So I went to the gym today for the first time to give BFL a test run

[Derek]

I was really nervous about people watching me too...
I went to to the flat benches and dumbells were and I'm reading the book for the exercise demonstrations.

Then these muscular guys walk over and start snickering (not even joking) they stood behind me waiting for me to get off so they could lift (there aren't many benches there). I don't know why but I felt sooo intimidated and embarrassed so I left and proceeded to the machines. I have pretty bad self esteem and I couldn't let that go in that moment. I couldn't do it while they were there watching me and probably laughing to themselves. It was kind of what I was afraid of happening and it happened.

So yeah, today I feel weak. I don't know if I'm going to continue with the plan unless I can get a home gym and those are costly (especially for a poor college student).

[KregerS]

Derek,

Stick with it man. Don't let those a-holes ruin what you have planned. in 12 weeks you are going to look and feel a million times better and those clowns won't be laughing.

Here's what I do as to tune out the rest of the gym.

1. Plan my work out the night before. do a dry run of the exercises (without wieght of course) I'm going to perform so that I don't have to bring examples with me.

2. Wear my iPod with music that makes me want to move (sometimes it's heavy some times it dance, Celine Dion never makes the cut for me)

I hate the gym, the less I'm there the happier I am. I like to have a plan, get in do it and get the F outta there.

Another thing you might want to do is change the time of day you go, Ifind when I go at 5am (I work at 7am) The gym is pretty empty.

Most importantly, This is about you and your goals, you have to stay firm with your resolution to make yourself a better person and block out the negative energy that will prevent you from succeeding.

Just remember, those meat heads are probably more insecure then you could imagine.

I EXPECT you to go back to the gym and do your free weights next time, they are way better for you then the machines.... you can do it, I know you can.

[Jasmin]

Derek, please don't let these two idiots put you off. Everybody has to start somewhere, and these two fools were'nt born muscular - they would have had a first day at the gym too. It's a pity that there are people like that who would rather laugh at others than help them.
Try and forget about other people - you are doing this challenge for yourself so don't give up. Just try and imagine a day when you are in the shape you want to be, imagine the look on the faces of these two fools when they see you and see how much better you look. They've probably been going to the gym for years and are too busy posing and thinking how great they look that they'll never advance any further than they are.

In practical terms - maybe you can ask the staff at the gym when the quietest times are and try and go during this period if it makes you more comfortable. I managed to get a secondhand bench and set of dumbells cheap, i only intend to go to gym to do cardio because I want to use the treadmill.

[yakubu]

Originally Posted by Derek

I was really nervous about people watching me too...
I went to to the flat benches and dumbells were and I'm reading the book for the exercise demonstrations.

Then these muscular guys walk over and start snickering (not even joking) they stood behind me waiting for me to get off so they could lift (there aren't many benches there). I don't know why but I felt sooo intimidated and embarrassed so I left and proceeded to the machines. I have pretty bad self esteem and I couldn't let that go in that moment. I couldn't do it while they were there watching me and probably laughing to themselves. It was kind of what I was afraid of happening and it happened.

So yeah, today I feel weak. I don't know if I'm going to continue with the plan unless I can get a home gym and those are costly (especially for a poor college student).

there's d!ckheads everywere u go , and thats wot they are - D!ckheads

you are trying to something good for yourslef and achieve a worthy goal. this goal is worth a million times these d!ckheads sniggers so are you going to give up on your goal for them ? in twelve weeks time you could look urself in the mirror and be full of regrett for the way you look. you could be saying to urself '' i could have completed the challenge by now, i could be int he best shape of my life but im not , and why ? because i gave up when 2 D!ckheads laughed at me ''. i know which one is more painful out of looking in the mirror with regrett or having 2 nobs laugh at me

having sed that though i recommend anyone to workout at home. in the gym sometimes you cant increase the weight by small enough amounts to be able to increase between sets or increase every session. sometime you ar edoing say leg press and then you go to do squat for the last 12 reps in the high point and someone else is using the dumbells that u need therefore u have to use a pair that only gets u a level 8 intensity.

i work out at home with a bench, a barbell, adjustable dumbells and lots of different sized plates. it was all very cheap too

[Chris]

I felt the same as you when I started. It sucked. I remember this guy coming up to me and asking what I was doing b/c I was running from exercise to exercise. I showed him the sheets I was using and how I was planning my workout. He said "Wow, I bet that cuts you up all nice and lean". I told him "we'll see"... seems like a simple enough interaction, but it made me want to puke. I was so nervous every time I saw that guy again. I felt like he was judging me for all these silly reasons that I put into my own head. Like you, I had terrible self esteem at the gym.

