Too embarrassed to try new exercises at the gym?

[Anonymous]

Well I have been going to the gym for a while, but mainly play basketball or do cardio. I will lift a few weights here and there, but I want to actually start building muscle and strength (tired of being weak for my age and size). The thing is I don't know any exercises other then curls with free weights and using the machines. When it comes down to trying new exercises I feel kind of embarrassed, because I have been at the gym so long and haven't gained any muscle or knowledge. On top of that I don't want to look awkward in front of that much people. Well even though a lot of the times I do act pretty goofy and get people laughing that is different. At the gym I am actually trying to be serious and lose my man boobs and gut and get the body I want. Even though I am pretty healthy otherwise. I have no idea what exercises to do without looking like a total loser.

[Vendrix]

I've never been a guy really interested in traditional weight lifting. I really find it boring just going to the weight room in a gym and laying there while I lift weights so for me, I found Crossfit as my style of lifting and cardio which combines it all together in a fast, rugged, 45mins-1hour work out and just tears you up but makes you feel great about yourself. I don't know if this is something you're interested in but a lot of the types of exercises they do (besides olympic lifting) can be done just using your own body weight and they will make you tired and sore.

Trust me, if you've ever thought it would be sweet to be that guy who can do a hand stand push up. Crossfit can teach you. Its best to get with a box (gym) because they are a support group in a sense as well since at the beginning you may ask yourself why you are doing this, but after a week or so you'll start feeling its something you can handle and they are super supportive of you. Plus, there are all varieties of people from super fit to just starting and all ages. Don't be surprised if ya show up and some 50 year old women is kicking your ass at the same exercises. :D

[temptationfalls]

Are any of the guys that play basketball lifters? If they are, try talking to them, explaining your situation and ask them to lead you through a few workouts or ask to join in on one of their workouts. The gym usually has a bunch of nice people who don't mind helping out or giving advice. See a guy doing an exercise that you've never seen or want to know more about? watch them doing their set, ask them what it works when they're in between sets, and watch them again paying attention to detail. I've learned tons of exercises that way.

Diet is extremely important as well as having good form during workouts. In the meantime, do lots of body weight exercises such as: pushups, tricep dips, lunges, squats, etc. This will help you get a headstart on lifting.

[TexanCowgirl]

Lmao I am the same EXACT way! XD I wanna lift weights too but I have no idea what to do so I stick to my cardio everyday.

I have found that going on YouTube and doing some workout searches is really helpful. I stick to the ones that I can do at home but you can also find trainers who help you with the basic weight/gym knowledge you need to know :)

Also, the machines should have instructions on the side on how to use the equipment so read that before and you'll be good to go!

[JumpThenFall]

I had that problem when I first started going to the gym. What I did was set up a one-time session with a personal trainer at my gym and they taught me the best excercises for what I wanted to accomplish. It was not embarrassing because pt's work people out all the time and I learned what I needed to do from an expert.

[kheserthorpe]

Find a copy of the book 'starting strength' by rippetoe.

Obviously you should purchase it, but electronic versions are floating around.

It covers five core exercises in great depth. They are all you need for the next year.

Best beginnner's source of information on barbell work without question.

[MrNameless]

This guy knows what's up. Starting Strength is a great beginners program that will get you strong pretty fast. Strength from full body exercises 3x a week is a good foundation to build before you get into athestics and split routines.

[CasaNorba]

hey man! just do what you gotta do!

get that "i will look like a loser if I do this" mentality out of your system by keeping mind that you do got goals and ambitions in your life, health and image. also remember that nobody is perfect and you will not loose an arm or a leg by trying.

also, nobody in the gym is paying for your membership. so f*** them! and do what you gotta do!

[MakeLoveNotWar]

Everyone is there for the same reason as you. Who cares what everyone else thinks. Just do you.

But also try to do your exercises with good form, because it can be painful (and somewhat hilarious) to look at someone doing improper form.

[Anonymous]

I was gonna suggest the same thing as JumpThenFall. Hire a personal trainer to teach you a few exercises and how to do them properly, then you should be good to go.

[DATSIKdubstep57]

Dude, look up "I know" by lacrae and live by those rules man!

[avans]

Do the exercise and don't look at other people to see if their looking at you...try to not think about other powder puffs in the gym

[Anonymous]

Ever thought of getting a personal trainer?