silly question

[dawn]

I know this is a stupid question and I run the risk of being made fun of but I have to ask. I have never used a tanning bed before but the gym that I work out at just got a few. I have been reading messages on this site in order to get a good idea of what I should do and expect if I decided to use it. I decided that I should give it a shot because I have pretty fair skin so I went out and purchased lotion and eye protection. Today I went in to use the tanning bed but I just couldn't figure it out. I didn't know if the bulbs lighted up or what so I didn't know if it was on or not. I thought maybe it turned on if I just got in and closed it on me so I did that for 6-7 minutes. I guess my question is how do I turn it on and how do I know when it is on? I felt too silly to ask the people who worked there how to turn a tanning bed on. Thanks for your help.

	Superior UV

[Forever Tan]

First of all no question is silly, but any good tanning operator should have shown you how to work the bed.Each bed is different some have timers that you press start others the buttons are right on the beds.If you go back to this place I highly suggest that you ask the people working there to help you..

[CHUNN]

FairLady,You came to the right place! Thanks goodness we are on top of the search engines. Imagine if she accidentally landed on another tanning forum???Most likely there is a timer somewhere on the bed or behind it. The lights will come on once you find it! Be sure to limit the time on the bed to just a few minutes the first session and slowly move your way up 1-2 minutes at a time. This is most important, especially if the gym operators do assist you in the process.Let us know how it went!

[BOBER96]

The people that work there should be showing you how to do this. Please ask them for a thorough explanation of the equipment and please do nit let them put you in for the max time! Tan smart.

	Superior UV

[Tan Larue]

Quote:Originally posted by chunn:Thanks goodness we are on top of the search engines. Imagine if she accidentally landed on another tanning forum???That's a good one!!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~FairLady:You'll know when the bed is on! The lamps are quite bright, you'll know

	Superior UV

[dawn]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I really appreciate it.

[Chippp]

Never use any tanning unit with out FIRST having the operator explain all about its use.If what you said is right I am very sad to hear they let you use the bed without giving you any information or instructions first.You could have even been taking drugs that do mot mix with tanning.SHAME SHAME SHAME! Tell the gym you go to visit this web site they can get some valuable information here.

[Bronze Star]

I hate to agree with Chippp but he is right... shame on anyone operating a bed commercially who does not show you first how to use it. Also, be aware that if there are facial lamps which appear as dark square(s) on the hood (or canopy) of the bed they also must be glowing. Most tanning lamps glow a bright blue or may be a mixture of blue and pink. If the facial area is dark, the lamps aren't on either and they may have separate switches.Another thing you may ask about is an emergency kill swith to shut the tanning unit down in case of an emergency. How long are you going to initially tan for? I would be careful and not tan for the entire 20 minutes... you could severely burn yourself.If you have any other questions... don't hesitate to ask! Welcome to the board!

	Superior UV

[scared]

No one will make fun of you here, well maybe not til we get to know you! I, too, had never been in a bed until last week and didn't have a clue! Luckily the salon did skin typing, showed me how to operate the bed, and my daughter was there to coach me also. The only problem I ran into was being unsure how much time I had before the bed came on (they were on timers). So the slathering of lotion was a race for time. I was a little splotchy, but I'll know how to do it next time!