Gym Phobia - Help!

kenyonhaff

You can plunge in headfirst, or you could also take this in baby steps.

Example:

Day #1: Park in parking lot. Then go home.
Day #2: Go inside lobby. Then go home.
Day #3: Take tour of facilities. Then go home.
Day #4: Go inside locker room by self. Then go home.
Day #5: Go to locker room. Change in bathroom stall. Then go home.
Day #6: Visit area you're going to work out it. Then go home.
Day #7: Do 10 minutes of a workout. Then go home.

Adjust this to whatever level of comfort/discomfort you have (if locker room is more anxiety provoking than weight room or the pool or whatever). The idea being that you face it in little bits, realize you didn't die, and then expose yourself to a little more. Bit by bit you can get there.

urloved33

I learned from experience that going to the gym often and just pushing through those initial feelings leads to complete comfort in gym surroundings.

oceangirl99

I agree with so many others - nobody will care if you are there. They may notice, but they won't CARE. Also, you can meet your goals without going to a gym. There is so much you can do without any equipment. Body weight exercises deserve a lot of credit. They may not look as bad *kitten* as lifting heavy, but if you're new to exercise you will be able to see significant changes in yourself by working out at home.

LisaLethal

Your post really resonates with me. I used to be very in shape, went to the gym 5-6 times a week. Never felt any anxiety or insecurity.
Fast forward 4 years... a baby later... and about 30 lbs heavier than when I first started at they gym a number of years ago and I have avoided joining a new gym like the plague.
I have found every excuse in the book as to why I couldn't fit it in my busy schedule, etc.
Truth is I am just anxious. Terrified. Insecure. Why? Because I can't help but think that every single person in there has been at it for longer than me, is more educated than me, and will judge how frumpy I look, or that my form is incorrect.
I sat in the parking lot of the gym I wanted to join for about 10 minutes yesterday. I really thought about every excuse I could think of to once again cheat myself out of finding success for myself. Finally I took a REALLY deep breath, and walked in. I signed up, but didn't stay to work out. It was a baby step, but a much needed step I needed to make to be able to hold myself accountable. I am not going to be willing to spend money each month on something I won't end up utilizing, so I'm planning on going after work today for my first workout. For the first few times, I plan on sticking primarily to the cardio machines... you can't really go wrong on an elliptical or a treadmill.
Like others have said, I'm sure people will glance and recognize that there is a new face... but I don't think anyone judges or really cares. I think if anything they would be like, oh that's cool that girl is new and she's trying. That's awesome. A lot of gym-goers have been in that same boat, so it's a total mental game.
For me, I would feel more comfortable at a regular more main-stream gym, rather than one at my university because I would hope there would be less people I would potentially recognize. The university gym will be a great asset once you are more comfortable.
It's amazing to me as I begin this journey how this isn't as physical as I thought... but rather a mental journey. A journey of finding strength, confidence, and determination.
You got this. We got this.

kishmo16

JBanx256 wrote: »

Do you have a friend who could maybe go with you? Ideally, someone who knows what they are doing so they can "show you the ropes" and let you get comfortable and gain some confidence so when it's time for you to spread your wings and go on your own, you don't feel as anxious about it? I mean, really, even a friend who is clueless but willing to learn would maybe give you the buddy-system; maybe the 2 of you could even do a few personal training sessions together (which would also mean less $$$ out of your pocket if you split the cost)?

I really like that idea! I'm going to reach out to some of my school friends and see if anyone would be interested and is serious about it. I have a really good friend always saying she wants to make changes and that we should do it together and nothing comes of it so it's a goal to find a "buddy" that is just as motivated to make some changes as I am.

Thank you!

kishmo16

LisaLethal wrote: »

Your post really resonates with me. I used to be very in shape, went to the gym 5-6 times a week. Never felt any anxiety or insecurity.
Fast forward 4 years... a baby later... and about 30 lbs heavier than when I first started at they gym a number of years ago and I have avoided joining a new gym like the plague.
I have found every excuse in the book as to why I couldn't fit it in my busy schedule, etc.
Truth is I am just anxious. Terrified. Insecure. Why? Because I can't help but think that every single person in there has been at it for longer than me, is more educated than me, and will judge how frumpy I look, or that my form is incorrect.
I sat in the parking lot of the gym I wanted to join for about 10 minutes yesterday. I really thought about every excuse I could think of to once again cheat myself out of finding success for myself. Finally I took a REALLY deep breath, and walked in. I signed up, but didn't stay to work out. It was a baby step, but a much needed step I needed to make to be able to hold myself accountable. I am not going to be willing to spend money each month on something I won't end up utilizing, so I'm planning on going after work today for my first workout. For the first few times, I plan on sticking primarily to the cardio machines... you can't really go wrong on an elliptical or a treadmill.
Like others have said, I'm sure people will glance and recognize that there is a new face... but I don't think anyone judges or really cares. I think if anything they would be like, oh that's cool that girl is new and she's trying. That's awesome. A lot of gym-goers have been in that same boat, so it's a total mental game.
For me, I would feel more comfortable at a regular more main-stream gym, rather than one at my university because I would hope there would be less people I would potentially recognize. The university gym will be a great asset once you are more comfortable.
It's amazing to me as I begin this journey how this isn't as physical as I thought... but rather a mental journey. A journey of finding strength, confidence, and determination.
You got this. We got this.

