Tips to overcome anxiety about going to classes alone

JenniferInCt

Lately, i find myself really wanting to go to some group classes to add some variety and hopefully fun to my routine. I envision myself loving classes such as spinning, yoga, zumba, boot camps, kickboxing, and even just cardio classes. Or at least trying them... Plus i think itd be a great way to meet some motivated people who are trying to get/stay healthy. I need friends with healthier lifestyles! (Besides all mfp buddies

JenniferInCt

See below for the rest of original post.. Sorry guys. Cant seem to edit it and have it all post in one despite multiple attempts

shellma00

I guess for me.. the way I overcame the anxiety was thinking I am not actually going alone.. there will be other people there. In my experience they are very encouraging and happy to have new people in the classes. Very welcoming. I just recently joined a Zumba class, went alone, and loved it and the people are very nice. TRY IT!

Jolinia

This is one of those things where you have to grit your teeth and make yourself go the first few times until it becomes fun second nature.

JenniferInCt

(Part of original post) But i just cant seem to pull the trigger. I get so anxious thinking about going alone, being the biggest one in the room, being the only one in the room, or just feeling out of place. I wish i had friends that would go with me but i dont. Any tips? How did you start going? Thanks guys! (Still dont get why my posts get cut off!) edited to add to post

stuffinmuffin

When you attend the classes it really doesn't feel like exercising alone. There will be loads of people of different shape, size and ability. You'll be too busy concentrating on what you're doing to care what people think when you're there.

JenniferInCt

I know you guys are right. I tell myself- this is how i used to feel about the gym and now i love it and im the one telling others how you just have to do it lol.

JenniferInCt

Any recommendations for where to begin? I see multiple gyms in the area that offer classes, as well as fitness centers, and places that just focus on classes. Where would i probably feel most comfortable? And what do you think would be the best first class to start with? I know all of our goals are different.

acmanna

You probably won't be the biggest or most out of shape. When I went to group classes there were people of all ages, sizes, and fitness levels in there. Everyone was friendly and trust me..no one is looking at you while working out. They are trying to focus on the steps in the class. I'm as shy as they come but then I went and really enjoyed it. (except for Zumba..every move they told me to do I surely went in the wrong direction). Just go, it will be fun, if you don't like it try another...it should be a fun and enjoyable experience!

SueInAz

The only way to pull the trigger is just to do it. Honestly, worrying about being the biggest one there or feeling out of place is just you playing mind games with yourself. Every single one of the people in that room had a first time and felt just like you feel.You don't really think they are paying much attention to you, do you? They are too wrapped up in themselves and probably worrying what other people are thinking about them.

You're going to look and feel a bit silly the first few times, it just goes with the territory because you don't know the routines yet. Go and do your thing in the back of the room where only the instructor can see you. As you're flailing around, you're burning just as many calories as the others in the room and maybe more if you're really the biggest... which I doubt you will be.

CountessKitteh

I signed up for a beginner yoga series because I figured there shouldn't be anyone in the class better or worse than I am! Haha. I'm also hoping that by having a level playing field, I can make some friends who may also be intimidated. Worst case, I learn some yoga.

JenniferInCt

Thanks everyone! THIS is why i love mfp. Esp when i need a little kick in the butt to get me going

JenniferInCt

I wish there were my fitness pal classes all over the world lol! So i can meet with people i feel are in the same boat with me to workout

emdeesea

I don't mean to be harsh but you just need to do it and get over it. You have to stop living in your head.

snoringcat

JenniferInCt wrote: »

I wish there were my fitness pal classes all over the world lol! So i can meet with people i feel are in the same boat with me to workout

But the others at the class ARE in the same boat as you!! You're all there for a common purpose!

JenniferInCt

No offense or harshness taken. I knew thats what people would say, and maybe i just needed to hear it from others. Esp hearing someone may have felt the same way and how they overcame it. Thanks!

crosbylee

JenniferInCt wrote: »

I wish there were my fitness pal classes all over the world lol! So i can meet with people i feel are in the same boat with me to workout

That would be an idea for some of the trainers that are on here. Instead of trying to advertise services, maybe they could advertise that they are on MFP and people could friend them and then get a class going...

azure7

I'm a little shy in social situations where I don't know anyone. Last year, I wanted to try a challenging type of group exercise but I had some anxiety about the first workout. I just forced myself to smile a lot when I showed up. By the end of the first class, I'd already made friends. You just have to bite the bullet Go for it, girl!

irleshay

JenniferInCt wrote: »

Any recommendations for where to begin? I see multiple gyms in the area that offer classes, as well as fitness centers, and places that just focus on classes. Where would i probably feel most comfortable? And what do you think would be the best first class to start with? I know all of our goals are different.

