Nervous about working out

Anoble17

Hi. I work out at my boxing gym 3 times a week. I don't ever feel like anyone there is thinking negative things about me if I have difficulty completing an exercise or anything. I would like to work out more frequently than I do currently, but I get really nervous when I think about running around town, or going to the gym at my apartment complex. Growing up I was always called fat because I wasn't skinny, I was muscular and I could never really run fast or long distances. I live in a large college town, so there are a lot of very athletic people running and at the gym. A lot of my friends are athletes and I see how they make fun of people that are my size but have never said anything negative towards me. But I do worry that other people, will be saying and thinking similar things to what my friends say about others, about me.

I'm not really sure what to do here. Has anyone else had this issue of extreme insecurity? What did you do to get over it?

beccau_20

Hi. I work out at my boxing gym 3 times a week. I don't ever feel like anyone there is thinking negative things about me if I have difficulty completing an exercise or anything. I would like to work out more frequently than I do currently, but I get really nervous when I think about running around town, or going to the gym at my apartment complex. Growing up I was always called fat because I wasn't skinny, I was muscular and I could never really run fast or long distances. I live in a large college town, so there are a lot of very athletic people running and at the gym. A lot of my friends are athletes and I see how they make fun of people that are my size but have never said anything negative towards me. But I do worry that other people, will be saying and thinking similar things to what my friends say about others, about me.

I'm not really sure what to do here. Has anyone else had this issue of extreme insecurity? What did you do to get over it?

Yes! Absolutely! I definitely have anxiety whenever I want to try something new. but it's mind over matter, just like losing weight, and you just have to get in there and do it!

I recently started a Saturday morning Boot Camp and I was super nervous because I was the fattest person there. But after I did it, I realized that it didn't matter if anyone else was watching or judging me becase I got in there and burned a few hundred calories. I challenged MYSELF. Think about it with that frame of mind. This is about YOU getting healthy, not about what anyone else thinks. And what a confidence booster to overcome it! Good luck!

withchaco

When I was in college, I dropped by the gym one day totally out of the blue, and pedaled away on a stationary bike for 30+ minutes (a huge leap from my then-usual zero exercise). Some guy shouted out "keep going, fat girl!" from behind. I heard him loud and clear, but couldn't bring myself to care; my body AND mind were too busy exercising. :laugh:

The fact is, people make fun of others all the time, and body weight is just one of the MANY things that they make fun of. It's just something we have to learn to ignore. It does feel harder on some days than others... When I feel intimidated, I just tell myself, "everyone has to start somewhere."

bjohs

Blog written by an MFP friend. Read it. Maybe this will help: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/alex_marie85/view/the-imaginary-audience-mentality-120610. Good advice in there.

leomom72

it must hurt, but who cares what they think..you are THERE trying to get in shape, so why waste energy worrying about what they think ? one day, because you went to the gym, you will be thinner, and in shape, and what will they say about you then ? they will say damn, that person used to be bigger, but look at them now, they must have really wanted this, so they worked hard to get it " :drinker:

beccau_20

When I was in college, I dropped by the gym one day totally out of the blue, and pedaled away on a stationary bike for 30+ minutes (a huge leap from my then-usual zero exercise). Some guy shouted out "keep going, fat girl!" from behind. I heard him loud and clear, but couldn't bring myself to care; my body AND mind were too busy exercising. :laugh:

The fact is, people make fun of others all the time, and body weight is just one of the MANY things that they make fun of. It's just something we have to learn to ignore. It does feel harder on some days than others... When I feel intimidated, I just tell myself, "everyone has to start somewhere."

Wow, seriously? People really have nerve... that is so rude! Good for you for not caring!!!

vdavis_89

Oh man did I have the same problem!? Hell yes I did! I hated going to the gym because I was sooo insecure! I saw skinny people and got jealous and sad so I left. I asked the SAME question about 3 weeks ago on here and I get so much support from MFP peeps. I started slow... I went to the gym at my apartment at like 5:30 in the morning and walked on the treadmill. I still go early in the morning but I have met like 3 new people so far and they are all really nice and seeing them all in shape makes me want to get in shape too. Yesterday I saw an older man jogging on the treadmill at a super incline and I was like "holy crap how is he doing that?! Hes sweating and struggling!!" and then I thought wow if he can do it and not die then I can too! So I increased my speed and incline and gave him a good compliment it made me feel really good (even if he didnt respond or comment back lol) You can do it! No one is there to judge you I promise! Add me if you need more support!!