If you frequent the gym (heck even if you've only been a handful of times), you don't have to be a rocket scientist to notice that there aren't very many women/girls in the free weight area. When I work out, I am usually the only girl in sight while in the weight room. Occasionally there will be another woman in there, but it isn't often. This is partially because I go to the gym at a time when there are less people in general, but I would say it mostly has to to with the fact that many women are intimidated by the weight room.
I get it, I really do. When I first started going to the gym regularly I stayed far, far away from the area in the back of the gym with the free weight and sweaty grunting men. The area is more of a separate "room" in the back of the gym, it is secluded, therefore it seems as if you need permission to enter. There are men in there with huge muscles throwing around heavy weights and giving you side eyes, daring you to get in their way. The free weight room is intimidating, there really isn't any way around it.
Now though, looking back, I almost laugh at myself for being so silly. The weight room is open to anyone, I don't need permission to go in there. And those guys? They never gave me a second thought (well there was one guy but that's another story). It definitely took a few weeks of consistantly using the weight room by myself before my self-conciousness went away. If you just joined a gym, or have been a member for a while but are a little unsure about venturing into the weight room, here are some things you can do to make the transition:
Have a plan
I cannot stress the importance of this one point enough. With anything we do, we always feel more confident when we know what we're doing, right? The same goes for in the gym. You're going to have a much better time (and better workout) if you go in there with an agenda instead of wondering around trying to figure out what to do next. You can write it down, save it on your phone, or (if you're good enough) commit it to memory.
Familiarize yourself
Along with having a plan, you need to know the layout of your gym and the weight room itself. You need to know which end the lighter weights are on versus the heavier weights. You need to know where the leg press machine is, or if there's more than one. Having a plan isn't going to help you any if you aren't able to find your way around.
Go with a friend
Working out next to a bunch of guys is intimidating, and when you're doing it alone you feel like EVERYONE is staring at you (they really aren't). But it helps to have a partner, whether it is your boyfriend or another girl, to chat with between sets and to spot you so you won't have to ask a stranger!
Wear headphones
Personally, I don't work out with headphones. They get in my way and I don't have one of those cool arm band things and stuffing my phone in my bra isn't that much fun. BUT I think more people work out with music than without. Not only will the music help pump you up, but wearing headphones is the easiest way to convey the message that you aren't here for chit chat.
Get in the zone (aka ignore everyone)
Not saying you have to be rude and not speak when spoken to, but the less you watch other people, the less you'll think about them. When I am working out the last thing I'm worried about is anyone else. I'm usually staring off in to space or at myself in the mirror, and guess what? So are all of those sweaty, grunting men. Unless you are dressed scandalously or doing some thing really crazy awesome, they aren't giving you a second thought. I am continuously repeating myself to guys in the weight room ("Excuse me, are you using this bench?") because they aren't paying any attention to me at all.
Just remember that everyone is at the gym for the same reason, to work on their personal fitness. If you've never stepped foot into the free weight room then I challenge you to give it a try the next time you're at the gym instead of spending that hour on the elliptical machine.
I get it, I really do. When I first started going to the gym regularly I stayed far, far away from the area in the back of the gym with the free weight and sweaty grunting men. The area is more of a separate "room" in the back of the gym, it is secluded, therefore it seems as if you need permission to enter. There are men in there with huge muscles throwing around heavy weights and giving you side eyes, daring you to get in their way. The free weight room is intimidating, there really isn't any way around it.
![]() |
Source |
Now though, looking back, I almost laugh at myself for being so silly. The weight room is open to anyone, I don't need permission to go in there. And those guys? They never gave me a second thought (well there was one guy but that's another story). It definitely took a few weeks of consistantly using the weight room by myself before my self-conciousness went away. If you just joined a gym, or have been a member for a while but are a little unsure about venturing into the weight room, here are some things you can do to make the transition:
Have a plan
I cannot stress the importance of this one point enough. With anything we do, we always feel more confident when we know what we're doing, right? The same goes for in the gym. You're going to have a much better time (and better workout) if you go in there with an agenda instead of wondering around trying to figure out what to do next. You can write it down, save it on your phone, or (if you're good enough) commit it to memory.
