No Knowledge? No Excuses...

One of my all-time favorite excuses for people not working out is, "I don't go to the gym because I don't know what I am doing and am intimidated by all the workout people." If you're this person I have two things to say to you: Number one, you not liking the gym isn't a good excuse to not exercise because you can exercise at home with BombergerPT's Body Basics (more shameless self-promotion), in your back yard or anywhere outside on God's green earth.  Number two, believe it or not 95% of the people you find in gyms don't have a damn clue as to what they are doing, why or what they are actually accomplishing with their workout. I always applaud people's attempt; I'd rather see people trying than not trying at all. Not knowing what to do is the norm and because you are conscious of this you can educate yourself by reading reputable fitness materials, watch a video or DVD (preferably BombergerPT's Body Basics, I know I'm ridiculous) or actually hire a trainer for a few basic training sessions. Get yourself some basic knowledge of the body by studying an anatomy chart and browse the fitness community for good sources of information. Below is a list of great fitness professionals and websites you can use to take better care of yourself inside and outside the gym:

Coach Dos's Site - Videos and tons of useful information on the discussion board
Coach Mike Boyle's Site - Plenty of articles and even some videos to help you out
Precision Nutrition - My favorite nutrition blog
CrossFit.com - A website with all kinds of ridiculous workouts, videos and even a CrossFit journal
National Strength & Conditioning Association - Certifying body for Personal Trainers and Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialists. Has some info on clinics, seminars and some great free resources page

If you're worried about looking dumb in a gym, just make sure you don't end up like this guy who you may have seen on this blog before and you'll be fine...