Anxiety at the Gym

katiezi
katiezi Posts: 44 Member
edited September 26 in Fitness and Exercise
I've noticed recently that I get a little anxious when I go to the gym. I worry about all the people around me. I've noticed that this also effects how effectively I work out on some days. On days when the gym is busier I am more anxious than on days when there are fewer people there. Does this happen to anyone else? Can anyone offer any suggestions?

Thaks
KZ

Replies

  • chrisyoung0422
    chrisyoung0422 Posts: 426 Member
    We hate the gym after work when it is busy but with no other options on those days we just stay focused. After a bit with earphones on all the tools just melt away. :glasses:
  • modernmom70
    modernmom70 Posts: 373 Member
    Just focus on yourself, put on your ipod and gooo! Everyone there is usually focused on their workouts and not what other people are doing!
  • schnarfo
    schnarfo Posts: 764 Member
    headphones are really useful to help you focus on the music and your work out rather than other people. if your gym has a ladies only section that might also help your confidence.
  • 6Janelle13
    6Janelle13 Posts: 353 Member
    I'm the same way. I am too self conscious and my gym had too many creepers. The reality is you just have to over come it or learn to work out at home and around the neighborhood. The gym is the most effective though.
    Do you have a work out buddy? perhaps a friend can help ease the anxiety. Or ask about when the gym is the most quiet? Finally consider a personal trainer to help you become more at ease and learn how to get the most out of your work outs in the shortest amount of time.
  • sammys1girly
    sammys1girly Posts: 1,045 Member
    I put on my headphones, avoid eye contact, and zone into my "me" time. Don't worry about what other people think, it doesn't matter! What matters is that you get a good workout and I am sure no one is judging you anyway, they should be there to work out too.
  • MyNameIsNotBob
    MyNameIsNotBob Posts: 565 Member
    I put on my headphones, avoid eye contact, and zone into my "me" time. Don't worry about what other people think, it doesn't matter! What matters is that you get a good workout and I am sure no one is judging you anyway, they should be there to work out too.

    This.

    But I'm lucky that I can usually go around 10 or 11 a.m. The few times I've been in the evening after work have been hell!
  • TonysMiss
    TonysMiss Posts: 128 Member
    I did at first but it is true...MOST people are focused on what they are doing. Music is a MUST or at least headphones tuned into the TV, which ever works for you. But as far as the "creepers", (every gym has them at some point in the day) I just avoid eye contact. It always feels as if I'm being rude but since I started doing it I don't have any issues. = )
  • Harleydiva68
    Harleydiva68 Posts: 50 Member
    I used to feel that way when I went to the gym. Not any more. I just go in and do my thing. I feel that the others are there to get in shape just like me.
  • BodyUnderConstruction
    BodyUnderConstruction Posts: 82 Member
    Yeah! They're all there for the same reasons! And I get the same way, except my anxiety kicks in when I'm outside in my neighborhood. I jog by people I know and it freaks me out! haha
  • MzChiz
    MzChiz Posts: 70 Member
    Yeah music seems to help me! I just ignore everything else around me at that point.
  • CassieLEO
    CassieLEO Posts: 757 Member
    I put on my headphones, avoid eye contact, and zone into my "me" time. Don't worry about what other people think, it doesn't matter! What matters is that you get a good workout and I am sure no one is judging you anyway, they should be there to work out too.

    In reality, how does what some stranger thoughts about you really affect your life? It doesnt. Who cares what other people think. This is YOU time, this is time for YOU to get healthy and do what you need to do for you. I could care less if anyone even glances my way. Dont let something like this stop you from doing what you need to do. Ipod on, headphones in, get on the machine and GO!
  • JPayne53
    JPayne53 Posts: 235 Member
    Just remember those people in the gym are there for similar reasons you are.. either to lose weight, maintain weight, or even gain it.. but they are all there for a purpose... to improve their bodies to how they see fit as the same with you.. Try not to concentrate on others but rather yourself, most other people in the gym are focused on themselves and their path to improvement as should you be.. good luck with this hump and hope it get's better for you! :wink:
  • JoceyyySmall
    JoceyyySmall Posts: 155 Member
    I was worried at first too because it seemed the gym I was going to had every fit person imaginable, and here I am trying to lose weight and become healthy, but I just kept going and said screw it this is for me and well I stay focused on my work outs I do see what other people are doing just to zone out of what I am doing sometimes so I'm not focused on myself. I made a few friends at the gym from some classes so it feels nicer to go in there when I didn't know ANYONE! Just keep going and think of it as people won't be judging you they will see that you're trying to change your lifestyle and think positively of you. At least that is the way I try to see it...

    Keep going! This is for you NO ONE ELSE! :)
  • kolbyjack
    kolbyjack Posts: 71
    I have anxiety at the gym at my college. There are a lot of beautiful ladies and they just intimidate me. Unfortunately I haven't overcome this. I just work out to videos or go for a run in the neighborhood.
  • Egger29
    Egger29 Posts: 14,741 Member
    The only person you're in competition with at the gym is Yourself!

    It's all about you ALL the time! :-)
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    I used to be that way when I did the weights.. I always felt like the trainers were watching me and judging me.. Esp my trainer who can be a bit of a creep at times!

    I then bought myself an arm band for my Ipod and starting taking my free weights into the studio thats in the back corner where no one ever is... and it did wonders for that issue.
  • Egger29
    Egger29 Posts: 14,741 Member
    I have anxiety at the gym at my college. There are a lot of beautiful ladies and they just intimidate me. Unfortunately I haven't overcome this. I just work out to videos or go for a run in the neighborhood.

    I've worked in several gyms and if there's one thing I've learned its that just because someone might Look fit...doesn't mean that they are healthy or even know what they're doing?

    The best medicine for anxiety is educating yourself as to what's right for You and you'll be light years ahead of anyone else there.

    95% of what you'll see in the average gym is simply imitation of what someone else might be doing...without anyone questioning if it's even a beneficial workout movement.

    You're already way ahead for being here and seeking peer advice from experience. :-)
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