Workout anxiety :/

sarahhje

Okay so I have attempted MFP before but never really stuck with it and I really want it this time. I'm a 21 year old college student going into my senior year and I really want to look good by the time I graduate and go off into big girl world. I've been eating pretty good for the past few days but my problem is working out. I get to use our schools recreation center for free but my problem is that I am embarrassed when I go there. I always feel like everyone is watching me and I end up leaving. I just really need some workout inspiration. Anyone willing to help me?

lisa8x9

I can relate. I used to be afraid to go to the gym at my school, but now I've gone more and it's not so bad. Just bring headphones, listen to music or watch TV (if you have them) while you work out to distract yourself. Also, you can go really early or later in the evening when not many people are there. Or you could avoid the gym and go running or walk. Good luck!

AlexisJ330

I am a grad student at my university and have the same anxieties about working out at the rec center. The rec center was reviewed as one of the best in the nation but working out in front of everyone is very intimidating for me especially since I'm older than most (I'm 30) and weigh more than most. I am planning on lifting more this summer when it is not as busy and hopefully get into the habit so when the fall comes, I am in better shape and have better motivation to continue going.

Another thing I try to tell myself is that the other people are probably so self-conscious that they are not paying attention to you and are worried about others judging them.

strum261

I think that most people probably feel self-conscious, so you're not alone. Maybe try going and just do one or two things to start and get a feel for the gym. Sometimes when I go there are young guys lifting and grunting, I just go and do my thing. I have found they are very polite and are more interested in looking at themselves than me. Good luck

kenh14

Go with a friend that knows what they're doing? That's what I used to do when I first started out. They would teach me how to use machines correctly and the proper form until I eventually got the hang of it.

Principal71

Good for you improving your eating:) Remember, you don't have to exercise in the facility at school. You can walk/jog alone or with a buddy (more fun). You can dance at home or do aerobics until you feel a little more comfortable in the gym. YOU CAN DO IT!!!! JUST MOVE. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO BE YOUR FRIEND!!

Debbie

sarahhje

Thank you everyone for the help! I started a beginner workout today and I really want to stick with it. I think I may just work out at home for now and once I get a little more comfortable with myself I can attempt the rec center. I would ask my friends to come with me but I am even uncomfortable in front of them, no matter how good of friends we are.

mssmssy

I have found the workout support I need by joining fitness classes. It's nice getting to know the regulars and encouraging one another.

nuemmedigg

I used to go to a gym, and it is true that ppl are more interested in themselves. I still continued to feel self-conscious though. For economic and time-saving reasons i now exercise at home and walk a track at a nearby park.

jadams1650

I've never really understood this. I have used a fitness center for years. Nobody that I have ever known or worked out with has ever said anything about anybody else working out. Everybody is into their own routine and spends virtually no time or energy watching, discussing, or criticizing anybody who is in the gym trying to get healthy. Just go, after a few weeks you wont notice anybody else either...

OMG_Twinkies

Honestly, most people are so self-absorbed that, even if they did bother to give you two glances, they'd be back in their own world worrying about themselves (how they look, who they can beat on the treadmill, what they'll cook for dinner, etc.) within a minute and a half, guaranteed. So, rest in the comfort in knowing that most people don't give two shats about anyone else for prolonged periods of time.

TheBeerRunner

I had the same anxiety when I started out at the gym. I have since moved on from working out in the gym (my schedule doesn't really allow it). Believe me, no one is judging you, if anything people are happy to see you there trying to better yourself. I don't go to the gym anymore, but I do run out in public even though I'm still significantly overweight. It overcame the fear after the first few times I did it. After I did it and didn't feel bad about being out there, it got easier. Go a few times. You'll start feeling better about yourself and you'll be on the road to a better you in no time.

Pearlyladybug

Seriously don't even worry about it, Most people are there to work out and aren't really playing attention to anything around them

Try some rescue remedy or something before you head in to take the edge off

twelker878

you can try starting with something like this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRScb2l4Z4g

frenchfacey

i used to feel this way!! its ok! you can do it! i used to wear a sweat shirt to the gym even when it was 100 degrees out, whatever made me feel better just so i would go because that feeling you feel? that goes away. i promise i promise. every day that you work out and take care of yourself you feel stronger and stronger.

ecw3780

just start walking. walk everywhere you can, for as long as you can. take as many walks a day that you can fit it. You can lose a ton of weight with just watching your diet and moving a little bit more each day. Once you get to where you are comfortable, then go to the gym. I still hate going to the gym alone, so I make my husband go with me or run out side.

naturesgate

Honestly, most people are so self-absorbed that, even if they did bother to give you two glances, they'd be back in their own world worrying about themselves (how they look, who they can beat on the treadmill, what they'll cook for dinner, etc.) within a minute and a half, guaranteed. So, rest in the comfort in knowing that most people don't give two shats about anyone else for prolonged periods of time.

