Joined a gym, kinda anxious.

CharlieICURN

I've been doing my 10,000 + steps daily and swimming here and there but decided it's time to join a gym. I made an appointment for a tour of a really nice facility near my house that's owned by a large hospital in my area. They have lots of classes that I'm interested in, including classes for people that deal with arthritis and other pain conditions. They have a huge pool too.
I'm really nervous about working out in front of people though. I know I shouldn't care but it's still makes me quite anxious.
Any tips for getting started and getting over my insecurities about exercising in public?

Sued0nim

Go with a friend

People may show interest in a new face but once a class starts they are focusing on themselves

A good teacher will ask if anyone's new / has any medical conditions ..if you do go a few minutes earlier to chat to them

Don't go to the back, you won't be able to see, try to have a clear view ...front and side may be best

Breathe

And just do it ...everyone is an uncoordinated lummox for the first few weeks of any new activity ...

Sued0nim

Smile at people but don't feel you need to chat ..you don't

AnnPT77

Well, one thing to realize is that a large-ish fraction of the other people there are probably worrying about pretty much the same thing, thus paying no attention to you.

I grant you, that's joking a little, but only a little. Usually people at the gym are focused on their own workout, and don't pay that much attention to others. And nice folks who are really, really fit, in my experience, tend to feel quite positively toward people who may not now be in fit physical condition, but who are working to get there.

If there's some tiny fraction of people who do feel critical, or act in some negative or dismissive way, it's pretty clear that those people are just jerks, and you don't want to live your life according to the opinions of jerks, right?

Just go there, do your thing, behave like you would in any other social situation, and things will be fine. The first time or two will be the hardest.

You belong there - keep that in mind!

bketchum1981

The most intimidating hurdle is walking in the door. You will meet like minded people!

I totally agree that people are focused on what they are doing...they aren't really concerned about what others are doing.

Above all, have fun!! You will be amazed at what your body can do!

claraoswold

Tune out the other people. Just don't notice them. I know it sounds hard, it is a learned skill. Listen to your phone, YouTube, watch tv. Do what you need to remove the other people from your head space. Focus on you. How are you holding up? Can you go faster? Can you go harder?

50extra

If you have never worked out in a gym before hire a trainer for a session or two and have them show you around the gym and how to use the miscellaneous machines and equipment. It wont be cheap but it will help you immensely. It would be a shame to shell out a bunch of money for the membership and then not use it because you are scared to go there.

Once you learn where everything is and how its used you won't have a problem going there. Another thing to do is once you know how everything works, listen to music while you workout. This will both stop people from trying to talk to you and keep you out of your own head.

julesloveland

Honestly, it's true everyone there is focused on their own workout. I used to hate classes because of all the mirrors, but no one is looking at anyone except themselves. Go in there and own it, good for you!

giantrobot_powerlifting

CharlieICURN wrote: »

Any tips for getting started and getting over my insecurities about exercising in public?

Headphones on, "head down," grind on.

Trish1c

I shared your fears but have learned that at most gyms, nobody cares. People don't want to socialize. They don't care what you are doing as long as you aren't in their way. People are very self centered. Focus on you & even if some rude person is staring, you will never know.

CharlieICURN

So I went in today and met the personal trainer I'll be working with and toured the place and it's ahhhmazing. It's a hospital owned facility and everything is state of the art, the pool is huge, they have a damn salon in the place for crying out loud.
And I got to peak in at some classes and everyone there seemed great.
They even have a kitchen for "healthy cooking" classes. This place seems really great. It's definitely a bit pricey but after touring I feel a lot more comfortable about the joint.