to find it on eBay.
Have fun at the new job today!
When I was first starting out at the gym, I too had about 100 pounds to lose (lost it and have kept it off too!) and I was very self-conscious. I’d put my music on and just zone out. I tried to ignore everyone else and what they were doing – whether they were paying attention to me or not I had no idea. For inexpensive workout clothes, I actually like JCPenney! They always have sales, you can find coupons, and if you sign up for emails you can get coupons that way too. They also move merchandise very quickly so you can find good stuff on the clearance racks sometimes.
I signed up at a gym awhile ago and I was soooo intimidated. It didn’t help the trainer at the desk was kinda cute. Made me feel awkward. But, he was helpful, I got my membership and took advantage of the personal training package for newbies. I did the exercises I did with him (since they were so basic because I was just starting out and my fitness level was zilch). That gave me confidence to putter around the gym and not feel weird. I did the same thing when I switched gyms, and again, I have confidence not because I don’t think people are staring but because I have a plan when I’m there. Many large gyms have awesome trainers and will often have deals or specials for first time trainees. I can’t help it…I’m a huge fan of personal training 🙂
This topic is near and dear to my heart. I started my weight loss journey with 100 lbs to lose (and am happy to report I’ve lost 80 of those bad boys so far). I always felt like the fat girl at the gym… boo on the negative self talk that was going on but that’s what was in my head. I worked out in clothes that made me feel good that day. Sometimes it was a t-shirt that was a bit baggy, some days it was a more form fitting tee (especially as I started to gain confidence as my hard work was paying off).
I really focused on the attitude. So what if I was the “fat girl” at the gym… I wasn’t the girl on the couch eating ice cream so who cares! I tried to use my insecurity in a positive way and focused on myself as being the underdog.
I like the idea of going to a gym that’s more figure friendly. Another tip if you can’t do that is to hit the early morning workout… I always found that the early morning crowd were sometimes a bit older and also far more concerned with fitness than with trolling the gym for hotties 😛
Thanks for another great blog Gina!
Great tips, Gina! I’m definitely with ya on the workout gear…Target is great for cheap workout clothes.
When it comes to workout confidence, there’s really only one area where I feel intimidated. I call it the “scary part of the gym.” And that is the free weights area.
It’s not like I don’t know some free weight exercises, but I guess I get a little intimidated by all the meat heads who hang out in that area, grunting and groaning and flexing their big, bulging biceps like it’s their job. Sheesh! This is why I do BodyPump…or free weights at home. 🙂
I also get the urge to go HUG people at the gym who are taking charge of their health! (I also refrain from doing so… ha ha) I felt so uncomfortable going to my college gym, too! I much prefer my current gym– a women-only gym, with plenty of working women and mothers. No judgment there. 😀
I love Target for workout clothes! I make the occasional splurge at Lululemon, but I only wear that kinda stuff when I’m going to the Physique 57 studio. (where Lululemon is almost the “uniform!”) For running, or a trip to the gym, I stick to cheaper, looser-fitting clothes.
My boss asked me to go with her to join a “less-intimidating” gym last week and so I went with her for morale support. I am so proud of her! When I was losing weight I used to do a few things cause I had a lot to lose while training for competition.
1. I didn’t go at “peak” hours when I knew it would be meat-head grunting and growling central. I tried to go later in the evenings or super early in the morning.
2. I went to classes! Go to classes! It’s the best motivator. While it seems they would be more intimidating, they are inspirational and people are typically friendly and helpful for the most part.
3. Buy a few new things, I dunno about ya’ll, but when I get new workout clothes, it makes me want to go to the gym! I second Gina’s TJ Maxx suggestion. Also, Ross and Marshall’s. I LOVE Rue 21 and Forever 21 for cheap gym clothes, can’t beat those places! Oh! And Old Navy. Old Navy has EXCELLENT quality gym gear! 🙂
I buy nicer pants at TjMaxx and Marshalls, sometimes even Ross and get my tops at Walmart. The Danskin brand is really cheap $5-7 and I can get my fix of new clothes without feeling guilty about $. I even like the Danskin bras at Walmart – they don’t give me the uni-boob.
