I want to start going to the gym for the first time in my life and could really use some advice?

[Anonymous]

I'm about 20~30 pounds overweightand really want to try getting un shape but I've never gone to a gym before, I wouldn't even know where to begin. Can someoneexplain to me propper gym etiquette? Seriously even if it seems like a no brainer to you I probably wouldn't know it. And if anyone can point me to some good forums or preferably youtube videos regarding this subject I'd appreciate it. Also I'm embarrassed to go so what time of day are gyms usually empty? I was thinking of going around 8 a. m.

[kaylaS91]

Proper gym etiquette includes:
-After you use machines, particularly cardio machines like the elliptical, wipe it down a bit with a paper towel you've sprayed with a cleaning agent that should be hanging close by to the dispenser
-If you use dumb-bells/medicine balls and equipment like that, including mats, put them back in the right place when you're done with them.
-Don't bring your phone in and hot machines that you use to essentially just sit in and manage your social life via your phone.

Don't be embarrassed about working out. Nobody will judge you- most are focused on their own workouts. If you insist on going, at least in the beginning, when the gym is emptier, though, I find that it's usually pretty empty later in the day. Around 7-8pm.

[BonitaChica]

Don't be embrassed, just go! Everyone starts somewhere! Just do about 15-20 mins of cardio and go from there