How do you start working out at a gym?

Get a coach / instructor at the gym.

The local YMCA has several, may cost a few dollars but you’ll learn the equipment and exercises ! That is what they do. You may not need them every time you show up; but when you change equipment .

I don’t live in the US or UK, YMCA isn’t big here… But thanks, I was hoping to find an instructor or something, I don’t know how this works.

I started with aqua size swim class. Where you try to press a swim noodle down for a second or two. It helped me to progress to 1 pound barbell. Then slowly raise the weight. I would avoid buying a long membership to a gym for now.

1 pound barbell, for what? Even I can lift one pound :)

@nerdgirl578 I was out of shape and all skin and bones. 1 pound was too much for me 20 years ago. Good luck. Happy lifting.

You must be joking…

@nerdgirl578 1lbs over and over was too much on me. I was 129lbs and 6’5”. I might have been anorexic.

Doing what? I’ve tried dumbbells before and I could use 5 lbs a few times, and I’m as weak as they come lol

@nerdgirl578 Sorry for going off topic. You should be fine. I was going to recommend asking a doctor about starting to go to the gym, but you might not have insurance.

Oh sorry, you were talking about barbells… I couldn’t even lift one of those lol!

@nerdgirl578 Good luck. Congrats on putting your health a priority.

Thanks, I hope it goes well. For the record I thought you meant dumbbells at first, that’s why I thought you were joking :)

First of all, visit one. See what’s going on. Visualize yourself in there exercising. Then, sign up with an idea in your head as when you will start. Ready?? Now go buy some togs that will fit in with the other people there so you don’t feel out of place.

In the U.S., there are a number of 24 hour gyms with relatively low monthly fees. Are there any where you live? They provide free coaching to create a workout program. The motto of one of them is “The Judgement Free Zone”, which shows there must be others who share your feelings.

Thanks for the advice! I found one which offers free coaching for beginners and managed to talk a friend into going with me :)

Very nice!