![]() |
Source |
Along with having a plan, you need to know the layout of your gym and the weight room itself. You need to know which end the lighter weights are on versus the heavier weights. You need to know where the leg press machine is, or if there's more than one. Having a plan isn't going to help you any if you aren't able to find your way around.
Go with a friend
Working out next to a bunch of guys is intimidating, and when you're doing it alone you feel like EVERYONE is staring at you (they really aren't). But it helps to have a partner, whether it is your boyfriend or another girl, to chat with between sets and to spot you so you won't have to ask a stranger!
Wear headphones
Personally, I don't work out with headphones. They get in my way and I don't have one of those cool arm band things and stuffing my phone in my bra isn't that much fun. BUT I think more people work out with music than without. Not only will the music help pump you up, but wearing headphones is the easiest way to convey the message that you aren't here for chit chat.
Get in the zone (aka ignore everyone)
Not saying you have to be rude and not speak when spoken to, but the less you watch other people, the less you'll think about them. When I am working out the last thing I'm worried about is anyone else. I'm usually staring off in to space or at myself in the mirror, and guess what? So are all of those sweaty, grunting men. Unless you are dressed scandalously or doing some thing really crazy awesome, they aren't giving you a second thought. I am continuously repeating myself to guys in the weight room ("Excuse me, are you using this bench?") because they aren't paying any attention to me at all.
![]() |
Source |
Just remember that everyone is at the gym for the same reason, to work on their personal fitness. If you've never stepped foot into the free weight room then I challenge you to give it a try the next time you're at the gym instead of spending that hour on the elliptical machine.

44 comments:
I love all of this advice! As someone who is soon going to marry one of those meatheads at the gym, I think it can also help to ask them to spot you/check your form. Making friends with one or two of those dudes can also make it less intimidating.
This is great! I started weight lifting last january and i've been SO much more results than I ever did with just doing cardio. It's definitely intimidating at first when you are the only girl in the free weight section (and i usually am too) but if you know what you are doing, they just act like you are just another one of the guys.
This is great advice . . . the free weights can be super intimidating. My friend and I usually stick to the ellipticals and the weight machines - but maybe we will venture out this week :)
I work out at Planet Fitness and they pride themselves on being a "no judgement zone" so it was pretty easy for me to get into the swing of things as far as free weights/etc. I was still intimidated people might judge me only based on my terrible form, but luckily Caleb has helped me a TON with that!! :) good for you girl. Get ittt!
YAY FOR WEIGHT LIFTING! I used to be so intimidated in normal gyms because I knew I should be lifting weights but didn't know what in the heck I was doing... now after CrossFit I have a bit more confidence. I'm definitely a believer that lifting weights is what sheds the fat and makes women look way more 'buff' than pure cardio does!
let's be honest the majority of the weights guys are throwing around are too heavy for them anyway and they aren't even lifting properly.
I used to have a friend whose mom was a bodybuilder and she came to the gym with us and showed us tons of stuff to do with the free weights and it was FUN! I haven't done it in well over a year but this post seriously made me really want to go back and do it. A LOT. I feel like you're probably a badass when you're in the gym, fyi.
I am definitely intimidated by that room. But glad to hear the intimidation goes away! Maybe I'll make the bf go with me to start. :)
It is so true!! The free weights area scares the crap outta me. The having a plan part? Super important!!
The free weights scare the crap out of me..especially the people in the room using them!
These tips are very helpful :)
I feel like this post was written just for me! It's all the advice I needed to hear! When I go to the gym next, I'm staying away from the eliptical and hitting the weights. Challenge accepted ;)
Great advice! I love what lifting weights does for me, but I would be too intimidated to go into the weight room at a gym. I've been using free weights at home, but I'd love to be able to strut into a weight room and really show my stuff some day.
You need to give me a speech about the gym. I have a membership but I HATE people looking at me (social anxiety!) ahh
Having a plan is so true! If you know where you want to go and what you want to use, you don't feel like such an idiot wandering around. Great tips! Stopping over from Recently Roached :)
I needed this advice, I always get so overwhelmed even looking at that side of the gym, but I know I need it!
Great job girl!
a post tugging at my heart! i LOVE lifting; always have and i loathe cardio but i do it anyway because i know i have to.
i was never intimidated by the weight area; i figured that everyone is there like me: to get their lift on.