Most places will offer you a trial period, like 1 visit or 3 visits to see how you like it. Before I joined my Y, I got 3 free visits and that included classes (the ones free with membership). Trial runs are a good place for you to start without committing. And I find that Ys are friendly to all kinds of people. We have big and small people, kids, disabled people doing rehab in the pool. Also, I love classes. Which one is the best to start off with? Read the descriptions and pick the one that seems most fun to you. There isn't a wrong class. If you hate it, move on. (I hate spinning.) Don't overthink it. And I know it's hard, but move past the fear that others are watching. It'll get in the way of both your weight loss and your enjoyment. I can't improve in the pool if I worry how I look in my suit, or if I'm scared that people think I'm doing my strokes wrong or that I look dumb. No one has ever made fun of me or said anything of the kind, and after a while I get fully absorbed in what I'm doing. Have fun exploring your classes!

GoPerfectHealth

There are many resources that will help you deal with anxiety, so I won't give a long list of anxiety-reducing techniques, but I will say that one of the errors in our thinking is often believing that anyone is really paying that much attention to us. People are thinking more about themselves and how they look than about other people. The people at the gym will be very excited to support you in achieving your health goals.

JenniferInCt

crosbylee wrote: »

JenniferInCt wrote: »

I wish there were my fitness pal classes all over the world lol! So i can meet with people i feel are in the same boat with me to workout

That would be an idea for some of the trainers that are on here. Instead of trying to advertise services, maybe they could advertise that they are on MFP and people could friend them and then get a class going...

Yes! I would sign up. I think others would too!

JenniferInCt

irleshay wrote: »

JenniferInCt wrote: »

Any recommendations for where to begin? I see multiple gyms in the area that offer classes, as well as fitness centers, and places that just focus on classes. Where would i probably feel most comfortable? And what do you think would be the best first class to start with? I know all of our goals are different.

Most places will offer you a trial period, like 1 visit or 3 visits to see how you like it. Before I joined my Y, I got 3 free visits and that included classes (the ones free with membership). Trial runs are a good place for you to start without committing. And I find that Ys are friendly to all kinds of people. We have big and small people, kids, disabled people doing rehab in the pool. Also, I love classes. Which one is the best to start off with? Read the descriptions and pick the one that seems most fun to you. There isn't a wrong class. If you hate it, move on. (I hate spinning.) Don't overthink it. And I know it's hard, but move past the fear that others are watching. It'll get in the way of both your weight loss and your enjoyment. I can't improve in the pool if I worry how I look in my suit, or if I'm scared that people think I'm doing my strokes wrong or that I look dumb. No one has ever made fun of me or said anything of the kind, and after a while I get fully absorbed in what I'm doing. Have fun exploring your classes!

You're right, i saw a lot of trials. I guess i can at least call and ask what classes they recommend for beginners.

I know myself, and know that i just have to get over the hump of that first class and ill feel better. Just hope i dont have a full blown panic attack lol (i used to years ago, so thats why i have this fear). But ive grown up in the sense i know how to talk to myself and really try not to sweat the small stuff.

Thank you everyone!!!!!

JenniferInCt

Its true that its in our heads. I just recently told a family member how at the gym, nobody cares. Theyre focused on themselves.
Im so good at making other people feel better and be more realistic, but not so good at putting it into action myself i guess. And honestly, even if they are looking or judging, i dont know why i care! I feel proud when i workout.
I think its just like anything else in life- the first step is the hardest. Going to school, work, the gym for the first time were all anxiety ridden (for absolutely no reason). Okay, so i think im gonna just do it!

alysme

At least 50% of the people in the class will be going alone.
You smile say hello to them, find a spot and get on with it.
You gradually get to know the regulars and chat to them

Jolinia

I think MFP classes in local areas would be awesome, too. But you'll still have a great time. Turn your brain off, find a class and sign up immediately and go asap, don't give yourself time to fret. That is the only thing that really works for my anxiety. I just have to hurl myself at what I want to do top speed!

leggup

Sign up for free trials at a few different gyms. Double check that classes are included in the trial (for example, at the Golds gym by me, spin classes were not included in the 30 day trial and zumba classes were $5 for non-gym members).