Lisa,

It seems we are both on that same journey! And I agree -it's more mental than anything! This extra 30 pounds has just been hanging out and I know it'll be so much easier once I make it through the doors of a gym. Signing up is such a great first step and similarly, I know once I make it to that, I won't be able to not go simply because I can't be that wasteful with my money! I think, as you mentioned, the cardio machines are the way to start out so I can sort of assess the space and work on being more confident and comfortable.

I hope today goes well when you get that work out in after work! I think I know what I'm going to be doing tomorrow now!

Thanks so much!

kishmo16

kenyonhaff wrote: »

You can plunge in headfirst, or you could also take this in baby steps.

Example:

Day #1: Park in parking lot. Then go home.
Day #2: Go inside lobby. Then go home.
Day #3: Take tour of facilities. Then go home.
Day #4: Go inside locker room by self. Then go home.
Day #5: Go to locker room. Change in bathroom stall. Then go home.
Day #6: Visit area you're going to work out it. Then go home.
Day #7: Do 10 minutes of a workout. Then go home.

Adjust this to whatever level of comfort/discomfort you have (if locker room is more anxiety provoking than weight room or the pool or whatever). The idea being that you face it in little bits, realize you didn't die, and then expose yourself to a little more. Bit by bit you can get there.

I may use this concept with a few tweaks! I think a day in the parking lot, a tour, then a workout might honestly work for me. Sometimes I feel it benefits us most to just do it.. and realize that it wasn't as scary as you thought it was. Everyone's comments and suggestions have honestly really motivated me to take this first step and dive right in.

Thank you.

kishmo16

Roadie2000 wrote: »

I remember what it's like to join a gym and not know what most of the equipment is for or what to do with it. The easiest way is definitely a personal trainer. They should give you a program based on your goals and show you how to use everything you need to use and hopefully with the correct form.

What I did was just start with the easy stuff and work my way up to the more complicated stuff. The first day I might just walk on the treadmill and scope out the surroundings. You can keep an eye on how others are using the machines to see how they work. Then I went and used some of the ones that looked easy enough, kind of scoping out other ones as I went around the room. Eventually you can work your way up to free weights kettlebells, and things like that. It took me years before I even tried a squat, I thought I would hurt myself. Try to focus on your workout instead of the people around you.

The first couple days I try to take a mental inventory of all the things the gym has so when I figure out a program to follow I know what's available. Watch some youtube videos, learn good form and posture, learn to engage your core, things like that. Start out simple. My beginner routine was do some cardio as a warm up, then upper body machines (about 3 sets of 8-12), then some stretching. The next day I did the same thing but with lower body. Eventually you can work your way up to more complicated routines.

Having the guidance of a personal trainer would definitely be beneficial for me and would make me way more comfortable trying new things. I believe some of the more mainstream gyms around here will allow you sessions with a trainer without costing big bucks so I'm going to call about that today and see what they have to offer.

Baby steps is all it takes and I'm starting to see that now. I appreciate your feedback greatly.

thank you!

Unknown

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tashanic2

You have to take the first step before you can make progress. One thing I have learned - you are someone else's goal already. Wherever you are at your stage there is someone else who wishes they were as far as you, even if it means just having made the commitment to try. It's cliche but remember it's one day at a time.

And for the record - I look at people all the time thinking -
"dang, I wish I started where she is and then I wouldn't have as far to come."
"I like that shirt."
"I wonder if my hair would look good like that?"
"Those are some cute shoes; mental note: look up those shoes."
"I need to remember to tell my husband about the lady old enough to be our grandma wearing the 'Beast Mode' shirt, I love it"

kishmo16

I have NEVER thought of it that way! That really puts it into perspective for me. I need to practice having that mindset.

thank you so much!