It feels like the first day at school

wmweeza

I start at the gym tomorrow!
I signed up for a gym membership, and I'm a little intimidated by the whole concept. First is getting used to the new equipment, but mainly my fear is judgement of others. In some respects I am of the belief "Or screw it, who cares what anyone thinks", but at the same time as a disabled person I have been stared at, mocked, or just discounted many times. It feels very odd to voluntarily put myself in a position that is not only uncomfortable but is putting me right next to not just physically active people but REALLY fit people. I know most people are just there to do their thing and really don't pay attention, but it's still going to be awkward for awhile.

I want this though, I want it much more then I want to stay in my safe bubble at home.

Also in addition to having to get in shape due to my medical issues (CP and STILL recovering from H Pylori infection) I do still have 2 torn tendons in my foot. The doc says physical activity (PT) might help, if not I'll have more surgery. I'd like to avoid that! I tried signing up for physical therapy again but the only PT gym near me closed so the gym was my only option.

As far as weight loss goes I've been working out at home and it's been effective but my gains have stopped so it's time to try something new.

So here I go...off on another adventure. I'll be the slowest person there, I'll stand out, it'll be uncomfortable, but it will also all be worth it in the end.

Katmary71

You can do this! Ironically, I returned to the gym today after not going for years. They opened a new location and after not going for years, I felt pretty intimidated. Aside of the woman who showed me around, no one paid attention to me while I fumbled around with a few new-to-me machines. Ask if they have someone to show you around and how to use the machines. Hopefully, they'll have a bit of knowledge of what you shouldn't do, but your doctor would be the best bet for that. As far as being disabled goes, when I used to go to the gym more often there was a man in a wheelchair who I really admired. I've had a couple levels in my back fused and had physical therapy in a gym while using a Walker and no one paid attention to me.

Give going to the gym a try, it'll be worth it! Remember everyone was new at one point, and people are more focused on themselves than what others are doing. Come back and post how it went!

middlehaitch

Hooray and congratulations.

It is a bit like the first day at school, starting a new job, and my absolute worst, walking into a social event, party, where you know no one.

Sounds like you’ve put your big girls pants on though. Yippee.

You may be surprised by who is actually in the gym. Mine has a larger percentage of just regular people. Then a good amount or those over 50. Disabled people, both mental and physical are nicely represented too. The smallest population is the people who are at the peak of the fitness ladder.

In short, just like school, work, party, it is a a good mix and you will find you place in that mix. It can also be a lot more solitary than any of the above because most are focused on what they are doing.

If you can, go in with a plan. It can be as simple as trying out the different cardio machines for 10 min, or as complex as a full body progressive lifting routine, just have a plan. It saves that aimless wandering.

Also, check if they give an introductory tour.

Cheers, h.
Oh, that thing about feeling like people are watching you that we hear a lot about, it is more often people are seeing you. Meaning being aware of their surroundings, wise, and checking equipment availability. It is rarely critique watching.

wannabeskinnycat

I know exactly how you feel cos I felt the same. Being physically disabled and being in the gym just doesn’t feel right together. But you know what? The gym is exactly where a lot of physically disabled people are. Most people either won’t notice you or if they do it’ll be cos they haven’t seen you before. Maybe even think how great you are for being there despite your disability.

I recently joined a local walking group but I spend most of my time in a wheelchair and can’t walk unaided Feel free to add me if you need a cheer leader.

Congrats on your weight loss so far.

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those that matter don’t mind - Dr Seuss

aokoye

Congrats on joining a gym. I'll echo others in saying that there are a very wide range of people who go to gyms. Not all of them are fit, not all of them are able bodied, and most of them won't care that you're there (or even notice). Even though the gym I go to is connected to a university, there is a very wide range of people at that gym both in terms of age, fitness, and visible disability. The only time I pay attention to anyone is if I know them personally, someone is wearing a fragrance, I'm waiting for equipment that they're currently using, or they're rowing with painfully bad form (at which point I try to bring my focus back to myself and what I'm doing).

jennifer_417

I'm always mentally cheering people on at the gym, especially the noobs, because I know how hard it can be. There's no guarantee you won't encounter jerks, that's just life. I still feel intimidated sometimes at the gym, but I just put on my RBF and no one has ever bothered me.