Hello everyone,

I'm now starting to go to the gym on the treadmill. I do about 2hr per visit. This is mainly to improve my fitness & health (and ... lose some weight ...).

However, I cannot help but wonder: do other gym users stare at me or are they busy training?

1) 'cos I'm not exactly supermodel skinny; I've "thunder thighs" (one close friend has even described it as chicken drumsticks).

2) I'm more or less happy with the rest of my body though.

3) I'm not dressed in the latest fitness gear; just plain T-shirt, dark shorts & running shoes.

Anyone feeling the same way too? Or is there any advice for me please? Thank you very much. :=)

Feeling self-conscious of how you look is one reason I hated going to a gym. But what I realized is that most of it was in my mind. If people were staring at me, it's because they were waiting for me to finish up so they could use the equipment I was on. Most people who go to the gym are too busy with their own workouts to stare at others. Plus, people at the gym are used to seeing people of all kinds of shapes and sizes. Another thing I hated about the gym is that you'd see these people who were in great shape or looked like they were on steroids and it just makes you feel more self-conscious. I work out at home now cause it's less distracting. I wouldn't worry about how you look or dress. Chances are there are others in the gym who look and dress like you too. Just focus on your workout and know that the people you see there are strangers and you won't see them outside the gym, so who cares what they think of you or your body.

I think 2 hours on a treadmill is excessive. The thing I've learned about running is that if you do a lot, your body eventually becomes more efficient at it and burns less calories. If you can, try to add weight training to your routine.

I use to go to the local gym and I couldn't tell you anything that anybody wore -well unless it was a bit skimpy http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif lol. Anyway if someone is watching you then maybe they like what they see - that should make you feel good about yourself. If others are taking the time to go to the gym then I think they are there to workout. Don't worry so much about what others think about you and what cloths you are wearing. Working out is also not about what cloths your wearing but how much effort you put into it.
I also think that 2hrs is too much time on the treadmill- mix it up a bit and work in some weights- don't worry you won't bulk up unless you really hit the weights hard and long. Look at all those guys in there lifting the heavy weights day after day and still aren't too bulky.

Hello,

Thank U, thank u. I'm happy to know tat I'm not weird in feeling this way.

1) If 2 hours is a wee bit too much, wat is the ideal time on treadmills?

2) I'm still a newbie in gyms, never did weights before. So, how heavy the weights should I use? How about using 500ml water bottles when at home?

I just wish that sooner or later, I could have a supermodel-like figure. ;P

For the treadmill or any cardio, 30-45 minutes is a good range. If you can do cardio first thing in the morning, that would help burn off the fat. But if you're like most people, you probably can't spare more than 30 minutes.

As for weights, since you're new to it, start out light. It's important to develop proper form before trying a lot of weight. It also depends what your goals are. Generally, they say if you want to build muscle, do few reps at high weight and if you want to tone, do lots of reps at low weight. I don't know how true this is, but you need to figure out how much weight you can safely handle. Pick a weight where you can do 8-12 reps. If you can do more, increase the weight and if you can't do 8, decrease the weight.

Don't worry about trying to look like a supermodel. They look unattractive and unhealthy.

Yeah, 2 hours cardio is way too much. You only need to keep your heart rate at a good pace for 20-40 minutes. The choice is always yours.

As for getting stared at. As a guy, i can tell you, guys stare generally at two things. Either someone who is shocking to the eyes. Actually, that's one thing! lol but it goes both ways. If it's shocking bad, then guys don't really stare, it's just a look and "my god!" but if a guy is actually STARING ... it's usually "damn, she's hot!" Which should be an ego booster to the lady! Although they're probably thinking "drop dead loser" lol

Now, reverse, if a woman is staring at me. I'm thinking "what the hell is she looking at me for?!" Because i'm still fat in my opinion and i was a lot bigger before. I don't think i look all good, but i have noticed women glancing my way more often. I wouldn't mind going to a gym just for that! lol

and weight lifting, always do what's comfortable and do research online to find out what works and what routines to do, and you can always ask those buff guys for help. They're usually big for a reason so they have to know SOMETHING! Which there's always something new to learn.

Hello everyone,

Thank you very much for all your suggestions & reassurances. I appreciate it lots. :-)

I know tat b4 i start on the treadmill/weight training, am i supposed 2b doing some kind of warm up exercises? If so, wat sort & for how long?

Sorry to be such a baby about this but I'm really, really a newbie at gym excersices.

here's wat i used to do: b4 i got on to the treadmill, I did about 5min's simple stretching excercises. Then, i hopped onto the treadmill, doing 3 sessions of 20 min each, with a little break in between, to rest & to sip water from the cooler.

You should do a light workout on the muscles you're going to stretch for at least 5-10 minutes to 'warm' them up. Then stretch. Never stretch cold muscles or you can cause injury. It's also good to do good stretchs throughout your workout. I've found it also makes you feel (if not help) like you can go another hour! Stretch for at least 30 seconds on a good hold just passed where you feel the resistance (don't hurt yourself) and don't bounce on your stretch.