^^^^^^ Couldn't have said it better myself. Just go everyone has to start somewhere.

TheBeerRunner

I still hate going to the gym alone, so I make my husband go with me or run out side.

For me, running outside was harder than going to the gym. IDK. More people to "judge." Screw them I decided, I'm out here busting my butt while they're sitting on their butts doing nothing... And I had a goal to run a 5 mile race, and that's not going to happen just running inside on the treadmill.

KCoolBeanz

Honestly, people at the gym don't give a rip about anyone other than themselves, and their own workout - they all had to start somewhere too :flowerforyou:

primdaisy

Have you ever considered getting workout DVD's? I have never liked going to the gym, so my workouts are done at home. In the summer, my cardio is mostly riding my bike, but during the winter, I workout exclusively with DVD's. I have a whole library of cardio, weight, yoga, barre workouts so I don't get bored. I even have easier workouts when I either don't have the energy or I'm getting over a chest cold. If your interested, go to www.collagevideo.com or www.totalfitnessdvds.com. They have hundreds to choose from, levels that are beginner to advanced. Hope that helps!

bearsfan67

find a work out DVD that you can do at home. Put on music and dance for 30 minutes or just take a walk.......I feel the same way you do and these are some of the things that work for me. The Biggest Loser work out DVD's are great and they have people just like you and me working out in them.......

sarahsedai

I can relate to you plight. I have pretty severe social anxiety *anyway*, and when I decided to join a gym, I ended up paying big bucks to go to a women's gym thinking that would help, but when I got there I was still tweaking about it. But as others have mentioned, most people there are too self-absorbed to pay attention - and also, once you start working out, and getting those endorphins flowing, your anxiety levels will decrease. I also like to remind myself, if I feel self-conscious, whether its at the gym or out for a walk around the neighborhood that even if people *are* looking, they're watching me do something good, something healthy and positive... and not... well, anything other than that. It makes me feel stronger, more confident just to have that attitude.

Just remember you have tons of support here.

dlanoux

I also have a long way to go, but don't worry about what others think. I just faced it and said to myself....well, I have to start somewhere. That somewhere is here and now!

180in2013go

Most people are focused on themselves and in reality really aren't focusing on you anyway. Go & do your own thing..

angelmom1223

Don't worry about what other people think. Don't give them the control over you to stop you from you go to the gym if that's what you really want to do. God bless you.

lostdogg

I felt something similar last month. I joined a taekwondo class on May 9th. I weighed 324 pounds. The largest man there. Everyone else was experienced (blue belts or higher) and fitter (heaviest guy probably hitting 230 in wet clothes). Everyone was so focused in their own training that no one was watching me. That was my fear. That everyone would be looking at me. After class it was noticed that I didn't give up and walk out. I gave it my all and I was so focused on my training after that, that I wouldn't notice now if anyone was watching or not. I've made good friends their now and look forward to my workouts and classes there.....

I think it was worded best in a previous post. Most ppl are so self absorbed that they aren't going to notice anything but what they are doing.

If ppl take notice, let it be because you're trying to do something better for you.

Good luck with your anxiety. I'm sure you'll defeat it before it defeats you.

My success + your success = our success

ficklesoul

Social insecurities. I can totally relate. Most of the time I know people aren't looking and I know everyone at the gym is busy doing their stuff but I always feel like they're judging me silently. What I did to combat my anxiety was I crank up my iPod real loud to block everything else and focus on my workout. It seems to help. I can't workout without my ipod. And yes having a friend to workout with does seem to help a lot! If it still gives you anxiety, like someone here suggested, try running or brisk walking outside with a friend. There are also plenty effective workout videos you can do at home too. Good luck!

Prettymisssparkles

Thank you op for this post! I get mega bad workout anxiety all the time. Can totally relate! It is so nice to read this thread and know that most people are having the same feelings. "Knowing is half the battle."