Too Ashamed to go to the GYM

Nikkiandvicky1955
Nikkiandvicky1955 Posts: 3
edited October 3 in Fitness and Exercise
I love to swim, but I'm too ashamed to be seen in a bathing suit. I got my bathing suit out of the closet today and that's as far as I got.
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Replies

  • Jeff92se
    Jeff92se Posts: 3,369 Member
    screw everyone else. if everyone was perfect, we wouldn't need to be in there.
  • alisonwww
    alisonwww Posts: 104
    I know how you feel. And, really I could care less what anyone else thinks. I just am so uncomfortable in my own skin, that's what bothers me. Not sure how to get over it either...
  • hypotrochoid
    hypotrochoid Posts: 842 Member
    Do it anyway. Once you're in the water you won't be thinking about anyone else.
  • waylandcool
    waylandcool Posts: 175 Member
    It took me some courage to walk into the gym for the first time. Then I saw all the other out of shape people there and didn't feel so bad. Just focus on where you want to be and not where you are and you can get in there.

    The first time is always the hardest.
  • lizsmith1976
    lizsmith1976 Posts: 497 Member
    Good first step! Next time move your swimsuit and gym bag to the front door, the next time put it in the car, then go to the gym! Almost everyone there is embarassed or ashamed of something about their body or the way they look. Don't let that stop you from getting to do something you love that will make you feel better and be healthier.
  • moushtie
    moushtie Posts: 371 Member
    Do you judge everyone you see when you go to the pool? Well , they ain't judging you either. Get out there! Once you're in the pool, all they can see if your beautiful face anyway!
  • Sidesteal
    Sidesteal Posts: 5,510 Member
    I'm sorry you feel this way, but I think this issue is largely self-induced and not reality.

    I will occasionally hear out of shape people say that they are scared to lift weights because they think other people are laughing at them.

    When I see someone lifting weights who is obviously out of shape, I think "Wow, good for you, you're making good decisions and doing something about it!".

    I really think that the vast majority of people don't really care, and aren't judging.

    Good luck with your fitness goals and don't get down on yourself.
  • _SusieQ_
    _SusieQ_ Posts: 2,964 Member
    I used to feel that way when I started taking classes at the Y. I felt like people were looking at me like, "can she even handle this?". But you know what, 1) they are there to get fit as well. I promise you that you are not the only one that has those misgivings. and 2) most likely no one will be paying attention to you like you think they are, and if they ARE then they probably think Bravo!

    Just do it. Pretty soon you will forget all about the apprehension and just enjoy yourself. I promise!
  • mhotch
    mhotch Posts: 901 Member
    screw everyone else. if everyone was perfect, we wouldn't need to be in there.

    And those that do look good, didn't always start out that way. Go and do your thing. Before long you will be one of those, that others are jealous of!
  • Sabresgal63
    Sabresgal63 Posts: 641 Member
    Throw a T-shirt over your suit and just get in......do it for yourself!:bigsmile:
  • Shannon023
    Shannon023 Posts: 14,529 Member
    No one goes there to look at you.

    Go, you'll be glad you did. :flowerforyou:
  • Natalie49
    Natalie49 Posts: 210 Member
    Do it for you!
    It's okay, first time will be hard but it'll get easier! I promise :)

    Have a great swim! ;)
  • melianne125
    melianne125 Posts: 90 Member
    You can do it. You aren't the only person who is going to the gym to improve the way they feel about themselves. Maybe you'll even meet someone that can help you on your journey.
  • melvac
    melvac Posts: 333 Member
    I agree screw all else, but I do wear shorts over mine just because I want to. Go on water aerobics are great and will burn calories
  • SexSeaCow
    SexSeaCow Posts: 21 Member
    My Mom says the same thing and it's tragic. Swimming is such a good workout for your entire body. We all have to start somewhere - forget what anyone else thinks and focus on how great it will feel to swim and watch your body tone up, and how fantastic it will be when you reach your goal and can step out confidently in your suit. If swimming is what will get you there, don't let anything stop you.
    A quote I happened upon recently made me laugh and stuck with me..."You'd worry a lot less about what other people think of you if you knew how seldom they do"
    GOOD LUCK!
  • rwd5046
    rwd5046 Posts: 302
    Don't be ashamed. You have to ignore people who are rude. Be proud of who you are at ALL TIMES and if your trying to improve your temple because YOU feel like you need or want to then fine. Those who give looks of judgement to or say things to others that are different than they may be are just showing their ignorance and the fact they don't have love. Like someone else said, Scew them.
  • calibri
    calibri Posts: 439 Member
    Bingo; I signed up for a gym membership a few years ago and never went, finally canceled a year later. I exercise at home; maybe try to go during off hour times and ease into it?
  • goodasgoldilox165
    goodasgoldilox165 Posts: 333 Member
    I know exactly how you feel! I got into my bathing suit for the first time in years just this week. I've been putting it off and putting it off just because of feeling so self-conscious.

    I'm so glad I finally plucked up courage. It was wonderful! No-one noticed me (once in the water, you all look alike - only heads poke out after all!) and I am very proud of having managed 32 lengths (half a mile) There is no way I could run that far!

