Bad idea?

As previously posted, I enjoy a good workout. I am a terrible runner, but I love going running (as long as I can run alone. Running with people only solidifies the fact that I am terrible at it). I have been told by a yoga instructor in Austria that I am a regular "yogi bear", and I know a whole handful of people that find it sickening how much I get into a good step aerobics class. It's that "hurts so good" pain that I really don't mind. For that reason, I thought it would be a good idea to get a membership to a gym. I have been looking into it and working it into my budget (thank you awesome tax return) and I finally figured today was the day.

As I pulled into the parking lot, it seemed intimidatingly busier than I thought. I searched for a parking spot and then decided to park farther away (I didn't want people to think I was lazy). The walk up to the front doors felt long (probably partially due to the fact that I had parked so far away) and my steps grew more and more unsure. I thought to myself, "This is what you came to do. Stop being such a big baby." With that, I swung the door open to a brand new world.

The first face I saw was friendly (luckily it was friendly and not stunningly beautiful because I have a difficult time keeping myself composed around intimidatingly beautiful people) and I marched right up to the counter and declared that I would like to join their gym. He then welcomed me in and proceeded to take me on a tour. Any normal person would probably feel more at ease that they would know where everything is, I however became more and more unsure of the decision I had made at every turn. Don't get me wrong, the gym is nice. My problem was more... the other members.  

First stop was the room where classes take place. Empty. Check.

Lap pool. Can't swim. Check.

Locker Room. Check.

UPSTAIRS...

To liven up the conversation, the guy asked me what my fitness goals were... I thought it was pretty obvious. I didn't want to be specific about the amount of weight I wanted to loose etc. so I only responded by saying "umm... weight loss, toning. Isn't that normal?" To which he agreed. This was followed by silence.

The entire upstairs was filled with people! As he walked me over to the free weights The first thing person I saw was a man that looked like he could crush me between his fingers, or perhaps just by looking at me. However, he didn't make me want to hide, I just made a mental note not to mess with him. What made me want to hide was the the group of good looking men whom I knew would only ever see me when I look sweaty, gross and undone. *sigh* I was given a general rundown of what to do with the machines. As we reached the cardio area (treadmills, elliptical machines etc.) he asked me if I was familiar with those machines to which I wanted to reply with the fact that I had actually entered a gym before, just not that particular gym... oh bother. Last place on the list: The room where spin class takes place. He was pretty excited about it, for me, vague memories of "climbing" hills and feeling like death was upon me spun past my memory. (If you'll pardon the pun) It was dark, and looked slightly like a laser tag arena, I didn't imagine it would be as fun.

Upstairs... *gulp* ... check. 

We proceeded downstairs to finalize my membership. Done and done.

I walked out of the gym to my car trying to comprehend what I had just done, and why. I don't even have anyone with whom to go. When will I be returning to the gym? Probably tomorrow, at an hour where less people will be there to entertain with my lack of coordination.

I'm a member of a gym...

YAY! (????)