New Gym Fear

MeredithLee11

More or less just ranting here, but feel free to chime in

I moved in September and now live 5 minutes from a 24-hour gym. Sweet, right? I have no more excuses to not work out. Plus, they include unlimited Bootcamp classes with your membership (and there are tons of times to choose from, several a day). I contacted the gym to get their rates, which they sent me with a free trial pass for my first day. They said just to call them and tell them when I'm coming in so they can show me around. I can even do my first Bootcamp class for free.

And this is where I've stopped. I've had their class schedule open in a tab on my browser for a week now, and I haven't picked up the phone and called them. I want to do it. I don't know if it's my social anxiety holding me back from calling or just going in. I don't know if it's my lack of self-confidence because I haven't worked out in a long time.

I need to get past this and bank on this amazing opportunity.

ashleynratliff

I had that when I joined my first gym... just a small deal that was mostly centered around classes. I just stuck to the back of the class and eventually got to know everyone and became comfortable. Easy.

But, when I had to switch to a 24 hour gym due to my work schedule... I was very intimidated. This was the gym of the hardcore, of meatheads. I wouldn't fit in. It helped when I walked in and there was someone from high school I knew working there. I also signed up to work out with a personal trainer which helped immensely. I still get the anxiety sometimes though so I mostly try to go when I know there won't be a ton of people there like 4 am.

thebza_x

I did the same as the above poster - going to the gym at stupid times to avoid being seen - until my very fit boyfriend dragged me in at 12pm on a Saturday at a uni gym. Bearing in mind I'm 5'2" and 243lbs, I was pretty nervous. But actually, nobody cares. They are too busy working on getting through their own workout, and at the end of the day, you're there to change your body in a positive way. They can see you're trying. I would worry more about being seen (and judged) in McDonald's than in the gym now. If they are small minded enough to have anything to say, they'll have to say it about someone who's trying to change for the positive. Just give it a go and jump in with both feet. I bet you'll love it.

alisonlynn1976

I started just working out on the machines by myself. After I'd lost some weight, I gained the confidence to start going to group classes, which I really like now.

CyberEd312

I literally crawled in the front door of our YMCA in 2009 at 560 lbs. after I had been home bound for over 2 years do to being unable to walk and having secluded myself from the world with severe social phobia issues... Knowing I had to get in a therapy pool because I had to use water displacement to allow me to stand long enough to begin exercising. This meant not only did I have to leave my house and go to the facility but I had to put on a bathing suit (with a 78 inch waist) and go out in front of people... I had this conversion with my girls (physical therapist that have been with me from day 1) and they said remember when you came in that first few months 30 minutes before the pool opened and the lifeguards would let you into the pool before anyone else came in (so I could get into the water with out people seeing me get in or out) and you would stay in the pool until everyone had left the area (no matter how long it took) because you didn't want anyone to see you..... The point here is at some point you have to do YOU and stop worrying about everyone else.... They are all on their own journey and in most cases could care less what it is you are dealing with cause they have issue of there own... and the fitter ones (like myself Now) look at those people (like yourself) just starting out and just say good for them, your one step ahead of those that are still sitting on the couch afraid to click on that tab and get things started. In the End you are the only one that can make that choice...... Best of Luck

usmcmp

When I started I went during the least busy times. When I realized nobody payed attention to me I started going whenever worked best for me.

usmcmp

I literally crawled in the front door of our YMCA in 2009 at 560 lbs. after I had been home bound for over 2 years do to being unable to walk and having secluded myself from the world with severe social phobia issues... Knowing I had to get in a therapy pool because I had to use water displacement to allow me to stand long enough to begin exercising. This meant not only did I have to leave my house and go to the facility but I had to put on a bathing suit (with a 78 inch waist) and go out in front of people... I had this conversion with my girls (physical therapist that have been with me from day 1) and they said remember when you came in that first few months 30 minutes before the pool opened and the lifeguards would let you into the pool before anyone else came in (so I could get into the water with out people seeing me get in or out) and you would stay in the pool until everyone had left the area (no matter how long it took) because you didn't want anyone to see you..... The point here is at some point you have to do YOU and stop worrying about everyone else.... They are all on their own journey and in most cases could care less what it is you are dealing with cause they have issue of there own... and the fitter ones (like myself Now) look at those people (like yourself) just starting out and just say good for them, your one step ahead of those that are still sitting on the couch afraid to click on that tab and get things started. In the End you are the only one that can make that choice...... Best of Luck

You are so awesome Ed! The part in bold is important. Most of us like seeing people in the gym trying no matter how fit or not you are.

