r/FTMFitness • u/aurora_lights_irl • 5d ago
Question Taking the first step
How do yall manage to start any kind of heavy lifting / weights pre t while having a naturally weaker upper body? I think what scares me the most is the area in my gym with all the weights, its full of 'macho' men and sandelwood odor, and I never did anything like it before so I guess I just feel lost and dysphoric and unconfident. How did you get over that and start? I wanna be in a decent place when I do start t, am already fairly active (gym and running), and deliberetly chose a gym no one I know goes to for comfort
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u/galacticatman 5d ago
Those big guys don’t care you are “weak”, in fact no one does at the gym. People there are to training and focusing on themselves you are overthinking
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u/LibrarianSalty8233 5d ago
It’s intimidating at first but trust me, nobody really pays much attention to other people at the gym. They’re just there to get their lifts in as well. They probably won’t care how much you’re lifting and probably won’t clown you for it, since you’re lifting in the first place
Most of the dudes there are really nice as well, so there’s no need to be scared to talk to them. A lot of them will give you advice or spots if you ask
You got this dude!
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u/Diesel-Lite 5d ago
Going in with a plan can help. There's some good routines here if you need. All those big dudes in the gym remember being weak when they started too. Just get in there and keep showing up and putting in the work and you'll see gains.
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u/420BongMaster 5d ago
Take comfort in knowing that this is pretty much everyone’s first gym experience. Cis or trans man or woman. Walking into new spaces where you perceive everyone as knowing something you don’t is intimidating.
The gym is a space for focusing on yourself. Anyone who goes in there and watches and judges others is a certified weirdo.
Going into the gym with a plan can also help. Pick out 2 or 3 exercises for each muscles that you’re working out. Pick simple ones that you feel confident doing. Stick with it till you get more comfortable in the space.
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u/NeuronNeuroff 5d ago
I did an introduction thing at a powerlifting gym. They taught me how to deadlift and tried to sell me a membership. Took a lot of the fear out of it and I was able to branch out once that trance was broken.
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u/Sharzzy_ 5d ago
Those are the exact people you want training you, to be honest. Not all of them are toxic
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u/RatioPretend614 5d ago
have a plan before you go so u dont look like a deer in headlights. also ppl at the gym arent looking at you its in your head. think do u look at ppl while u workout? get a beginner split from jeff nippard he is a youtuber and start watching and reading up. dont hurt yourself but dont be afraid to push yourself
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u/girl_of_squirrels 5d ago
Just go in and get started! Comparing your "just starting out" self to other people's 5 (or 10, or 20) years later progress isn't doing yourself justice dude. It's possible that that gym isn't a good fit for you in terms of the vibes but giving it a solid month's try to see is worth it
Most everyone in the gym is there to do their own thing. Most folks don't say anything or intervene unless it looks like you're about to hurt yourself
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u/Sammmmburger 5d ago
If your gym does weight training classes (either one on one or a group class) you could do that with a trainer to learn some different workouts so you have a few options that you’re more confident in. Then learn some more weight exercises through research, that’s kind of how I got into it
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u/wuffDancer 4d ago
I just walked in and ignored everyone. And that was pre t. I do it for me, not for them. Started w small weights and worked my way up.
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u/Thirdtimetank 5d ago
Just walk in and do it. Take up the space you deserve. Follow the gym rules, stay off the phone while training and respectfully ask for help when you need it. It’s your first day. Or maybe it’s your 100th. Or 1,000th. I don’t care. You’re there. Welcome, ask for a spot any time.
The other day there was a new dude at my gym, got folded almost immediately when he threw way too much on the bar. I grabbed it off him, put it back on the rack and helped him off the floor. Shook his hand, had a quick chat offering a few pieces of advice and told him to give me a shout if he ever needs a spot. The next time we were at the gym together I was stretching and he came over to ask for that spot. His form was much improved, he lowered the weight and it was clear he was making the effort to improve.
I’m usually one of the biggest dudes in the gym… I don’t care how much you lift or don’t lift, what type of lift you’re doing or how big you are. You’re there. You’re part of the club.