I completely agree with your first tip! I’m so focused on my own workout that I barely even notice the people around me. Just focus on yourself and think of all the great things you’re doing for yourself!!
Hi Gina, can you send me the link to your amazeballs recipe? :)Thank you!
It should be in the post- just click the word amazeballz 🙂
Xoxo
I live in a small town, so the closest Target is 30 minutes from my place. I found that Wal-mart has some great workout clothes. In fact, this fall, I loaded up on some workout pants that were only $11 and have been holding up really well! I also splurged on a sports bra (because I usually have to double up) and I am so glad I did. Moving Comfort has some awesome sports bras for the chestier girls out there 😉
Your new job sounds very exciting. 🙂 Would love to hear more (if you have more to say) about the stretch class! Was just thinking I would love to teach one, since my busy schedule doesn’t give me much time to stretch and I wake up every morning in a ball of knots. Might as well build it in to the teaching schedule eh? 😉 I think you said you’re working at a resort but you’ll have some classes open to the public – hopefully then you’ll get some repeaters. In my short time teaching I have found that I really love it when people come back again and again – I’m sure you know the feeling well.
Re: gym confidence, it’s so weird but even when I was more self conscious about my body than I am now, I always thought I looked bad ass at the gym. Seems the opposite of logical! But maybe my love for the gym clothes and environment was an early sign I was destined for working in fitness. Back in the day when I didn’t need to wear cute workout clothes for teaching, I remember shopping department store sales for affordable workout clothes, as well as Mandee – not sure that’s a nationwide chain, but it’s not unlike a Forever 21 (which didn’t exist back then). But I actually still have a pair of workout pants from Mandee that were like $12 and I love them. Not the classiest joint, but I know those of us in the tri-state area can surely find a Mandee quite easily.
Sorry for the novel – coffee just kicked in. 😉
I am a thin, fit gym goer and I am SO SO proud of everyone I see taking charge of their health and fitness. I think your reader needs to know that for the 1 person MAYBE judging them (jerks!), 99 are proud of them!!
Oh, how I’ve been there! An important thing to remember, when it comes to gym confidence, is that you don’t know where everyone started. Very few people are just naturally hot bods. We all work. An overweight person might see me (pre-preggo) and think I might judge them. She doesn’t know that I lost 120 pound and how fantastic it is that I think she’s there. And if someone doesn’t think it’s fantastic? I second you – fig them. I also found it easier to start at home/outside with running and strength training.
Gym confidence is something that was a huge struggle for me. The one thing that has worked the best was to go with a buddy. Someone who makes you comfortableand can make you smile. Once I started making gym “dates” with friends I found myself going with more consistancy and not feeling so self-concious.
As for clothing, my current absolute favorite pair of pants came from Wal-Mart… not kidding. In the danskin line they have these great pants with pockets, they are loose enough to be flattering, and have a drawstring to pull as you lose weight. I also like Old Navy pants. And for shirts I actually steal my hubby’s tank undershirts and put my own tank over, comfy and flattering.
I have never even considered TJ Msxx for workout clothes..or anything for that matter! Thanks for the tip, G 🙂
Trust me, i’ve had experience with this one…I have had workout capris LITERALLY falling off when I was on the treadmill. Hiking up your pants while running = no fun.
Therefore, Marshalls and TJ Maxx are your best friends. Also, my #1 tip of advice is go for comfort! What is really going to make you feel better? Looking cute in trendy workout clothes that are falling off so you can’t get good workout or wearing an old scraggly t-shirt that you can wear to KICK BUTT in the gym? Plus, I find people will think you are serious about fitness by how hard you push yourself and rock your workout, rather than by how many tight fitting workout tanks you own.
Take it from a girl who has lost 63 lbs, don’t let the clothes stop you. Fake it until you make it. You’ll be able to wear those yoga pants every day after a few months of old sweats. Pinky promise. 🙂
Good luck on your second day!!
