Gym-intimidation

nmiller0903

So heres the thing, I belong to planet fitness- I have NO problem going with other people, but if i have to go alone, I get so nervous. I feel like everyone will be staring or something. I'll go in if there are a few people there (which is rarely)- if its packed- FORGET IT! I need to break this habit.

KatissimusDorsi

Here are some tips you could use:

1) When you go with friends, try to warm-up on a treadmill / elliptical on your own beforehand, just for 5 minutes or so.

2) Have a plan for when you go to the gym on your own. Know exactly where you'll need to go first and exactly what exercises you'll do.

3) If you want to try something new, do it with friends first until you know you have it down. Only then try it on your own until you're more confident.

4) When you go on your own, ask a trainer if they can help you set up the treadmill / elliptical. Even if you already know how to use it, they can walk over to the cardio area with you and talk to you for the first couple of minutes. You can get into the groove with company, then when they leave handle the rest on your own!

I know the gym can be scary, but I PROMISE no one cares what you're doing. Know that 90% of the other patrons are worried about what others think about them too.

JoRocka

well partly becuse planet fitness is one of the judgeyest gyms around- but YMMV.

I would just plug my head phones in- go in with a plan- make sure you have a plan- know what you are doing. and walk in and do what you need to do.

I also wouldn't go at like 5 PM- super busy there.

just do what you have to do and leave- most people aren't as concerned as you think- I promise!

lilRicki

I agree with Jo, walk in with a plan of action and get 'er done. I'm so focused that apparently my fiance's cousin has seen me at the gym repeatedly and I have yet to notice. I'm on a mission, I don't have time to fart around. And don't forget your headphones!

jillian_fan2425

I've gone to the gym alone a lot, and it seems like most of the other people there are focused on their own workouts. I haven't noticed anyone staring at anyone else. Most of the people at my gym are pretty fit (it's a campus gym), but not all of them. I say just plug your headphones in, pick a machine, and get to work!

SezxyStef

So heres the thing, I belong to planet fitness- I have NO problem going with other people, but if i have to go alone, I get so nervous. I feel like everyone will be staring or something. I'll go in if there are a few people there (which is rarely)- if its packed- FORGET IT! I need to break this habit.

Interesting you belong to a "fitness center" that boasts a "gym-intimidation" free zone yet you feel it...

I suspect if you mentioned it to management they would insist other members where horse blinders...then no fear of anyone looking at you...

But on a serious note....just make the decision to go...and do it...even if people are looking at you and even if they judge who are they to you? probably nobody so they shouldn't impact your life...and if you go with a plan and work through the plan you wont have time to think about people looking at you.

miissalexandria

Well. Another thought, Is there a YMCA around? I also dislike huge crowds and actually get anxious when in a room full of people. I had a membership at a YMCA last year and I loved it. While there were times it was packed most of the time it wasn't. The staff was really nice and I felt comfortable there.

But, I also agree with the others. You'll eventually get used to it. If people look, maybe they're encouraged that you're there

Good luck

Followingsea

People talk about having a plan - what I've done in the past is write out what my routine will be that day on an index card, then attach it to my water bottle with two hair elastics. Pop your headphones in, and just focus on you, your routine, and the music and you'll forget about everyone else.

Anyway, half of the people you see at the gym are panicked about what YOU'RE thinking about THEM, and the other half are focused on their own routines.

No_Finish_Line

how come no ones looking at me in the gym? you must be hogging all the attention

racnsdd

You could try canceling your membership and using those slim wraps around your waist instead.

Or try wearing sunglasses and neon clothing with tight fitting yoga pants to work out in.

Looking like everyone else will help you blend in.

Also making eye contact with the mirror and staring at yourself or one other person in particular will help keep you from looking around.

The good news is I think that gym serves pizza and bagels so you can eat that with the other members and maybe bring some soda and ice cream in, as a treat.

This seems rude and sarcastic when someone is asking for help. Is that really needed here?

