So I’m aware that there are many women out there who belong to a gym and go to classes and use the treadmill, elliptical and stationary bikes, but have never worked out on the mats or took advantage of all the other equipment that’s right there on the gym floor. The reason: they have no clue about how to workout with any of the equipment or machines and they fear the jeers and snickering they think they get from the buff bods all around them. They’re immediately transported back to high school gym class and all the fears and insecurities that went along with it come racing back. Ok, I can relate to that.
I was the same way five years ago when I finally joined the gym. I had no clue what I was doing and I felt quite stupid standing next to a huge muscle-head who was lifting 95 lbs over his head, grunting all the way, while I stood there with 5 lbs dumbbells doing who the hell knows what in an effort to look like I knew what I was doing. That’s what propelled me to learn all I could about working out, it got me certified and it lead me to my new found passion. Now I know that’s not the way it’s going to be for most of you, you just want to know what to do without looking like an idiot and be on your merry way. Easy enough. I have one suggestion then to offer you.
I suggest to you a book called “Women’s Home Workout Bible” by Brad Schoenfeld, CSCS, CPT. I just got it and it is filled with all types of workouts that you can use at the gym. And for those who prefer to workout at home, thus taking the fear right out of the equation but still leaving you with the cluelessness, then this book has everything you need to know. He shows you how to do exercises using your bodyweight, or dumbbells, barbells, machines, resistance bands, stability balls, he’s got it all in here. I suggest going through the book and practicing the movements so you have them down and taking about 8 or so moves with you to the gym. This way you have a plan. You’re not walking out on that gym floor with a big sign on your forehead that says “Newbie. I’m about to embarrass myself!” Create your own circuit workout, or go to the back of the book where he puts together a set of exercises for you to do. Mix and match them if you want, don’t be afraid to experiment. The book is a really great tool and the photos are very helpful in explaining and showing you exactly how to do each exercise.
Soon you’ll be looking at the people around you who used to intimidate you and realize that maybe they could use a lesson or two on the proper ways to workout!