-kathy
Vodka and Soda
yay for girls in the boys section! And I agree, wearing headphones really does say that you are not hear to play!
xx
Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
شركة عزل خزانات بالرياض
شركة تخزين اثاث بالرياض
شركة نقل اثاث بالرياض
شركة رش مبيدات بالرياض
شركة مكافحة حشرات بالرياض
شركة تسليك مجارى بالرياض
شركة تنظيف خزانات بالرياض
شركة تنظيف موكيت بالرياض
شركة تنظيف شقق بالرياض
شركة تنظيف منازل بالرياض
شركة تنظيف فلل بالرياض
شركة كشف تسربات المياة بالرياض
شركة تنظيف شقق بالمدينة المنورة
شركة تنظيف فلل بالمدينة المنورة
شركة تسليك مجارى بالمدينة المنورة
شركة كشف تسربات المياه بالمدينة المنورة
شركة رش مبيدات بالمدينة المنورة
مكافحة حشرات بالمدينة المنورة
شركة عزل اسطح بالمدينة المنورة
غسيل خزانات بالمدينة المنورة
شركة تخزين اثاث بالمدينة المنورة
نقل عفش بالمدينة المنورة
شركة تنظيف بالرياض
شركة تخزين اثاث بالرياض
شركة نقل اثاث بالرياض
شركة رش مبيدات بالرياض
شركة مكافحة حشرات بالرياض
شركة تسليك مجارى بالرياض
شركة كشف تسربات المياه بالرياض
شركة تنظيف شقق بالرياض
شركة تنظيف منازل بالرياض
شركة تنظيف فلل بالرياض
شركة تنظيف خزانات بالرياض
شركة عزل اسطح بالرياض
شركة تنظيف موكيت بالرياض
شركة تنظيف بيارات بالرياض
شركة تخزين اثاث بالرياض
شركة نقل اثاث بالرياض
شركة رش مبيدات بالرياض
شركة مكافحة حشرات بالرياض
شركة تسليك مجارى بالرياض
شركة كشف تسربات المياه بالرياض
شركة تنظيف خزانات بالرياض
شركة تنظيف شقق بالرياض
شركة تنظيف منازل بالرياض
شركة تنظيف فلل بالرياض
شركة تنظيف موكيت بالرياض
شركة عزل اسطح بالرياض
شركة تنظيف بيارات بالرياض
شركة تخزين اثاث بالرياض
شركة نقل اثاث بالرياض
شركة رش مبيدات بالرياض
شركة مكافحة حشرات بالرياض
شركة تنظيف بيارات بالرياض
شركة تسليك مجارى بالرياض
شركة كشف تسربات المياه بالرياض
شركة عزل اسطح بالرياض
شركة عزل خزانات بالرياض
شركة تنظيف خزانات بالرياض
شركة تنظيف منازل بالرياض
شركة تنظيف فلل بالرياض
شركة عزل اسطح بالرياض
شركة تنظيف مجالس بالرياض
شركة تنظيف موكيت بالرياض
شركة تنظيف شقق بالرياض
شركة تنظيف منازل بالرياض
شركة تنظيف فلل بالرياض
شركة تنظيف بالرياض
شركة نقل اثاث بالرياض
شركة رش مبيدات بالرياض
شركة مكافحة حشرات بالرياض
شركة تسليك مجارى بالرياض
شركة كشف تسربات المياة بالرياض
شركة تنظيف خزانات بالرياض
مكافحة النمل الابيض بالمدينة المنورة
شركة نقل عفش بالمدينة المنورة
شركة تنظيف شقق بالمدينة المنورة
شركة تنظيف فلل بالمدينة المنورة
شركة تخزين اثاث بالمدينة المنورة
شركة مكافحة حشرات بالمدينة المنورة
شركة عزل اسطح بالمدينة المنورة
شركة رش مبيدات بالمدينة المنورة
شركة تسليك مجارى بالمدينة المنورة
شركة كشف تسربات المياة بالمدينة المنورة
شركة تنظيف شقق بالمدينة المنورة
شركة تنظيف المنازل بالمدينة المنورة
شركة تسليك مجارى بالمدينة المنورة
شركة كشف تسربات المياه بالمدينة المنورة
شركة رش مبيدات بالمدينة المنورة
مكافحة حشرات بالمدينة المنورة
شركة عزل اسطح بالمدينة المنورة
غسيل خزانات بالمدينة المنورة
شركة تخزين اثاث بالمدينة المنورة
نقل عفش بالمدينة المنورة
شركة عزل خزانات بجدة
شركة رش مبيدات بجدة
شركة مكافحة حشرات بجدة
شركة تنظيف موكيت بجدة
شركة تنظيف شقق بجدة
شركة تنظيف فلل بجدة
شركة تنظيف منازل بجدة
شركة نقل اثاث بجدة
شركة تنظيف خزانات بجدة
شركة تسليك مجارى بجدة
شركة كشف تسربات المياة بجدة
شركة تخزين عفش بجدة
شركة تنظيف بيارات بجدة
شركة عزل خزانات بجدة
شركات رش المبيدات الحشرية بجدة