But man, now I look back on that interaction and I laugh. He was legitimately interested in what I was doing. And it did "cut me up all nice and lean".

Also, most of the loudmouths in my gym are the idiots. They don't know what they're doing at all. Just that you are there with a plan is a HUGE step up from them. They might be laughing out of feeling uncomfortable. you know how people joke when they feel intimidated? I'm guessing that's the case here. They were intimidated by your plan.

Man, seriously, don't let this deter you from living your life. There will always be bozos. Use this interaction to better yourself. MAybe even listen to them laugh (in your head) next time you're about to give up on a set. Use it as motivation to turn into and 'arnold' and kick both of their butts. Rock on Derek! You can do it!

[Marc]

Be strong......screw 'em. This is about you and you alone, let them laugh......it shows the lack of character they have....i promise if you stick with your plan and you are diligent, you WILL have the last laugh. Use their sniggers as fuel to motivate you to learn more and try harder and get in shape.

Look for someone who looks like you want to look in the gym, and if they are friendly, ask questions if you dont understand exercises. They will be pretty chuffed that you asked them and not someone else. You'll be surprised how many people are actually willing to help. And remember, we all had to start somewhere, we are not born knowing how to do these exercises! Even the sniggering idiots had to start somewhere!

And again i say, to the sniggering @ssholes in the gym: SCREW 'EM!!!!!!!!!

Good luck buddy. Dont back down, stay in the gym, you will learn quickly how things work on BFL.

[RobBroadhurst]

Originally Posted by Derek

I was really nervous about people watching me too...
I went to to the flat benches and dumbells were and I'm reading the book for the exercise demonstrations.

Then these muscular guys walk over and start snickering (not even joking) they stood behind me waiting for me to get off so they could lift (there aren't many benches there). I don't know why but I felt sooo intimidated and embarrassed so I left and proceeded to the machines. I have pretty bad self esteem and I couldn't let that go in that moment. I couldn't do it while they were there watching me and probably laughing to themselves. It was kind of what I was afraid of happening and it happened.

So yeah, today I feel weak. I don't know if I'm going to continue with the plan unless I can get a home gym and those are costly (especially for a poor college student).

Yeah, don't let those apes get you off track! If someone starts giving you guff about using light weights (form over quantity!) or about reading the BFL book, tell them that you're rehabbing an injury. Then they can't say a thing.

Everyone's gotta start somewhere (I'm currently starting over after a fast food and booze filled summer break!), so stay focused and don't sweat those dudes.

[sshultz]

I can't disagree with anything. Workout at home is an option but that usually limits the workouts in one way or another unless you have the proper equipment. I know for me personally, I need to go to the gym as part of my motivation. I hate going to the gym but I do it cause they've got what I need. I know many people that workout at home and they do great! I think you will also find that yeah, maybe they're being a$$es but most of the people are pretty cool and willing to help if you only ask. Most people just want to come in, do their thing and be done, just like you. I think planning your workout and doing a dry run or 2 is a great idea if you're not familiar with the exercises. Practice as much as you need to have an idea of what you're doing. Another option is find someone to workout with. That's always great motivation and helps with being nervous at the gym. And yes, like the others said, the meatheads had to start somewhere, too. I'm the only person in my gym that walks around with a clipboard with my workout sheet. If anyone says anything, I just tell 'em I can't keep track without it and that I have to have a plan when I walk in. Most people just kinda nod and go on. I work with one guy that is just incredibly built. He workouts a lot but he's genetically gifted, too. I'm always asking him questions and telling him what I'm planning or doing and he's always got constructive input.