RobertHButler

Here are some tips: Dress appropriately but comfortable, set your mind on your purpose, bring ear buds and watch the TV, bear in mind that everyone else is focused on their own fitness and problems and could care less about you or your problems.

mccindy72

Most people feel that way, when first going to a new place (new job, new gym, new school). it's a little tougher when you're doing something you perceive as putting you in the spotlight. You really just have to get out there and do it. After the first few times, you'll find you feel much more comfortable and don't even notice the other people. Put on your headphones and get your music going, walk to your machine and get going. Don't even think about the other people. you'll get right into the groove soon enough.

nmiller0903

I'm glad that you think I'm a troll. Aren't we here for support and not rude comments? Not really necessary and if you do not like what I have to say, then move along.

nmiller0903

You could try canceling your membership and using those slim wraps around your waist instead.

Or try wearing sunglasses and neon clothing with tight fitting yoga pants to work out in.

Looking like everyone else will help you blend in.

Also making eye contact with the mirror and staring at yourself or one other person in particular will help keep you from looking around.

The good news is I think that gym serves pizza and bagels so you can eat that with the other members and maybe bring some soda and ice cream in, as a treat.

If that was a joke, so be it- but the rudeness of this comment certainly wasn't necessary. Isn't this a place for support instead of cracking jokes?

Shock_Wave

I agree with Jo, walk in with a plan of action and get 'er done. I'm so focused that apparently my fiance's cousin has seen me at the gym repeatedly and I have yet to notice. I'm on a mission, I don't have time to fart around. And don't forget your headphones!

Well even if you do have time I wish you wouldn't fart around the gym that's just not right! May I suggest to fart around in a clothing store(kids section is always fun) and walk away silently like a stealthy ninja then wait for it. Generally you will hear some thing funny even if your half way across the store as the kids are very vocal and entertaining. Grocery stores can be fun too but please not at the gym..

nmiller0903

I agree with Jo, walk in with a plan of action and get 'er done. I'm so focused that apparently my fiance's cousin has seen me at the gym repeatedly and I have yet to notice. I'm on a mission, I don't have time to fart around. And don't forget your headphones!

Well even if you do have time I wish you wouldn't fart around the gym that's just not right! May I suggest to fart around in a clothing store(kids section is always fun) and walk away silently like a stealthy ninja then wait for it. Generally you will hear some thing funny even if your half way across the store as the kids are very vocal and entertaining. Grocery stores can be fun too but please not at the gym..

AWESOME! haha

mish24canada

I understand how you feel I have started going at night and it seems like everyone in shape is there. I dont know how you would feel about this but my gym offers a lot of class and i find most people tend to go alone to the classes. They have classes for all levels. Also my daughter has social anxiety so I have called the gym to find the least busy time and that is when she goes if no one can go with her

Capt_Apollo

planet fitness is the worst. they claim not to judge, unless you are a "lunk" and there for a real work out, then they'll judge the bejeezus out of you.

honestly, i felt that i would be intimidated at my gym as well, when i first started. it was all in my head. but i started going to the gym at 5:30am when it would open, so that i would be one of the first people there and hopefully there wouldn't be a lot of other people there.

mccindy72

I agree with Jo, walk in with a plan of action and get 'er done. I'm so focused that apparently my fiance's cousin has seen me at the gym repeatedly and I have yet to notice. I'm on a mission, I don't have time to fart around. And don't forget your headphones!

Well even if you do have time I wish you wouldn't fart around the gym that's just not right! May I suggest to fart around in a clothing store(kids section is always fun) and walk away silently like a stealthy ninja then wait for it. Generally you will hear some thing funny even if your half way across the store as the kids are very vocal and entertaining. Grocery stores can be fun too but please not at the gym..

AWESOME! haha

If you want to be taken seriously and are offended when some posters accuse you of being a troll, you could at least take the time to respond to those people who took the time to give you a serious response to your original question.

nmiller0903

I agree with Jo, walk in with a plan of action and get 'er done. I'm so focused that apparently my fiance's cousin has seen me at the gym repeatedly and I have yet to notice. I'm on a mission, I don't have time to fart around. And don't forget your headphones!

