Nothing makes me feel more uncomfortable than going to the gym.

It’s not the sweat. It’s not the Lycra. It’s not the big guy grunting on the military press. It’s the equipment. I feel like I’m the only person who doesn’t know how to use it correctly.

I blame my sister. She’s the one who signed me up for a gym membership. She went with me twice, and then our schedules didn’t quite click for a week, so I decided to venture out by myself. Big mistake. Big. Noisy. Mistake.

I though I might run on the elliptical trainer, but about two minutes into the workout the machine indicated it needed my heart rate. "Place hands on sensor," the machine demanded. I looked down at the controls and saw nothing remotely sensorlike. "Place hands on sensor," the machine demanded again, blinking this time. I fumbled around, still failing to find the sensor. Then the machine started beeping at me.

Frustrated, I started looking for the STOP button, but I guess it’s located on the sensor. At this point the machine was really wailing, so I fled the gym.

When I got hold of my sister, I told her what happened and how stupid I felt not knowing how to use the equipment. "That’s OK, a lot of people don’t," she said.

I’m glad to know I’m not the only one challenged by elliptical trainers, but my sister wishes I was. Personal trainers would prefer it if people asked questions so they don’t hurt themselves or the machinery.

So a can-do attitude is a good thing, but there’s nothing wrong with sending out a little SOS now and then.

For example, when Erica Beshore was telling me about the planning that went into her wedding, she said the thing that helped the most was hiring a wedding planner, who narrowed down the options and handled all the details. Erica said she has known brides who have gotten so overwhelmed going it alone they forgot other important things, such as booking a hair appointment.

Interior designers are also adept at handling details, big and small, and making sure they all go together. Although taste is certainly subjective, there’s no denying an understanding of balance and color can make a big difference.

And, of course, there are the fitness experts who can help make sure you don’t hurt yourself (or the gym equipment). My sister has agreed to help me out for the next few weeks, at least until I get the hang of things.

That elliptical trainer had better look out.

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