Feeling Uncomfortable in the Gym

wanzik

JoRocka wrote: »

aashwill wrote: »

What type of man would be offended by a women's only section of the gym? Unbelievable.

I get men being off put by it "double standards at all"- but truly offended? lol- it's comical.

THAT being said- I find women's only sections offensive- but it's mostly because I take it in context of me rather than as someone else who might be shy or insecure.
To me the weights are smaller and inadequate and feed into the misnomer that women train less hard- need less weigh and are more into cardio and like pink things.

I hate pink- and I need 45's to bench.

but- that's MY perception- rather than as someone insecure- I can get why someone would be more comfortable there- but at some point- you gotta realize the gym is full of narcissistic people looking at themselves. (not saying everyone is- but- %'s are high).

I think people don't realize to- especially coming off of a heavy cardio style workout- when you're lifting- there is way more lull.
People watching is part of lifting- you people watch between sets- and it makes people uncomfortable and you think you're being judged- you aren't- they are just watching- they don't care- merely occupying time till the next lift.

#nobigdeal.

You'll be happy to know that I can't think of a single pink item in our "private center."

LazSommer

wanzik wrote: »

JoRocka wrote: »

aashwill wrote: »

What type of man would be offended by a women's only section of the gym? Unbelievable.

I get men being off put by it "double standards at all"- but truly offended? lol- it's comical.

THAT being said- I find women's only sections offensive- but it's mostly because I take it in context of me rather than as someone else who might be shy or insecure.
To me the weights are smaller and inadequate and feed into the misnomer that women train less hard- need less weigh and are more into cardio and like pink things.

I hate pink- and I need 45's to bench.

but- that's MY perception- rather than as someone insecure- I can get why someone would be more comfortable there- but at some point- you gotta realize the gym is full of narcissistic people looking at themselves. (not saying everyone is- but- %'s are high).

I think people don't realize to- especially coming off of a heavy cardio style workout- when you're lifting- there is way more lull.
People watching is part of lifting- you people watch between sets- and it makes people uncomfortable and you think you're being judged- you aren't- they are just watching- they don't care- merely occupying time till the next lift.

#nobigdeal.

You'll be happy to know that I can't think of a single pink item in our "private center."

That's what she said.

YvetteK2015

Find a PLANET FITNESS. They are very strict with their dress code. You must be covered up. Women cannot show their midriff and men can't wear wife beaters. Everyone has to wear short sleeve shirts. Their whole philosophy is that no one should ever feel intimidated in a gym, and it should be a place you want to go. They just have a whole different culture than any other gym out there. Maybe there is one near you.

sammyliftsandeats

YvetteK2015 wrote: »

Find a PLANET FITNESS. They are very strict with their dress code. You must be covered up. Women cannot show their midriff and men can't wear wife beaters. Everyone has to wear short sleeve shirts. Their whole philosophy is that no one should ever feel intimidated in a gym, and it should be a place you want to go. They just have a whole different culture than any other gym out there. Maybe there is one near you.

Locations vary on equipment so it depends on what your goals are. If it's to do cardio on the machines, then it should be OK but if you are looking to strength train, it may not be the best location. Some places are better equipped than others.

JoshD8705

YvetteK2015 wrote: »

Find a PLANET FITNESS. They are very strict with their dress code. You must be covered up. Women cannot show their midriff and men can't wear wife beaters. Everyone has to wear short sleeve shirts. Their whole philosophy is that no one should ever feel intimidated in a gym, and it should be a place you want to go. They just have a whole different culture than any other gym out there. Maybe there is one near you.

I want to argue against this soooo bad, but she's right the dress code will be better. Also since you're just starting out you can look into some good dumbbell routines. I think Planet Fitness has at least 75lb dumbbells.

wi_maint_man

Don't compare your self to anyone else, and remember that some people may be in good shape due to genetics which makes for easier gains

llwolford

There has to be a smaller gym even in a larger city. I have been fortunate to find gyms that were very friendly and supportive. Do not give up. That one was just not the right fit. I have felt the same way. In fact, I barely made it through the door of one before I turned around. I hope that you find a supportive group of people to continue your current success. You are doing an amazing job becoming a healthier version of you.

PosterPens

everyone feels uncomfortable at the gym at first. remember though, each one of those people is focusing on themselves. if anything, they give you major props for doing what youre doing. dont let it affect you, because in the end, youre doing this for yourself (as they are themselves). It gets easier to ignore as you progress towards your goal. Stay strong and keep at it!!!

Sued0nim

I would like to direct your attention to this thread OP

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10463651/happy-dance-bench-press-confidence-in-the-gym#latest

Gimsteinn

I can't answer for the ones taking selfies at your gym but I can tell you that there's no way I'm wearing legging and a T-shirt in a heated room at my gym so I wear a sports bra and yoga shorts (what you revered to as short shorts is called yoga shorts or pole pants)
But we don't usually stand in the lifting area taking selfies in the mirrors like that.
However.. I do pole dancing as well, and then I'm standing in the studio wearing that attire.

Maybe these girls where warm ? Maybe they like to show off their hard work? Maybe they have a very low self esteem and have to fish for compliments from the mountain of muscles at the gym? Or maybe they just don't care what other people think of them.