Even though I am not trying to lose weight – I still do not like to shell out a ton of money on workout clothes – but I still want to look good! TJ Maxx and Marshalls are my go to places – or I look for super deals at sporting good stores (hit up those clearnace racks). Target and Walmart can get you some great clothes for not so much money too!
I think if someone has the time to judge you @ the gym, they aren’t working out hard enough! Right?! 😉
I also love those Nike Tempo shorts. I have worn them at all different sizes, and I’ve always felt very comfortable.
Great post GIna! Even when I was my fittest I had insecurities at the gym. Here at my new gym its really bad in the weight section. I only go mid day when I know its going to be really empty. I also think once someone reaches their goal weight its good to splurge a little on good gym clothes because it makes you feel alot better when your looking hot at the gym! However, I also agree that good workout clothes dont need to cost a fortune while losing weight. My favorite workout pants are from Target.
Is that a SECOND westie I see? Now I really need to come to AZ….haha
Wow, do I hear you on the gym discomfort and the Y usually is really awesome about that.
I agree with your cheap sources, but I have to put in a plug for JC Penney. They have really stepped up their workout clothes in the last year or so. Their house brand is cute and colorful and always on sale. Prices are comparable to Target and TJ Maxx, and the quality is great. I hate super thin spandex fabric, especially because I am on the curvier/lumpier side, and theirs is nice.
Almost every new person that I ever have in my class feels the need to tell me they aren’t in shape, they don’t have rhythm, they don’t know what they are doing, etc. I know they are just trying to give reasons as to why they may ‘mess up’ in class. I always assure them that everyone else there is concerned with what they are doing and rarely are checking anyone else out. In my classes, we are always doing different routines, so it rarely gives anyone the chance to get totally comfortable to the point that they can worry about what others are doing. I also tell them that as long as they are moving it counts. You don’t always have to be on the right beat or on the right step. I say, “Your heart doesn’t know that you are moving in the wrong direction.” 🙂
I’m going to put a vote in for Walmart for cheap workout clothes in all sizes! I love their Danskin pants. They’ve lasted me a long time, and I think they have a wider range of workout clothing options than Target.
I think your advice on the gym is right on. No one cares what you are doing or what you look like doing it. When I first started out I was most concerned about spin. I just didn’t think I had the endurance to keep up with the class. And then a friend of mine told me to just ride my own ride. No one is going to care if you don’t turn up the resistance or go as fast as everyone else. It is your own ride. Now I absolutely love spin, and can definitely keep up with the class, and I can’t tell you how much it boosts my confidence to be the biggest girl in class keeping up with all the skinny chicks!
Another point of advice for new gym goers is to bring/make a friend. You always feel a little more comfortable trying something new if someone else is there going through it with you. If your friends aren’t big gym goers check out some of the programs the gym offers. Maybe working out with a trainer can help you meet new people to workout with, or I know my gym does a weight loss challenge a couple of times a year and splits the challenge participants into small groups which is a great way to meet new people.
I totally agree with all of your tips Gina! I think if it is an option to try out different gyms, the gym you are at can make such a difference. In my experience, some gyms just ‘fit’ better than others. I have been a member at a few gyms that I didn’t love so I would just do cardio and get out, feeling too intimidated to do weights especially. Now, I love the gym I’m at and feel comfortable doing cardio, weights, classes and my own thing. You can usually get guess passes to test out a gym and see if you feel comfortable or not.
I also would recommend trying to go in the morning if it is an option. Usually there are very few people in the morning vs. the number there at peak times. I have also found Saturday and Sunday afternoons to be totally dead at my gym. But on that note, no matter what time you are going, I totally agree that with very few exceptions, people at the gym care wayyyy more about their own workout than looking at what other people are doing.
I buy 90% of my workout stuff at TJ’s/Marshalls and have found some great brand name stuff. Just takes a little digging 🙂