Anyone feel self conscious exercising in public?

Nowayjose54

I bought a gym membership, but the thing is, the only gym in this new little town I'm living in is very small. I've worked out at big gyms with different floors where you could kind of feel like you're hiding away a little. But at this little gym, everyone is in this space together. There are no other gyms around here and I just feel self conscious about people seeing me. The thing is, I am moving out of this town in December so I shouldn't care, but the thought of people seeing me just gives me pause everytime I consider going. But at home, I won't work out. I need an elliptical. Videos are too easy to quit and aren't fun.

Anyone else feel similarly? How do you overcome it?

camille97

I used to. Now I just forget anybody else is there. What they do is their business, what I do is mine.

Don't think about it so much! People don't care half as much as you think they do. They're probably too busy sweating their *kitten* off to notice whatever you're doing.

FunSizedK

An Ipod and headphones!!!! Don't think about anything else but the music while you are there

MoonIite

Yeah, that's why I work out at home. I hate exercising in public.

misscristie

I used to be that way. The I started telling myself JFDI (Just Effing Do it) every time I started to talk myself into being a baby. I am a strong, beautiful woman and there is no reason why I shouldn't be proud of my efforts.

And you should feel the same way

cjjones007

I bought a gym membership, but the thing is, the only gym in this new little town I'm living in is very small. I've worked out at big gyms with different floors where you could kind of feel like you're hiding away a little. But at this little gym, everyone is in this space together. There are no other gyms around here and I just feel self conscious about people seeing me. The thing is, I am moving out of this town in December so I shouldn't care, but the thought of people seeing me just gives me pause everytime I consider going. But at home, I won't work out. I need an elliptical. Videos are too easy to quit and aren't fun.

Anyone else feel similarly? How do you overcome it?

Yes, but I find I work out MUCH harder when I know (read THINK) everyone's eyes are on me - I throw on my iPod and close my eyes, get into the music and when I'm done I'm a sweat fest and then the looks I get are of impressed or approving gym folks... It's a really nice feeling -

sandy729

I use to but not anymore. Mine is a 24/7 gym so I can go when it's not that busy. The only time I feel a little out of place is during zumba. I seem to be the biggest person in the class. Everyone there is so friendly though that I got over it.

bearsfan2334

Whenever people talk about feeling self conscious at a gym (inlcuding myself)... I ask this question - Would you rather have people see you in a gym working up a sweat orrrrrrrrr sitting at McDonald's chomping on a burger and fries with a soda?

Just some "food for thought." Stay strong and go to the gym - YOU CAN DO THIS!

KitKB

I feel the same. I try to go to yoga class and it's a very difficult level. I'm constantly having to stop to get my breath. I'm overweight and short while all the other people in the class are tall and skinny. I've even had the instructor look right at me while saying: "It's okay if you can't do the pose..." Yeesh. I guess I just try to push it out of my mind.

Then you also have that awkwardness when you try out a new machine and you sit there staring at all the buttons, trying to figure it out. And you can just feel eyes on you! I really want to try out free weights, but the free weight section is in the back and is completely swarmed by muscle men, not a girl in sight. Don't know what they'd think about having some short girl fumbling with the weights and trying to figure things out. . . .

albinogorilla

I put on my headphones in the car and turn off when I leave....as far as I know I am the only one in there.

mon_cherie

I run...VERY slowly. I could walk as fast as I run. LOL But I've been told it's the change in gait that's important so I keep at it. I'm getting faster day by day. Anyway, whenever I feel embarrassed about how slow I run, I think to myself that no matter how slow I am, I'm faster than the guy on the couch. I'm moving and that's what's important.

I'm joining a gym this week and I am feeling many of the same things you are. But I keep telling myself that I am working out and I am bettering myself. Do you pay attention or judge anyone else when you're there? Probably not. You're focused on yourself. So is everyone else I've never thought a bad thing about anyone at the gym (other than you know the obnoxious people ) so I assume no one is thinking anything bad about me

maureendonahue

As long as you clean off your machines after you use them, don't hog the machines and don't drop the weights with a huge bang, no one is probably going to notice you. And if they do (and it has happened to me) they are very encouraging and supportive. So get to the gym! (And have fun!):laugh:

Pink_turnip

Yeah, that's why I work out at home. I hate exercising in public.

same, except for my pole class. Everyone there is super nice, and very supportive of each other.

rthompson81

Maybe you could bring a friend or make a new friend at the gym and work out together? I know when I work out with friends I feel less "silly" and I enjoy myself a lot more.

