10 Brilliant Ways to Feel Comfortable in the Gym When You're Over 50

Going to the gym, especially for the first time, can be an intimidating experience for anyone. But women over fifty usually feel more overwhelmed and uncomfortable than most. There are many ways to reduce your uneasiness in this environment. Here are 10 brilliant ways to feel comfortable in the gym when you’re over fifty.

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Adjust your attitude. If you walk in feeling confident it is likely that you will feel more relaxed than if you walk in with fear.
Schedule an orientation. Most gyms offer new members one free session with a trainer. Make sure to schedule and come prepared with a list of questions you may have.
Set ego aside. You may be a pro at a lot of things but if you’ve never gone to the gym you may have no knowledge about gym etiquette. Don’t be a know it all and make sure to be open to suggestions from other people even if you don’t want to hear it.
Focus on YOU. Most gyms are crowded and can easily intimidate but remember you are there for just one person — you! Don’t concentrate on what other people look like or are doing. This is the fastest way to feel defeated.
Don’t hog the mirror. Pick up your weights and move back from the mirror. If you stand right by the weight rack no one else will be able to get what they need.
Be careful not to block someone’s view. Gyms have mirrors on all walls because people need to look at themselves when they are working with weights. Many newbies don’t understand this and brush it off to vanity. That is not the case for most so be mindful that you don’t block another person’s ability to see themselves in the mirror.
Possession is 9/10ths of the law. If you want to use a piece of equipment or a bench, if there’s a towel, water bottle or weight on it, this usually means someone else is using the equipment. Sometimes people take a short break between sets and walk away from the equipment but trust me, if you remove their items they will return in a flash!
Return items to their proper place. Always put back weights, balls or other gym equipment from where you got them. Usually a gym keeps items in certain places for a reason, especially weights.
Make sure to bring music. Music helps to block out all the noises in the gym and can help you stay energized and focused.
Bring a friend. It always helps to have a buddy with you in a new environment, especially the gym. It’s easy to feel a little intimidated by some of the big guys so having a friend with you can be a real confidence booster.

The gym is the best place to get in shape because you go there to exercise and can stay focused with the task at hand. Although I can walk into any gym anywhere and feel right at home, this wasn’t always the case. By following these suggestions I think your gym experience will be improved.