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I just wanted to encourage anyone who is putting off exercise because they are afraid of going to the gym. I was afraid of the gym for a while, but I finally just went. It’s easy to use fear as an excuse not to do anything. I did not know how to use the machines, how to change the weights on them, what machines are for what, where to be, etc. I would only use the treadmill and leave. I couldn’t get a full workout because I was afraid of the machines that looked complicated -and I was cheating myself out of a good weight workout.

Most gyms should have a staff member on duty who can teach you about the machines. While they are not going to tell you how many exercises to do or what weights to use, they will show you how to work any and all equipment. The rest depends on you personally to learn how much weight you can lift, push, etc.

The exercise machines today are much easier to use than the ones I remember from years ago. However, they are not as easily recognizable as to their function. I first went in and tried to locate a rowing machine. I could not. Most of the machines looked broken in fact because they are at such odd angles. However, for the most part they are labeled. Their labels include the name of the machine, the names of the specific muscles worked by that machine, and a color-coded body chart with the muscle groups colored in, just in case you don’t know where for example your trapezoid muscle is.

I eventually made an appointment with the staff for a tour of the gym. Make sure you ask anything you need to. It is better to ask an expert than hurt yourself on a machine later because you did not understand and were too afraid to ask. For example, although he showed me how to adjust the machines, I made sure I could adjust the machines so I could actually reach the arm weights, etc. I was doubtful I could, but he showed me everything, even how to best sit down on some of the machines. I was really appreciative to have a guide. Our gym happens to have Nautilus brand weight machines. These have red dots, plastic or stickers, which you are supposed to line the working muscle group up to match. So the machines even have color-coded guides to help you know you’re using it right.

With all the guidance to exploring the gym, I now feel much more comfortable with going and using the machines. I’m also pretty annoyed that I let my lack of knowledge keep me from this resource for so long. Please don’t be stubborn like me -get to know your local gym!

It was odd being the only girl in that section, but really most guys seemed to approve when a girl, any girl, tried to use the machines. Everyone was courteous and focusing on themselves. One different thing about weights, there is some downtime in the gym. Between sets of exercises people just take a break and rest. Be prepared, they are not trying to stare or be rude, just trying to give their muscles a rest. I hope my venturing into a gym helps someone who hasn’t been to a gym feel more comfortable about the experience. I’m really glad I finally went and I am really enjoying using the different machines.

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