شركات مكافحة الحشرات في جدة
شركة تنظيف موكيت بجدة
شركة تنظيف شقق بجدة
شركة تنظيف فلل بجدة
شركات تنظيف المنازل في جدة
نقل عفش جدة
شركة تنظيف خزانات بجدة
شركة تسليك مجارى بجدة
شركة كشف تسربات المياة بجدة
شركة تخزين عفش بجدة
20151128dongdong
adidas gazelle
toms outlet
michael kors outlet
sac longchamp pliage
adidas uk
michael kors handbags
michael kors handbags
air max 95
true religion jeans
michael kors outlet
ghd hair straighteners
michael kors
ugg boots
hollister uk
coach factory outlet online
nike store uk
ugg boots
hermes belt
moncler outlet
fitflops
canada gooses jackets
ralph lauren outlet
oakley sunglasses
michael kors uk
toms outlet
nike uk
jordan shoes
new balance outlet
louis vuitton uk
louis vuitton handbags
michael kors
adidas shoes
prada outlet
kate spade outlet
nike trainers
christian louboutin outlet
michael kors
michael kors outlet
nike roshe run women
gucci borse
2016-4-8 leilei
armani exchange
burberry uk
converse shoes
nike huarache
nike air max 95
discount oakley sunglasses
nike force 1
nike air max 90
michael kors outlet online
polo outlet
fitflops
designer handbags outlet
louboutin
oakley sunglasses
michael kors handbags
ray ban sunglasses
chaussure louboutin
fitflops sale
louis vuitton bags
nike cortez shoes
burberry
oakley sunglasses wholesale
coach outlet
coach outlet online
toms shoes
fitflops outlet
michael kors outlet online
ghd hair straighteners
michael kors handbags
coach factory online
calvin klein dresses
oakley sunglasses,oakley sunglass,cheap oakley sunglasses,oakley sunglasses cheap,oakley sunglasses outlet,oakley store,oakley outlet,oakley outlet store,oakley sunglasses sale,oakley sunglasses discount
nike running shoes
ray ban sunglasses
longchamp outlet
nike trainers
kate spade outlet
burberry outlet online
under armour outlet
michael kors handbags
20160411libinjordan shoes
ray ban sunglasses
herve leger dresses
michael kors factory store
michael kors outlet
oakley sunglasses
nike huarache
nike air max
michael kors outlet
ralph lauren pas cher
adidas wings shoes
true religion jeans outlet
michael kors outlet online
nike roshe run
cheap jordan shoes
hermes outlet
timberland boots
michael kors outlet
ray ban sunglasses
rolex watches
michael kors outlet online
michael kors outlet online
swarovski crystal
adidas trainers
toms outlet
swarovski outlet
polo shirts
lebron james shoes
michael kors outlet sale
michael kors outlet
louis vuitton handbags
ray ban sunglasses
air jordan shoes
nike air max
true religion jeans
6.02llllllyuancheap replica watches
ralph lauren polo
nba jerseys
ralph lauren outlet
ralph lauren outlet
ralph lauren outlet
hollister shirts
oakley sunglasses
oakley sunglasses wholesale
oakley sunglasses
cheap oakley sunglasses
discount oakley sunglasses
mont blanc pens
oakley canada
iphone case
lululemon pants
ghd uk
rolex watches,rolex watches,swiss watches,watches for men,watches for women,omega watches,replica watches,rolex watches for sale,rolex replica,rolex watch,cartier watches,rolex submariner,fake rolex,rolex replica watches,replica rolex
hollister clothing store
