Any tips for a guy who wants to join a gym for the first time?

[Jmarx]

I'm about 20-30 pounds over weight and I want to try getting into shape and could really use some help. I've never even been to a gym so I don't know anything. Also if someone who has been in my place before if you could explain how to get over embarrassment that would be great. I don't think any of the in shape people could realt to the overwhelming feeling of embarrassment of going to a gym when you're way overweight

[kaylaS91]

Don't worry about what other people think about you. That they'll see you and look down on you in any way because you're not in shape, or are not the most coordinated on certain exercises. Most people who go to the gym, regularly at least, are focused on their own workouts rather than assessing others. I'm a regular at my gym, and truth be told, whenever I see a fresh face I think 'good for them!' to come give working-out a try.

As for your last comment, I can relate. I was never super overweight but I had a bit of meat on me, in addition to being super self-conscious. I couldn't muster the courage to go to the gym by myself for weeks, worried people would scorn at my technique, think I'm a loser for not coming with a friend, etc.. Many of the people who are in shape and at the gym had to start somewhere, which often was with them being overweight or at least not very fit at all.

[Jmarx]

Did you ever come up with a way to put it out of your mind? like maybe jam out to music or something?

[kaylaS91]

yes, music! Of course it took a few solo trips to stop being quite as hyper-aware, not be so scared that everyone in the gym must be looking at me in a bad way. But definitely getting some good jams going helped a lot. Became almost therapeutic. It would help drown out the worries and calm me down to the point that I'd get so lost in my own thoughts, reflecting on recent things that everyone else blended into the background.

[genericname85]

you´ll be surprised. most people don´t judge overweight people training. it´s more like "you go dude! get in shape". most will be very helpfull, if you dare to ask.

as to what to do: i´d suggest working on your stamina first (do a lot of cardio). also: don´t go to the barbell/dumb bell area right away. first train at specific mashines that will train your muscles in order to be able to later execute the free barbell stuff without risk of injury.

depending on how much time you can invest: make a split plan. change your diet/nutrition for best results.

[NerdInDenial]

People understand and are more understanding; they see you try to work hard. I see out of shape people in the gym all the time. I'm like you go man, at least you are trying to do something to fix your issues. There are multiple machines and cardio machines. I would recommend a High Intensity Interval Training. You can look at bodybuilding. com and men's health for work outs. Look at Atlhlean X and Six Pack Short cuts for work outs and nutritional advice on YOUTUBE.

[Justsomeguy9814]

Dude anyone at the gym that would make fun of you for being overweight will be looked down apon by every single person in the gym, it's the one place where people are equal as they try to better themselves as for the other help look at bodybuilding. com

[Jmarx]

I have but all I can find is those hardcore wanting to get body fat below 10%. Are there more casual forums on there? I'm not trying tonbe john cena or anything. Just want to get into shape

[Justsomeguy9814]

Look at their plans on there, kris gethins daily trainer would be good

[Ulyss]

I recommend losing the weight you can lose by eating less junk food and eating more healthy before going to the gym, Basically baby steps you gotta learn how to crawl first

[ConsultantIsBack]

Join a gym, make friends, eat less and eat healthy (less soda less sugar less enriched white carbs), and sweat as often as possible.