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.

[eggman40]

Dont worry about other people, just go there and worry about your workout... a few days into it you will blend right in. If you dont know how to use a machine, ask an employee so u dont hurt yourself or drop something and look stupid.

also, your abs are fairly small muscles so any standard ab workout will help (crunches, any ab machine, leg raises etc...)

but in order for your abs to show through you will need to follow a good diet. Dont go starving yourself, just dont eat junk food and try to lean more lean meats and also, eat more (and smaller) Meals throughout the day. This will help keep your body burn through excess calories quicker.

Like they said in earlier posts, consult magazines, pro-blogs or a doctor to get you on the proper diet for you personally.

and more importantly, STAY CONSISTENT! or you wont go anywhere with it.

Good Luck