The weight room – it’s a place that intimidates many women. With stacked, muscular men walking around like they own the place and the many machines that do who knows what, it can look like a testosterone filled jungle. Instead of going into the weight room you’ll jet into the cardio room where you at least know how to work the elliptical. All along you’re longing to find your spot in the weight room and there’s no reason why you can’t.
Some typical reasons why women don’t go into the weight room are:
“I don’t want to get big and bulky.” – That idea needs to be thrown out the window. You’re not going to get big and bulky. Even if you were training for a bodybuilding competition it would take years for that to happen.
“There are too many men.” – Though that may be a true statement, weight lifting isn’t a men only activity. Throughout the crowd of men, you’ll be sure to spot many women in there too. Look up some women fitness bloggers who aren’t afraid to get in the weight room for some motivation.
“I don’t know what to do when I get in there.” – Everyone in the weight room had to start somewhere, you too can learn and find out!
Here are some tips to get comfortable in the weight room:
Take a class or orientation
One of the best opportunities that college students have is the option to take physical education classes. Taking a weightlifting class is the perfect way to first of all have a scheduled time at the gym and to learn your way around the weight room.
For many of you, your college days may be a thing of the past. See if your local gym offers a free orientation class to get you familiar with the facility. Find a fitness coach or personal trainer at your gym who will give you a tour and show you how everything works.
Workout Partner
Take someone into the trenches with you. The weight room is a lot less intimidating when you have someone to go with. Whether it’s a girlfriend or a significant other, having someone with you will keep you accountable and will motivate you.
Practice moves or watch videos at home
There is no shame in practicing weight lifting moves at home. Nobody wants to look like they don’t know what they’re doing. YouTube is a great resource for watching videos on how to use certain machines or perform a certain move. You don’t want to end up on a workout fail video on YouTube.
Always have a plan
This goes with the point made above. Have a workout plan to follow so you aren’t wandering aimlessly trying to figure out what to do. Work with a personal trainer or find a weight lifting plan online. That way you can get into the weight room with a plan in mind and a routine to bust out. You’ll also get a lot more out of your workout if you have a set plan to guide you.
Don’t be afraid to ask
Use those men and women as a point of reference if you have a question while you’re working out. If you’re having trouble adjusting a weight bench or aren’t sure if you’re doing a move right, there is no harm in asking someone nearby for help.
Meet new people
The gym is a great place to meet like-minded people and to branch outside your comfort zone. Getting familiar with people you are working out around will make the weight room a much more welcoming and friendly place.
Just do it
Stop making your excuses and get into the weight room. Don’t concern yourself with the other people in there. They’re in there to get their workout in and are most likely more concerned with themselves than they are with you. Men and scary machines are parts of weight rooms that you have to get used to.
You’ll be amazed at how empowering weight lifting can be and you’ll be starting a journey to a stronger you. By adding weight lifting into your routine you’ll start seeing amazing results in your physical and mental health.
Skylar Starbuck is a 22 year old college student who has a passion for leading an overall healthy lifestyle. Before going off to college Skylar had always been involved in year round athletics in school, so her personal fitness journey began her freshman year of college. She then realized that it was now up to her to take care of her physical... Read More
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