I had figured out this encrypted code that a newbie like me didn't know. The machines here were self powered which means you had to peddle on the bike or start walking on the elliptical to make the lights and machines come on to track miles and etc. The machines my friend had shown me at the old one were always on and just press a button and go. I then decided to take the the big leap and try a new machine out. I walked over the ellipticals and got on one that was in the very back row where no one could see me. I stepped up onto it and started peddling. I learned something that day. Every gym is different with their equipment. My old gym elliptical didn't lift my knees as high as this one. I felt like I was exerting myself twice as much I did in the past. I figured out that I wouldn't want to use this as a warm-up or when I had knee pains. I decided I would walk on the treadmill for the majority of the workouts. I took notes and learned what would work for me. I then walked over to the bikes and sat down on a recumbent bike. I peddled my heart out and got a good sweat working out on it. I was pleased I had figured it out. I knew how to work all the cardio machines. Well, except the row machine but, that is to come. Wooo Objective 1 is complete!
I sat down on the shoulder machine look at the weights I could set it to and wondered what I should set it to. I did the only thing I could think of and started at 5lbs and slowly went upwards by 5lbs. I kept going up til it felt that I was just throwing the machine handles forward. I sat there and did 5 reps 5 times once I was solid on the weight that I felt comfortable at. Yes I had a couple people stare at me when I was figuring out the seat and adjusting the weights. I tried my best to ignore them. I got up and moved on to the leg press. I adjusted the seat to make sure my knees were at a 90 degree angle when I placed them against the plate. I was comfortable and getting ready to do the same thing that I did on the other machine. Well, I wasn't planning but, a guy walked up sat on the machine right next to me which made it real awkward.
I had completed what I set out to do. I had not let people get in my way and my lesser knowledge. I made sure to set my objectives to something I felt I could achieve for one day. I learned how to turn on the cardio machines and adjust speeds. I also learned 2 of the multitude of weight machines available. I plan on learning 2 more machines every couple days that I go to the gym. This is because it gives times for my muscles to rest and be ready to go for the next machine I am learning. I don't want to feel tired using a new machine because I could possibly hurt myself if I do. I know you may feel out of place at a new gym but make the most out of it. Also, observe if you are not sure what to do and read all signs on machines. If you absolutely can't figure out a machine then, ask an employee if they can help you. I am sure the majority of them they are more than willing. It may be tough and hard. You may feel like you are the only one but, remember everyone you see started somewhere. They didn't just wake up one morning having muscle or look the way they look. So stick to it and you will be one of them soon.
Credits: All photos credits go directly to their rightful photographers. I did not take these photos nor do I own them.