Well even if you do have time I wish you wouldn't fart around the gym that's just not right! May I suggest to fart around in a clothing store(kids section is always fun) and walk away silently like a stealthy ninja then wait for it. Generally you will hear some thing funny even if your half way across the store as the kids are very vocal and entertaining. Grocery stores can be fun too but please not at the gym..

AWESOME! haha

If you want to be taken seriously and are offended when some posters accuse you of being a troll, you could at least take the time to respond to those people who took the time to give you a serious response to your original question.

I was in the process of responding but that just really irked me.

nmiller0903

Here are some tips you could use:

1) When you go with friends, try to warm-up on a treadmill / elliptical on your own beforehand, just for 5 minutes or so.

2) Have a plan for when you go to the gym on your own. Know exactly where you'll need to go first and exactly what exercises you'll do.

3) If you want to try something new, do it with friends first until you know you have it down. Only then try it on your own until you're more confident.

4) When you go on your own, ask a trainer if they can help you set up the treadmill / elliptical. Even if you already know how to use it, they can walk over to the cardio area with you and talk to you for the first couple of minutes. You can get into the groove with company, then when they leave handle the rest on your own!

I know the gym can be scary, but I PROMISE no one cares what you're doing. Know that 90% of the other patrons are worried about what others think about them too.

Thanks! I guess it is just another thing i need to work on- Insecurities. I have been there by myself before and I honestly do not mind it, its only when its packed! Its a weird thing in my brain i suppose

nmiller0903

Most people feel that way, when first going to a new place (new job, new gym, new school). it's a little tougher when you're doing something you perceive as putting you in the spotlight. You really just have to get out there and do it. After the first few times, you'll find you feel much more comfortable and don't even notice the other people. Put on your headphones and get your music going, walk to your machine and get going. Don't even think about the other people. you'll get right into the groove soon enough.

I see what you mean. I guess its just because its a change. With every change it takes time to adjust. I'm making it a point to go myself tonight- Crowded or not!! my first mini goal Thank you!!

Mauthos

I always go to the gym on my own, none of my friends are remotely interested in keeping fit. Plus it is a very small gym and due to my working hours, start work too early to go before hand (they are closed) and finish work late so it is alway busy when I get there. So basically I stick my head phones in, do my thing (I have 3 different plans written ahead of time that I rotate), crack on and leave. I don't actively ignore people there, but keep myself to myself and everyone else pretty much is too involved in their own exercise to pay me much attention.

Jaulen

I'd parrot what others have said.

Just make a plan, do stuff with friends (like on a new machine) until you feel comfy with it, ask for help from a trainer getting set up....and then just pop on the music and ignore everyone.

I can say from all the gyms I ever went to the only people I ever stared at was:
1) the gym bunnies who come in and are all made up and never actually get on a machine to do anything, they are just there to troll for guys. SMH.

2) the meatheads who are at the free weights power lifting making loud grunting noises and lifting until the point they are puking.

3) The people who use really bad form at the weights on on the machines. To the girl on the stairmill who's leaning her whole upper body on the machine.....why bother? To the guy on the weights with bad form trying to look all cool lifting heavy.....you'll get better results at lighter weights and proper form....you won't injure yourself....and you'll actually be working out the muscles you are aiming for.


People I glance at:
1) Old people...I think, if they are here moving, there is no ecuse for me not to be either. There was this old guy who would come and just walk the track....pulling his little oxygen canister.....man I'd feel bad missing a day when I saw him.

nmiller0903

how come no ones looking at me in the gym? you must be hogging all the attention

LOL honestly- I highly doubt any single person is looking at me. Its just a weird feeling I get.

PS. Sorry for hogging all the attention LOL

Capt_Apollo

I agree with Jo, walk in with a plan of action and get 'er done. I'm so focused that apparently my fiance's cousin has seen me at the gym repeatedly and I have yet to notice. I'm on a mission, I don't have time to fart around. And don't forget your headphones!

Well even if you do have time I wish you wouldn't fart around the gym that's just not right! May I suggest to fart around in a clothing store(kids section is always fun) and walk away silently like a stealthy ninja then wait for it. Generally you will hear some thing funny even if your half way across the store as the kids are very vocal and entertaining. Grocery stores can be fun too but please not at the gym..