Jhillian

It shouldn't be a big deal, you are becoming a healthier you and thats what important, not strangers.

chevy88grl

When I first started going to the gym I was extremely self conscious. I found a gym where I was comfortable and people did their own thing. No one pays any attention to what others are doing (unless they are doing something completely off the wall! LOL). I go, workout and leave. I don't pay any attention to what other people are doing and they don't pay attention to me. Go and focus on YOUR workout.

rider72

iPod and focus on what YOU are doing....

Don't let your self consciousness detract from going in and getting your sweat on..... It's not high school gym class....go kick some @$$!

schibs

I am used to working out in a team atmosphere, but when working out alone when other people are around just makes me push it a little harder. I love competition!

foremaar012

I think there will always be that little voice saying people are judging me.....but i feel so much better after working out that it trumps anything. Now i think well if I'm THAT sweaty and gross maybe they wont use the machine or area around me and i can pretend its my privet gym!

craft338

when i was a member of a gym, i would go EARLY, like right when they opened. that's when all the "serious" people are there. they're there to do what they gotta do, not to socialize or judge, and if anything, i'm sure they would respect the fact that you're there trying to get healthy.

the evening crowd usually make me more self conscious and i always felt out of place. i kinda felt like the gym was more like a night club than a gym. i would always go as early as i could.

abbie017

Honestly, people in the gym are usually too focused on their own workouts to notice you. Unless, like someone else said, if you drop the weights loudly or actually bring attention to yourself.

steveren0

I did at first, too, but everyone is busy doing their own thing most of the time. Just go and have fun!
Maybe try pairing up with someone at the gym and work out together?
Or just put on your headphones and work out.
Good luck!

rwd5046

As long as they mind their own business and don't bug you I would not let that intimidate you. Everyone has an opinion and as long as they keep it to themselves that's fine but basically I think they are all at that little gym for the same reason you are. Don't be afraid to reach out and get to know someone, might be friendlier than you realize. Remember your new to the area and most small towns are like any other small town, they all know each other. Just a thought.

mon_cherie

I really want to try out free weights, but the free weight section is in the back and is completely swarmed by muscle men, not a girl in sight. Don't know what they'd think about having some short girl fumbling with the weights and trying to figure things out. . . .

If you can, get a trainer even if just for one session. He or she will show you what to do and give you reps and sets and everything. Then the next time you know exactly what to do! If you can't do that, then look for a friendly face and ask one of the muscle guys. If not that, ask someone who works there. I'm trying to get better at 1) asking for help and 2) not worrying about what others think. Most people are nice and want to help. And if they're not willing to...find someone else!

Elysian13

I use to be the same way, until I just sucked it up and pushed myself everyday.

I just put on my headphones and listen to my music. I get lost in it and I feel like no one is there, but me. You can do it!

Good luck!!!! =D

Gary6030

Be glad for once that no one cares about you in the gym. It was reassuring to me that nobody even bothered to look at me. Even though I felt everyone was staring. You keep doing what your doing and ignore everyone else. Truth be told most people even the hotties feel like you do, that everyone is watching.

The only time I look up is when the old woman farts doing her ab crunches...and welll.....what are you going to say. Giv'em heck old woman!

SUNNY613

An Ipod and headphones!!!! Don't think about anything else but the music while you are there

agree

ivy2009

Get over it. Let it go. Most people could care less what you look like. And if they do, it's their problem, not yours. It's none of your business what they think. :bigsmile:

ashesoh1234

Hey, you're at the gym, working out! That's awesome right there. Nobody at your gym should think the first thought about your size, whatever it may be. Be proud and feel good that you're there and that every minute you exercise is a minute towards better health - for the rest of your life. It doesn't matter - at all - what anyone else thinks. You go!

amoffatt

Yes, YEs, and YES!!!! I had a gym membership but was too embarressed to work out around others. ( I know, who cares what others say its about you) but if you are not comfortable, you wont work out or even get a good burn. I would go walking/jogging but jog only on the stretches of path I "feel" no one watching me. People are judgemental and I can imagine them saying, "Look at the fat girl try to run..." Hey we all have to start somehwere...right?:embarassed: :embarassed:

jllipson

I used to belong to a gym, then we couldn't afford it, but when I did, I just wore bigger clothes - yes, I was hiding my body, so I wouldn't be stared at for my large chest size, or for my overweightness. In hindsight, it might have been better to show it off for motivation.
It may help to be comfortable in the clothing you are wearing to the gym - if the reason for feeling you are self conscious is wearing tight shorts and tight top - go for something looser fitting or vice versa - see if it helps.

Good luck and just go, who cares what they say or think - I like the ipod and headphone suggestion - don't pay attention to others and maybe they won't pay attention to you.

Good luck and get out there and exercise - you're doing this for YOU!!!