What ever the reason, don't let that discourage you from working out. Working out is the best drug

IndySue13

You should be proud of yourself for losing 110 pounds. Hold your head up, put on headphones with your favorite upbeat music before you even enter the gym, eyes straight forward and keep reminding yourself where you were, where you are now and where you are going to be. Best of luck to you!

arditarose

Sounds a little exaggerated but regardless...don't worry what others think. Wear something you are comfortable in, put on some music, and get to work. I was in the same boat 2 years ago and now people ask if I'm a trainer at the gym.

Golbat

I agree with the suggestion to check out a Planet Fitness. It's possible that you could outgrow what they offer at some point if you get really serious with weight lifting, but unless and until that happens, it's cheap and has the atmosphere you're looking for.

emjaca

I think you just need to be focused on you and your workout - go spend 5 mins on every machine - see what ones are easy for you and just focus on exercising on them, find yourself a little routine, mentally get in your zone and you will be fine. You have the same right to be there just as much as them remember - everyone is in there for the same reason. The more you go the more you wont feel so bothered by everyone else. And knowing that you are exercising and doing the best you can for your body will make you feel great. Good luck.

canadianlbs

i can't speak about pf, but from my other experience with franchise-chain gyms, keep an eye on what you're signing if you do check them out. it seems to be very similar to signing contracts with cellphone providers, i.e. it's not always simple to get out of them if you decide the place isn't for you.

Golbat

It's easy to quit but they charge an annual fee, and if you leave before the annual fee has been charged, you have to pay it anyway. So you either leave in a February or you pay an extra annual fee (which is about $30 I think? I'm not sure if that's exactly it, but it's a chunk of money but not a huge amount.)

JoshD8705

OMG is anyone else suddenly wanting tootsie rolls?

trigden1991

YvetteK2015 wrote: »

Find a PLANET FITNESS. They are very strict with their dress code. You must be covered up. Women cannot show their midriff and men can't wear wife beaters. Everyone has to wear short sleeve shirts. Their whole philosophy is that no one should ever feel intimidated in a gym, and it should be a place you want to go. They just have a whole different culture than any other gym out there. Maybe there is one near you.

They also have a philosophy that you shouldn't work hard, push your limits or challenge yourself. The hypocrisy of not judging people but then stereotyping people by their choice of gym attire is laughable.

madamadams22

I realize I am a bit late to the discussion, but have you considered finding a workout buddy who might help you feel more comfortable? That helped me a lot. I have been overweight and avoiding gyms for that exact reason for years. Also a 21-year old female here. My boyfriend eventually got me to go with him and a friend a couple of weeks ago. At first it was super intimidating for exactly the reasons you mentioned--everyone was so fit and confident. Even the guys who were with me had been working out seven years longer than me so I am absolutely pathetic in comparison. But they have just been so encouraging to me, and after the first few days I stopped dreading going. I wish you all the confidence and good luck in your goals! You've got this!

breenarna

I came to a realisation a few weeks ago that if people didn't like the way I looked at the gym or in the pool that's their problem. This was probably one of the most insightful phenomenon's I've ever had on myself. I'm the biggest person in all the classes I go to. I can't do some of the things because well because at the moment my stomach gets in the way. But I'm seeing results and I set myself small goals. This week I could stand on one leg for longer in yoga. I get it though. I really do. I work as a nurse and daily everyone in the tea room is judging what you eat, everyone notices what size scrubs you have on cause they are colour coded around the neck and I go to a university gym where everyone seems to be younger and fitter and stronger. I just put my head down. Remember why I'm at the gym In the first place and do my stuff then go home. I'm in this existence to impress only one person. And that's me.

Delilahjudith12345

rynshermy wrote: »

I recently moved to a big city from a small town. I decided to go to a gym for the first time in my life yesterday. As soon as I walk in, I see lots of men with huge muscles. Then I see a couple of girls wearing almost nothing taking selfies in a mirror. There were so many females wearing only a sports bra and short shorts. Some of them had their bum hanging out of the bottom...
I have a sister who is skinny and fit, and she never wears clothes like that to the gym. She usually wears a t-shirt and leggings. Why do some women feel the need to show so much skin? Is it for attention or does less clothing actually help them exercise?
To be honest, I've never felt so uncomfortable and out of place in my life. I stayed there for probably less than five minutes. I just couldn't handle it. My self-esteem kind of went down the drain the second I walked into that place.
I've been overweight all my life. I've tried losing weight so many times.. I finally found some things that worked for me and I stuck to it (most of the time). I was able to lose 110lbs just in the last 16 months. I have a lot more weight to lose, so I thought I'd try something different and go to a gym.
It just wasn't for me. Most of the people in the gym were half naked and completely fit. I felt like everyone was looking at me, even though they probably weren't. I just felt so out of place, like I didn't belong.
I've seen so many people online that are my size and they go to the gym regularly. I want to be able to do that, but this experience has kind of scared me away from gyms. I know I shouldn't let what other people think of me get in the way of my goals (i feel like someone's gonna tell me that), I don't think that's my problem. I don't care what they think of me. I just don't want to go somewhere and feel bad about how I look. Does anyone else have problems with this? Am I the only one??

I'm a 21 year old female. I should be okay with going to a gym! This is bothering me.

I was just like you feeling ashamed to go for gym my fatty skin really i was just feeling awkward by seeing others in gym than my trainer really helped to get be fit, he trained me in gym as well he advised to do some workouts in home along with yoga and full control on diet and now I just really feeling myself fit really wanna thanks my trainer.