AWESOME! haha

If you want to be taken seriously and are offended when some posters accuse you of being a troll, you could at least take the time to respond to those people who took the time to give you a serious response to your original question.

i find that that is usually the case- poster asks for advice, only responds to the sarcastic/negative comments. it's why so many people have gotten disillusioned with the forums.

RunBakeLove

I think this has less to do with the gym and more to do with yourself. I belong to a Planet Fitness as well and have heard nothing but terrible things about how judgy they are there but have never experienced it. Maybe I am lucky or maybe it is because I just don't pay attention. It is that simple. Don't go at night, don't go when it isn't crowded. Just go and keep going and eventually you will tackle this fear and forget that it ever worried you.

Everyone in the gym is there for the same reason, to work out. I have felt that way before, like everyone is watching, but I don't think as many people are paying attention as you think. And those that are, are just trying to tear other people down to make themselves feel better. You got this!

"Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent." Eleanor Roosevelt

krawhitham

When I'm in this type of mindset (whether going to the gym, or anywhere there's a lot of people, I remind myself of one truth:

Nobody gives two craps about what I'm doing. You are completely meaningless to them all. They're more worried about what everyone else is thinking of *them* to give a crap about what *you* are doing or what *you* look like.

I don't know what the culture of PF is, but I work out at 24 Hour fitness and all of the gym goers there are "mind their own business" types and it makes it easier to just think of myself as invisible.

Capt_Apollo

I'd parrot what others have said.

Just make a plan, do stuff with friends (like on a new machine) until you feel comfy with it, ask for help from a trainer getting set up....and then just pop on the music and ignore everyone.

I can say from all the gyms I ever went to the only people I ever stared at was:
1) the gym bunnies who come in and are all made up and never actually get on a machine to do anything, they are just there to troll for guys. SMH.

2) the meatheads who are at the free weights power lifting making loud grunting noises and lifting until the point they are puking.

3) The people who use really bad form at the weights on on the machines. To the girl on the stairmill who's leaning her whole upper body on the machine.....why bother? To the guy on the weights with bad form trying to look all cool lifting heavy.....you'll get better results at lighter weights and proper form....you won't injure yourself....and you'll actually be working out the muscles you are aiming for.


People I glance at:
1) Old people...I think, if they are here moving, there is no ecuse for me not to be either. There was this old guy who would come and just walk the track....pulling his little oxygen canister.....man I'd feel bad missing a day when I saw him.

look at this... someone judging others at the gym. gym bunnies? meatheads? people exercising and you're there looking at them and going "why bother?"


you know, i'll admit that i used to think a lot like you. and sometimes i'll find myself relapsing into old thought behavior.

i used to walk past the people on the elliptical and i'd scoff and think "the mice are on their wheels." but then i sprained my ankle, and couldn't run for 8 weeks, and when i was finally cleared to start working out, all i could do was the elliptical. so i felt a little humbled there on the machines.

nmiller0903

I like the idea of writing down my game plan for the night. I really thank each and every one of you who commented. You all gave me really great tips. We are all there for the same thing. I am just gonna go in and zone out in my music. No one said this was going to be an easy journey but it will get easier day by day. It's kind of childish for me to not go because I am worried about what people will think. I am only hurting myself by not going.

Watermelon398

I know the feeling. I was very scared to even sign up for a gym at first. And then I was scared to go in the free weight area. And most recently I was scared to swim in the pool. Last Sunday, I was also anxious and red faced because there was a tri-athalon club practicing in the pool (like over 50 people standing around/swimming) while I was there. I'm a very big person and being around the skinny-minnies (who all work very hard, props to them) can feel intimidating.

Every time I get anxious or scared I just remind myself that nothing bad is going to happen to me, and that I am doing this for my health. I also remind myself that getting on the treadmill/into the weight room/in the pool is the very best healthiest thing I could be doing for myself and that if somebody has a problem with the way I look doing it then that is entirely THEIR problem because I'm focused on my fitness goal.

Also note that it gets easier. The second, third, or fourth time you go alone will be easier than the first.