‘By the end of the week, I actually felt like I belonged': Gym newbie embarrasses herself by “cartoon” falling on her face, helpful 60-something-year-old lifter makes her feel at home

Author image for Elna McHilderson
Elna McHilderson • Managing Editor
Aug 28, 2025 7:00 PM EDT

A woman finally decided to take her gym membership seriously and go every week. She was extremely nervous because she had never worked out at a gym before, so she even practiced with some YouTube videos at home before attending. During her first workout, she dropped a weight, made a huge "CURPLUNK" sound, and the entire gym looked at her awkwardly. To try and save face, she got up to quickly fix the situation, but instead, she tripped on a yoga ball, bounced off like a "cartoon," and tumbled right onto her back. Mortified, she didn't even want to get back up. However, a kind weight lifter who looked around 60+ years old and that he has been lifting for also 60+ years helped her up. He assured her that this happens all the time and even shared an embarrassing first-time-gym-going story of his own. Everyone had a kind communal laugh and she carried on with her workout feeling better about herself. She even made some friends who helped her with her workout. 

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  • "The Most Embarrassing Thing That’s Ever Happened to Me in a Gym"

    Cheezburger Image 10547572224
    via Unsplash+ (and Getty Images)

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • Now, since forming this impromptu gym family, she feels like she belongs there. It only took one kind act from someone there to make her feel at home and keep her gym-going promise she made to herself. 

  • So, a few months ago, I finally worked up the courage to sign up for a real gym membership.
    via CompetitiveArt4991
  • First day, I walk in with my new sneakers, water bottle, and a YouTube-approved workout plan that I had definitely not practiced at home.
    via CompetitiveArt4991
  • I start with the treadmill, easy enough. Then I wander over to the weights section, which was already intimidating because everyone there looked like they could casually bench- press a car.
    via CompetitiveArt4991
  • I decide to start light, but in my nervousness, I somehow load the bar unevenly, one side heavier than the other.
    via CompetitiveArt4991
  • You can probably guess what happened next. I try to lift it, and the bar tips like a seesaw.
    via CompetitiveArt4991
  • One of the plates clatters to the ground, echoing through the whole gym like a gunshot.
    via CompetitiveArt4991
  • Everyone turns. Everyone. Panicking, I try to laugh it off, but instead, I lose my balance and fall backward onto a yoga ball.
    via CompetitiveArt4991
  • Except I don't just fall onto it, I bounce off it like a cartoon character, roll a couple feet, and end up flat on the floor staring at the ceiling lights.
    via CompetitiveArt4991
  • Cheezburger Image 10547582464
    via Unsplash+ (and Katherine Hood)

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • By this point, I'm convinced I've ruined my entire gym reputation forever.
    via CompetitiveArt4991
  • But then this older guy (probably in his 60s, built like he's been lifting since the dawn of time) comes over, helps me up, and says:
    via CompetitiveArt4991
  • "Don't worry, kid. First week I joined here, I accidentally dropped a dumbbell on my shoe and walked around with a flip- flop for a month.
    via CompetitiveArt4991
  • You're doing fine." A couple other people chuckled, the tension broke, and suddenly it felt like everyone was on my side instead of laughing at me.
    via CompetitiveArt4991
  • Someone even showed me the proper way to load the bar, and by the end of the week, I actually felt like I belonged.
    via CompetitiveArt4991
  • Cheezburger Image 10547582976
    via Unsplash+ (and Pablo Merchán Montes)

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • Now, every time I see that yoga ball, I salute it like an old rival.
    via CompetitiveArt4991
  • Aussie_Hab - Don't worry about it, seriously. We've all had gym fails. The best bit is that you are at the gym doing something positive for yourself. Keep it up! CompetitiveArt4991 OP Thanks, I really appreciate that! Honestly, that perspective helps a lot, at the time it felt like the end of the world, but now I can laugh about it. And you're right, as long as I keep showing up, the little fails are just part of the process. ✓
    via Aussie_Hab
  • lol2034 People at the gym are generally very open and inviting, it just looks intimidating. It's great that you have a routine from YouTube! I recommend getting just a little bit more out of your comfort zone and ask someone nearby to help spot you, or make sure your form looks correct, or even ask what other workouts they recommend
    via lol2034
  • based on what you are working out that day. Before you know it, you'll have gym friends, and it'll be much easier to keep going after gaining some local support and motivation, versus going alone. Good luck with your new gym venture! I hope you keep going, it'll be worth it.
    via lol2034
  • Interesting_... Woman here, just ask people are always willing to help. My embarrassing moment was after my workout. At my gym you set your own locker code. Well, I messed it up. After my shower I couldn't get it open. Had to walk to the front desk to ask for help with just a towel wrapped around me. Apparently it happens all the time.
    via Interesting_Wing_461

  • As you can see, a little act of kindness can help someone out so much so that they are able to work out their physical health. We can all help each other out just be bing nice to one another! 

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good people workout kindness kindness of strangers faith in humanity inspirational weight lifter inspiring uplifting health happy Reddit happiness lifting working out gym fail gym rat laugh
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