A lot of gyms will offer the same Les Mills classes: Body Pump, BodyCombat, BodyAttack, Body Step. Then there are the zumba variations: Zumba, Zumba Step, Zumba Toning, Zumba Toning, Aqua Zumba. If you try something at one gym with one instructor, don't be disheartened if you don't like it. I tried 4 different instructors at the Gold's gym by me. I thought one was kinda easy, low impact, and boring. Two others were okay. One was a wicked hard workout. I liked that one best. Spinning seems like it has a pretty level learning curve. You might want to start with that.

I do a lot of things alone. I swallow the feeling of social discomfort and just smile it off any time I try something new alone. The worst thing that could happen, as far as I'm concerned, is that I'm unhappy and I leave. Since I'm okay with that happening, I go for the risk every time.

Looking back at my time doing various group workout classes, I never once thought about or judged anyone. I was annoyed by women who came in late to Zumba and stood practically on my toes, but I couldn't tell you who they were or what they looked like for the life of me. I could not tell you who was the fattest or thinnest person there, apart from the time there was a 12 year old looking kid in one zumba class and I thought that was super inappropriate (gym had an 18+ policy).

Helpful etiquette hints for joining a group workout class:
-Bring water and a small towel if you think you'll be sweaty. See what other people do with their towels/water bottles. It's usually bad to keep your bottle with you in the center of the room for zumba/yoga/body pump. If you're worried you'll be thirsty, pick a spot close to the wall/back of the room for easy water access.
-Don't be late to classes. If there's equipment involved (hand weights, yoga mat, resistance bands), get there a little early to make sure you get what you need set up.
-Bring a padlock for the locker room, do not bring your gym bag into the fitness room. This may vary at some gyms, but I've only ever been to fitness classes that were pretty packed.
-Wear adequate deodorant.

shabaity

I found a class for something I wanted to learn since childhood, martial arts. My parents didn't agree with the philosophy of many schools in the area cept the jeet kun,t think that's right, an hour away so that was out. Well I can get behind the philosophy of my mma school so I'm doing that. I'm new I'm in crappy shape but OMG so much fun.

jlapey

JenniferInCt wrote: »

(Part of original post) But i just cant seem to pull the trigger. I get so anxious thinking about going alone, being the biggest one in the room, being the only one in the room, or just feeling out of place. I wish i had friends that would go with me but i dont. Any tips? How did you start going? Thanks guys! (Still dont get why my posts get cut off!) edited to add to post

If I were going to do classes (not really my thing), I think I'd rather do them alone (join without a friend/relative). If I don't know anyone there, then there can be no preconceived idea of who I am or what I'm like. I don't have to care what a bunch of strangers think of me. Who knows, maybe you'll actually make friends.

Shellys_Start

I was the same as you, letting my brain scare me too much. My dad got me a gift card for the YMCA in our town and I felt too guilty to not use it (he knew I would!). I was TERRIFIED to go and do anything. I am the biggest person in the classes I'm going to but I'm so fortunate because every single person in my classes and in general have been extremely nice and helpful and encouraging. The exact opposite of what I'd expected and feared. You just have to try and if one gym is rude and judgmental it's their loss. But I'll bet you'll be surprised once you make yourself go. Good Luck!

SMKing75

I first went to the classes with my friend. After that I was fine going alone. Even though I am in some class 4-5 days a week, I cannot bring myself to try a new class without knowing someone I know is going to be in there with me the first time. Crazy, huh??? LOL

drabbits3

I actually like going alone because I figure if I look like an uncoordinated spaz no one knows me!!!!! And it's kind of meditative to just go and not have to make small talk with someone or be nervous about what a friend might think of you. If you are a YMCA person everyone is super friendly and regular and all shapes and sizes, which helps too. That's why I don't go to a fancy gym--I am a regular person!