    Go for it and be glad!
  • NiciS72
    NiciS72 Posts: 1,043 Member
    Don't be. You are working towards a better you and should be proud that you've made that choice. I go to water aerobics 2-3 days a week and let me tell you I was BIG when I started last year (not that I'm small now) but I didn't care. There are ladies of all ages and sizes in class and noone looks down on you. The lifeguards and my instructor as well as some of the participants are rooting me on in my weight loss progress and I get compliments all the time. GO TO THE POOL, you won't regret it.
  • boku70
    boku70 Posts: 80
    I used to feel that way. Finally, I realized:

    1) Most people are too focused on their own work, anyway, to be paying attention to what I'm doing--I am not the center of the world's attention. :-D

    2) If there are stupid people who want to sit there and judge me, it's really not my problem. Life's too short.

    Once I focused on these two basic truths, the gym stopped being a source of stress, and I just started goiing and getting the job done.
  • PlunderBunneh
    PlunderBunneh Posts: 1,705 Member
    I had this same problem when I started working out, I felt so very very uncomfortable using any of the machines in my gym's cardio area. By the time I was 30 minutes in on my first trip, I didn't give a flying hoot, because it was so darn obvious that no one else did. Everyone is doing their own thing, and I'm pretty darn sure everyone would rather be doing it at home alone, except that the equipment/pool is not there. We all go to the gym and immediately ignore everyone else while we do our thing.

    So throw that suit on (under your clothes BEFORE you leave the house, so you don't have to deal with changing there), strut yourself into the locker room and drop off your outside clothes, wrap up in a towel and don't discard it until you are sliding into that pool. And trust me, the water wiggles so much, no body can see your body once you're in. Take a deep breath, and swim!

    The hardest step is deciding you want to go. You've made that decision already, the rest is cake :)
  • KettyLan
    KettyLan Posts: 440 Member
    Hey If you look good people will find something to criticize you and if you look bad too...just go for it!!! You only live once...enjoy the ride!
  • shanolap
    shanolap Posts: 1,204 Member
    It's time for you to put on your big girl panties and pull yourself up by the bootstraps. You don't get very far in life fearing what others think, say or do.

    Put on that bathingsuit, hold that chin high and get in that pool!

    You WILL be a changed person when you are done with your swim. The first thing you build is confidence!
  • caffn8d
    caffn8d Posts: 8 Member
    In the words of Dr. Seuss - "Those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
  • Elizabeth_C34
    Elizabeth_C34 Posts: 6,376 Member
    My gym is full of fitness models and bodybuilders. As an obese woman, it was really uncomfortable walking in there at first, but I found that most everyone was kind and friendly towards me. As my weight came down, they all started rooting for me and encouraging me.

    Long story short, don't worry about it. Just go, do your thing, and you might find some of those "pretty" people are great and can be a good source of encouragement for you.
  • Leyla135
    Leyla135 Posts: 48
    Enjoy your life, if you feel like swimming go for it. I had the same problem, i did not want anyone else to see me in my bathing suit. I had to get out of that funk and just do it. I know the first time is gonna be hard. Trust me i go to the pool now not caring what anybody else thinks. I enjoyed my time at the pool. I felt so relaxed and enjoying myself. Besides, everybody there is there to workout. They are concentrating on themselves. Just do it! You will feel so much better that you did.
  • KendraLynne530
    KendraLynne530 Posts: 5
    No! I love seeing people's progess at the gym! Seeing the dedication it takes to transform yourself is incredibally inspirational (think of the contestants from The Biggest Loser--they have the entire nation rooting for them!). That's why I love the gym, everyone there is working towards the same goal--health and fitness--everyone is just at a different part of their journey.

    As for the bathing suit, I know how you feel. Of course the goal is to feel better about yourself so you aren't self conscious, and trust me--as you see that weight falling off, the conficence will come! Until then, there are many bathing suits specifically designed to be flattering for women of all shapes, and skirted suits are always helpful! You can also wear your towel or robe until you are just about to get in the water, then remove it quickly and jump in the water (I'm much more confident with water distorting my less-than favorite parts)

    Until you are feeling more confident, try going to the gym at the non-peak hours--late at night, late morning, early afternoon. . .you'll be less likely to encounter as many people in the pool.
  • caroltina
    caroltina Posts: 453 Member
    It took me a long time to realise that like me everyone else was too busy covering up and fearing their wobbly bits. I was 21 st 8lb, 305lb when I started, you can do it, now I am a gym regular, part of the main group and have my own little family and bestest friends there who I could never do with out - release fear and try to enjoy - talk to people you'll see they feel the same -no matter their size. Good luck, I believe in you
  • KettyLan
    KettyLan Posts: 440 Member
    In the words of Dr. Seuss - "Those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."


    Love this!
  • Maryfullofgrace
    Maryfullofgrace Posts: 342 Member
    GOOD! You own a suit! Put it on and get in the water. Walking in the water is so good for you and LOTS of people do it. