Gym stares ?

modmom1

I'll tell you straight out that they're not looking at you. Gym rats are looking at themselves in the mirror (I'm just as guilty). If they are staring, don't give it any thought. You're there to get the work done. You gain nothing by shying away from your workout.

If you are really feeling that uncomfortable in the gym, hire a PT for a day to take you around the equipment. Doing that just once will make you feel like you own the place

gjw1911

Most likely & realistically no one is deliberately staring at you. Most of the people there are so absorbed in themselves (myself included) they are not paying attention to you. I was self-conscious when I started, just realize they don't know you, you don't know them, and and what they think doesn't matter.
I'm sure in between my sets people might think I am staring, but in reality I staring blankly in to space counting to 30 or 60 to start my next set.
Put your ear bubs in, turn the music up and pretend you are by yourself.

cnavarro002

If they are treating you that way, grow thicker skin and remember you are there for YOU, not them. Don't let them get in your way of your goals.

TarahByte

When I used to go to a gym, I'd stare at people too. I wouldn't realize it though. I'd just be zoned out and then I'd realize I was staring at someone and check myself. I'm kinda awkward like Tina Belcher though.

eandasher

I would say from my experiences at the gym... its probably 35% checking themselves out in the mirror, 30% them checking the machine you are using out (to see if its free), 20% them just seeing how much you are lifting to compare themselves too, 20% them checking you out 5% people just zoning out. Just smile, and keep going for small victories at the gym. It takes time but within 1-2 years you'll be in your comfort zone, and you'll have so much more confidence. People check me out at the gym all the time. I've even had people snap pictures of me while I'm lifting (Creepers) female creepers. I've done mostly what everyone else has suggested. Earbuds, focus more on my weight, look toward the ground or directly ahead, smile BIG SMILES for everyone even while lifting. Make it a positive experience for you, I'll do little dances between sets and get in my zone now. The truth is 99.9% of these people you'll never see again in your life, even at the gym they are tourist give it 3,4,5,6,7 months they fall off and you'll still be there smiling

angelwowings23

Honestly, everyone you see at the gym was a beginner at one time in their journey, as well. If they've forgotten that enough to stare and judge you...that's obnoxious and insensitive. Do you. You're there trying to accomplish your goals. Ignore everything and everyone around you. If you see a friendly face, however, maybe ask if they can give you some tips. Doesn't hurt to make a lifting buddy.

VryIrishGirl76

Everyone has a learning curve.
Just stick with it.

ninerbuff

I've WORKED in a gym for most of my adult life and RARELY ever see anything like this. The paranoia that most new people who start a gym is unfounded. In fact, more obese and overweight people who are working on improving their physical health are encouraged and applauded by the members rather than poked fun at.
IMO, the only people who get stares are the ones who try to make it a circus when they work out. Things like: chest slapping and yelling before every bench press attempt, attempting to do squats on top of a stability ball with a barbell, or dancing and spinning on a treadmill (which in almost all gyms is disallowed).
The reality is that most people DON'T CARE what you're doing. They care about what they are doing.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

brigg9

Usually I completely zone out and do my own thing in the gym. But on occasion when I see or acknowledge others, I'm usually thinking only positive thoughts - "Good for them!" or "He/She's new, good for them getting in here." You'd be surprised, most people are not judging you, yet alone cares what you're doing. You do you. Nobody will judge you for it.

LaMartian

I make it a point to never make eye contact unless I am specifically trying to address someone (such as asking if a machine or bench is in use or if I would like to work in with them).

enterdanger

So, I didn't read everything, but if I see someone standing at a machine reading how to use it and they are taking a long time, I usually ask them if they need help. Maybe, the people looking at you are trying to work up their courage to ask if you need help.

If someone was looking at me, I'd ask if they knew how to use the machine in question and would be willing to help me. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

sammispatz92

I had the same gym fears when I started lifting weights. I watched a LOT of youtube videos to see how the machines work so I had an idea going in. That being said, the machines at your gym are likely a little bit different. See if you can find a friend who lifts that can show you or usually the trainers at the gym give one free session

spiritedmis

I blow kisses at people. Much nicer than flipping the bird. Sorry you have to deal with meanies.

CincyNeid

mrsmammahunter wrote: »

I don't think I am being paranoid sometimes they point and giggle to their buddies. It's always the dudes . Maybe I should just buy a weight bar to use at home .

Why are you working out? Are you going to better yourself? or Are you going to get attention? IF you're going for yourself who cares what they think.

We always play the worse card in our mind. We really have no clue what they're thinking.

mom22dogs

I guarantee it's all in your head. You are allowing your own insecurities get to you. Don't worry about what everyone else is doing or looking at. Just do what you need to do. I am physically disabled and I don't even get stared at in the gym. I get stared at plenty when I'm out shopping, but never have at the gym. People really aren't that interested in what you are doing. You just think they are.

enterdanger

And I just wanted to add that if you are being watched by the people in the free weights section in particular I've noticed those people take lots of breaks in between their sets or they have to rest while waiting for their turns so they can't really help watching. I do mostly cardio because I find it more enjoyable and I like to watch the watchers. lol.

RavenLibra

most gyms will have an orientation program that is designed to assist newbies get familiar with the equipment, after all they don't want someone to hurt themselves by using the equipment incorrectly. So.. stop at the counter to inquire about this. It is natural to be a little self conscious and even to imagine people are laughing at your expense... F-them... YOU are there for you... and for the most part when people are looking at you at a gym... it's just a small distraction that they don't commit to memory. YOU will learn to focus on your work as you progress.it is just part of the new environment you find yourself in.

Carnhot

attempting to do squats on top of a stability ball with a barbell

Channeling my inner McEnroe here: "You cannot be serious!"

_Waffle_

mrsmammahunter wrote: »

I'll probably need to approach them next time.

Approach them because they are looking at you?

BABetter1

I'll bet their conversation goes something like this:
Hey bro, your form looks like crap and that chick (pointing at you) over there is lifting more than your weak @ss (laughs).
(Other dude- still looking at you) Eff you brochacho, I bench way more than you (smiling and giggling).

Still, if it really bothers you and you see them pointing and laughing again, maybe you should ask them if they need to use that machine or something. Breaks the spell of their little bromance and makes them realize they were noticeably staring and pointing.

ninerbuff

Carnhot wrote: »

attempting to do squats on top of a stability ball with a barbell

Channeling my inner McEnroe here: "You cannot be serious!"

Serious.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

mrsmammahunter

_Waffle_ wrote: »

mrsmammahunter wrote: »

I'll probably need to approach them next time.

Approach them because they are looking at you?

It's the same couple of people a few people recommended approaching and asking for help if I'm struggling. Show initiative etc I'm probably just being super sensitive and I need to suck it up.

mrsmammahunter

Thanks everyone I appreciate it

JDixon852019

People only notice you when you practice poor gym etiquette such as not wiping down machines after use or not putting weights away. Everyone looks gross when they workout and no one likes to be stared at, so they won't do it to you.

Carnhot

ninerbuff wrote: »

Carnhot wrote: »

attempting to do squats on top of a stability ball with a barbell

Channeling my inner McEnroe here: "You cannot be serious!"

Serious.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Deserving of a Darwin award!

girl_inflames

mrsmammahunter wrote: »

Sounds silly but I am super new to lifting weight and it looks like it . Takes me a while to read the machine instructions and adjust etc. I get self conscious because I get a lot of stares and I have lost a lot of weight but the stares make me feel like how I felt really over weight doing cardio . I don't want to get discouraged any pointers on how to get over it.

Actually, this is exactly why I don't lift. I know exactly how you feel. It took me forever to even step into a gym I was so afraid of stares.

singingflutelady

I've never seen anyone point and laugh at anyone in the gym and most of the time when you think people are staring at you they are not.

drwilseyjr

mrsmammahunter wrote: »

I don't think I am being paranoid sometimes they point and giggle to their buddies.

These guys are idiots and should spend more time lifting than worrying about what others are doing. Basically, you seem to be more serious and dedicated than they are.