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Originally Posted by Sign
Well, everything you mentioned there is a nemesis of mine. I have major self-confidence issues and I am always second guessing myself. I avoid doing many activities and going out with friends. I am always worried that I am not performing exercises properly and that I am going to injure myself. My biggest nemesis is my self-conciousness. There have been so many times when I have simply bailed on my workout before getting through the doors because I see a lot of people at the weights and I am too embarrased/nervous to workout with my lighter weights or poor form. I am always afraid people are judging me and even though I shouldn't care, often times it is enough to make me skip my workout for the day.
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I'll be honest and tell you that when I see newbies doing stupid things with light weights, I shake my head internally. But, the same thing goes for the "veterans" who do stupid things with heavier weights. Tricep Kickback Guy had some big triceps, but the kickbacks he was doing took so much body english that they couldn't be doing much for the tris.
But, you can tell when the newbies are following an actual program. Then, no one cares what weight you are using. I've seen the biggest, burliest guys give plenty of respect to the new guy or girl because they could tell the newbie was doing things right and giving it his all.
The majority of people think bad is bad and weights are relative.
That being said, one tip on how to avoid the tinyist of dumbells. Don't do any isolation exercises. None.
I remember, three years ago, feeling stupid doing front raises with tiny little dumbells. But, you know what? Looking back, I shouldn't have doing front raises (or side raises, lateral raises, etc.) at that point, anyway. I could have spared myself that feeling, to some degree.
Sticking to a good program of compound lifts will keep you to the (relatively) bigger weights, anyway. Don't do any curls or triceps stuff. No raises (calves excluded, maybe). The parts that these work are getting plenty of work from presses and rows, anyway.
As to form, take a look at the horrible form of the experience people in the weight room. Concern yourself with your form alright, but for your safety, not because people will look at you funny.
Also, you might be using light weights at the moment, but when you are new, that's when you see the quickest improvements. The weights will go up and you'll forget forget about all this.
One more tip. More psychological than anything. Get some earbuds that block out sound. When you can't hear remnants of the conversations and you stop thinking they're talking about YOU. Which they aren't. They are usually talking about themselves.
Bottom line is don't be intimidated.
(I was intimidated, though. I did the whole first part of the Testosterone Advantage Plan on machines because I was intimidated to go in "there." Looking back, I feel sorta funny about it. I've met more nice guys (of all ages, shapes, and sizes) in the weight room, than any other part of the gym).