Just don't let a couple people throw you off. Everyone here is right, you're worth a lot more than that and in the end, you will be much more proud and happy with yourself that you stuck it out.

[GregCP]

Gym rats are like territorial animals....they have an inclination to "test" or intimidate other people who are coming into their territory- im convinced they came to be because of their own personal trials; what has been done to them, they do onto others...so with that in mind, consider your experience as an initiation. I think everyone has gone through that, god knows I have. Stick to your ground....and have confidence in your routine...take your workouts seriously...and you'll be welcomed into their family of "regulars".

[bluexj]

so Derek.... How's it going in the gym??? You gaining confidence????

[GNolly]

Derek -
What you describe is one of many reasons I don't recommend going to gyms, especially when you first start out. You have to wait to use the equipment, you have to put up with stares, and you will undoubtedly wind up lifting a weight that's too heavy and subsequently use poor form, possibly hurting yourself and definitely hurting your progress.
I accomplished my entire first Challenge (May - Aug 2000) in the basement of my home. In the time it would have taken to drive to the gym, change clothes, and drive home I could get a complete BFL workout in my underwear! The only time I used gyms was at hotels when I was on layovers (I'm an airline pilot). I did okay: I was First Runner-Up for my age group, and have been continually improving in the intervening 8 years.
Keep the faith and stick with the Program, Derek! For what its worth, I can now walk into ANY gym wearing a tank top (I've done it at Gold's Gym at Muscle Beach) without being intimidated!

Good luck!

George Nolly
P.S. - you can see what a true "10" looks like at Body-for-LIFE - Reviews, tutorials, books and videos about Body for LIFE

[winnie]

I don't like gyms. I avoid them when I'm not in hotels. They have the clutch factor there, for sure, though (As GNolly just said). I will occasionally use the university gym if I'm on campus at night and haven't worked out yet, but for the most part, I only work out at home.

If you need to use a gym, I recommend not going alone. It is vastly easier to get access to free weights if you are with one or two other people.
(Stagger the weights, one starts first, then as he increases in weight, you use the ones he just set down, that way you can monopolize twice as many weights) Also, people don't spend as much time staring at folks that are in groups. Safety in numbers and all that.

[charrismo]

hi derek,
I started BFL yesterday and i plan on doing it [ though i literally puke every time i have to drink that shake ]
anyways i know how you feel bout people snickering and stuff. Just dont let it get you you.
Remember you are doing this for yourself and that is the most important thing.
Today i have to do cardio and boy you do not want to see me run.....its pant so much i am scared someone might call 911....but hey if they want to thats their problem...

like i said your doing it for yourself....stick with it...and we will see who snickers after 12 weeks....


he who snickers last...snickers the best

[winnie]

Originally Posted by charrismo

hi derek,
[ though i literally puke every time i have to drink that shake ]

You might be lactose intolerant

Anyway, you don't have to use the shakes if you don't want to. Also, there are shakes in a variety of flavors, and other companies make shakes, and they all taste different.

Some of the chocolate flavored whey tastes delicious, although it is a bit more hassle to use whey than a MRP.

[charrismo]

Originally Posted by winnie

You might be lactose intolerant

Anyway, you don't have to use the shakes if you don't want to. Also, there are shakes in a variety of flavors, and other companies make shakes, and they all taste different.

Some of the chocolate flavored whey tastes delicious, although it is a bit more hassle to use whey than a MRP.

nah i'm not lactose intolerant....they just taste nasty

any other good Meal replacements drinks out there? ( i drink the myoplex carb control twice a day and whey (ON cookies and cream flavor which i must say is pretty good )

the lady at GNC told me bout Lean Muscle Meal ( GNC - Diet & Energy: Meal Replacements: GNC Pro Performance® Lean Muscle Meal - Chocolate) ...but that is pretty high in carbs and when i mentned this to her she was like its all fiber etc...so i dont know whether to trust her judgment/opinion....

any suggestions....???

[bigthunder]

try Optimum Nutrition shakes, they are by far the best tasting shakes. Chocolate and Vanilla ice cream are my favorite. I really look forward to drinking them. If u buy them on Amazon, they are pretty cheap.