Inshape13

I started just working out on the machines by myself. After I'd lost some weight, I gained the confidence to start going to group classes, which I really like now.

I did the same thing as above. Looking back at it now(I have been going to the gym and working out 4-5 days a week and participate in many classes for a year+) no one really pays attention because they are doing their own thing. I felt the exact same way when I started and can totally relate...just bite the bullet and go for it and if you are nervous then hang in the back of the class and not the front until you are comfortable. Remember that you are doing this to improve your health and every time you worry about what someone else thinks....correct that thought and replace it with "I am worth it and I am getting healthy." Best wishes and you are doing great taking this step!

sarahrbraun

I literally crawled in the front door of our YMCA in 2009 at 560 lbs. after I had been home bound for over 2 years do to being unable to walk and having secluded myself from the world with severe social phobia issues... Knowing I had to get in a therapy pool because I had to use water displacement to allow me to stand long enough to begin exercising. This meant not only did I have to leave my house and go to the facility but I had to put on a bathing suit (with a 78 inch waist) and go out in front of people... I had this conversion with my girls (physical therapist that have been with me from day 1) and they said remember when you came in that first few months 30 minutes before the pool opened and the lifeguards would let you into the pool before anyone else came in (so I could get into the water with out people seeing me get in or out) and you would stay in the pool until everyone had left the area (no matter how long it took) because you didn't want anyone to see you..... The point here is at some point you have to do YOU and stop worrying about everyone else.... They are all on their own journey and in most cases could care less what it is you are dealing with cause they have issue of there own... and the fitter ones (like myself Now) look at those people (like yourself) just starting out and just say good for them, your one step ahead of those that are still sitting on the couch afraid to click on that tab and get things started. In the End you are the only one that can make that choice...... Best of Luck

I call my two trainers my "boys" ( they are about 12 years younger than I am), and I love them dearly.

I was 5'2" tall and 228lbs when I walked into the YMCA two years ago. It seemed like the whole place was full of pretty people, including the trainer. Even though I was a total blob, the trainer took notice of me in the first few months. He says I blow his mind with my before and (sorta) after. I am actually looking to get my PT cert in 2014! I think that having a softer physique will be an asset because I will not be as intimidating to people ( especially moms) who are at the beginning of their journey.

MyOwnSunshine

I had to ease into the whole gym thing. Now I'm fairly fearless in the weight room and don't give a second thought to what other people think, but I wasn't always that way.

I started off only using the elliptical in the back corner in the off hours, and then graduated to walking on the treadmill and using the circuit training equipment. Then I got brave enough to use the weight machines, and actually run on the treadmill. Then I picked up the NROL book and although terrified for several weeks, ventured into the free weight area and began working out alongside the guys.

I have gone to a few classes along the way, but they're not really my thing. I'm a weight room regular, and the gym has actually become my "happy place."

At the beginning, you just have to force yourself to go. The more you go, the more comfortable and confident you'll get. I have social anxiety and a lot of body image issues, so this was no easy feat for me, but it was well worth it.

thatjeffsmith

Put your gym clothes on. This will psyche you up for the challenge. Every day I don't feel like running, lacing up my running shoes kind of 'flips the switch' in my mind.

DoingitWell

I literally crawled in the front door of our YMCA in 2009 at 560 lbs. after I had been home bound for over 2 years do to being unable to walk and having secluded myself from the world with severe social phobia issues... Knowing I had to get in a therapy pool because I had to use water displacement to allow me to stand long enough to begin exercising. This meant not only did I have to leave my house and go to the facility but I had to put on a bathing suit (with a 78 inch waist) and go out in front of people... I had this conversion with my girls (physical therapist that have been with me from day 1) and they said remember when you came in that first few months 30 minutes before the pool opened and the lifeguards would let you into the pool before anyone else came in (so I could get into the water with out people seeing me get in or out) and you would stay in the pool until everyone had left the area (no matter how long it took) because you didn't want anyone to see you..... The point here is at some point you have to do YOU and stop worrying about everyone else.... They are all on their own journey and in most cases could care less what it is you are dealing with cause they have issue of there own... and the fitter ones (like myself Now) look at those people (like yourself) just starting out and just say good for them, your one step ahead of those that are still sitting on the couch afraid to click on that tab and get things started. In the End you are the only one that can make that choice...... Best of Luck

I luv you!!! can we be friends????

MeredithLee11

Thanks for all your kind words, everyone

LoggingForLife

DO IT!!!! You have every right to be there working out. Don't let others have that much power over you.