'Afraid' of the gym - need help overcoming

lieajane

I feel nervous going into the gym. I still feel intimidated in there. I would even if it was empty. I'm working on overcoming it.
Most steps are just "suck it up and get over yourself" but I take time in between to get comfortable with one routine before I take a step outside of my comfort zone. My goal at the moment is to work up the courage to go into the free weights area and lift that scary looking Olympic barbell surrounded by

One step at a time and if all else fails, the mantras "JFDI" and "I don't care what you think" are incredibly handy.

lbredhead

Every single person in the gym wants to change part of their body. Isn't that why they are there?? Some people look in the mirror and think "I want to lose a little here ... and here ..." -- and others are "I want to bulk up here ... and here ..." But the point, is that everyone using a piece of equipment is looking for self-improvement.

Once you realize that, you are immediately respectful of everyone in the gym, no matter their size.

To be overly-blunt, if you see someone who is 20 pounds or 200 pounds overweight, think to yourself "S/he is here sweating -- not sitting at home in front of the tube devouring a pint of Chunky Monkey."

If you get caught staring a little too long, just give a big welcoming smile.

So hold your head high as you walk in the gym -- and realize that everyone else is there for the same reason as you.

-D


PS ... That phrase also works well when looking in the mirror.