ralph lauren outlet
ralph lauren uk
babyliss pro
tiffany and co
lululemon outlet online
bottega veneta outlet online
michael kors uk
michael kors factory online
cheap oakley sunglasses
cheap oakley sunglasses
oakley sunglasses wholesale
ray-ban sunglasses
cheap ray ban sunglasses
ray-ban sunglasses
ray ban sunglasses
coach handbags outlet
6.02
oakley sunglasses
skechers outlet online
tiffany online
timberland online shop
nike roshe run
fitflops
tiffany and co outlet
cheap jordan shoes
adidas stan smith women
michael kors handbags outletthis
cheap jordanswhy
ed hardyschedule
dolce and gabbana shoeseasy
nike free 5Five
chaussure louboutin pas cherto
longchamp bagswebsite
michael kors handbagsout!While
jordan shoesbook
abercrombie and fitchidentifying
شركة نقل اثاث بالمدينة المنورة
شركة نقل عفش بالمدينة المنورة
شركة مكافحة حشرات بالمدينه المنوره
شركة مكافحة حشرات بالمدينة المنورة
شركة مكافحة النمل الابيض بالمدينة المنورة
شركة تنظيف خزانات بالمدينة المنورة
شركة غسيل خزانات بالمدينة المنورة
شركة نظافة خزانات بالمدينة المنورة
شركة غسيل شقق بالمدينة المنورة
شركة تنظيف منازل بالمدينة المنورة
شركة غسيل كنب بالمدينة المنورة
شركة شراء اثاث مستعمل بالمدينة المنورة
تسليك مجارى بالمدينة المنورة
التقوى اسطول الخدمات بالمدينة المنورة 0550617882
شركة تنظيف خزانات بالمدينة المنورة
giants jersey
ray ban sunglasses
michael kors outlet
ralph lauren outlet
snapbacks wholesale
nike outlet
michael kors handbags
tennessee titans jersey
michael kors handbags
longchamp
20170424alice0589
cheap uggs
pittsburgh steelers jersey
cheap nfl jerseys wholesale
new york jets jerseys
fitflops sale clearance
ray ban sunglasses outlet
longchamp
michael kors outlet
nike air huarache
ugg outlet
jordan shoes
christian louboutin outlet
falcons jersey
coach factory outlet
ray ban sunglasses
jacksonville jaguars jersey
cheap jordan shoes
michael kors outlet
ugg outlet
kate spade
ray ban sunglasses
polo ralph lauren
los angeles clippers
michael kors outlet
ray ban sunglasses
cheap nba jerseys
ugg boots
ralph lauren
fitflops sale clearance
nike trainers uk
yeezy boost
michael kors outlet store
nike roshe one
adidas online shop
pandora charms
adidas superstar shoes
lebron 13
michael kors uk
curry 3
adidas gazelle
ralph lauren outlet
michael kors outlet
hugo boss suits
ugg boots
cheap jordan shoes
nike trainers
mont blanc outlet
houston texans jerseys
michael kors purses
bengals jersey
fitflops sale
ugg boots
ugg outlet
cheap nfl jerseys
coach outlet
rolex replica watches
detroit lions jerseys
ray ban sunglasses
ugg boots
nike outlet
20170824
http://www.uggoutlet.uk
cheap jordans
adidas superstar
jordan shoes
links of london sale
adidas nmd r1
nike mercurial vapor
michael kors outlet handbags
golden goose
irving shoes
louis vuitton sacs
ugg outlet
nike air huarache
snapbacks wholesale
cheap ugg boots
ugg outlet
ugg boots
ralph lauren uk
nike outlet
true religion outlet store
zzzzz2018.8.9
yeezy boost 350
kate spade outlet
ugg boots on sale 70% off
supreme clothing
fitflops sale
nike outlet
coach outlet
coach outlet
pandora charms outlet
coach outlet online
Post a Comment