Joining a gym? Options

[cnelson]

So now that I'm back down at school I think i'm going to join a Gold's Gym thats not very far from me.. I'd really like to start to get in shape for the summer time and such. Except I've never belonged to a gym and have no idea what to expect and everything. I mainly want to start running and doing free weights. I'm already on a diet, and I'm not over weight but I'm not exactly where I want to be either.. Anyways, my main concern for not joining is that I'm going to look stupid since I've never been to a real gym before. I know this may seem like a silly reason to not join but it is a reason I'm struggling with. Anyone that belongs to gym got some insight on what goes on? Thanks, -Chris.

[azian_advanced]

a good way to get in shape is to join a team sport, or play in a recreational all-round league because you have fun doing it unlike working out where you actually have to 'work' to get results and isn't fun most of the time.
for working on your abs, depending on your strength, doing squats with 60 lbs weight will get you better results (and less strain on your back) than doing crunches imo.

This post has been edited by azian_advanced: Jan 10, 2009 - 3:10 PM