I belong to a gym that prides itself on being “judgement free”. Though that utopian idea is great, there really is no such thing as a judgment-free gym. (See, I am already judging the gym by correcting the company’s spelling.)

The main reasons for my joining the gym are that it is very cheap, sometimes I need a treadmill, and it is very close to my house. It didn’t hurt that this place does not have a reputation of attracting hard bodies.

When I go to the gym, I use the treadmills. I’ve been walking long-distance races for a long time – I am confident in my ability to train on a treadmill.

Recently, however, I became concerned about my lack of upper body strength. I talked to one of the trainers about lifting weights, and he provided a training plan. I have lifted weights a few times in my life, but never seriously enough to benefit, or to really know how to do many of the exercises correctly.

On my first day lifting, I walked over to the free weights and every bench was in use. Ugh. I don’t know the etiquette here — do I stand around and wait? I felt pretty stupid standing there, so I left to do a machine. When I returned, there was a bench, but the 10 lb weights were all in use. Again, what is the correct thing to do? I finally was able to get the weights and the incline bench, did the exercises, then realized I did not know how to lower the incline to do the other bench exercises. Feeling very stupid, and realizing I was being watched, I wiped down the bench and walked away.

Some other things to note that affected me. Earlier I noticed my new cute workout pants become transparent when I bend over. (Ugh, again.) I discovered there are changing rooms in the locker room — after I changed my clothes. I was the oldest person lifting weights. I could see other people watching me in the mirror.

Yes, I need to get over myself and do what I need to do to be healthy. And I know from experience that the more comfortable I am doing something, the less other people’s judgments matter. (I’m confident on a treadmill for example.) There might be other days when there are fewer people lifting, and I won’t feel so intimidated. And so what if I am the oldest person lifting weights, I am there doing the work. And for all I know, maybe those looks are really of admiration, not judgment. (Ha!)

Learn more about treadmill workouts – Conquering the Treadmill.

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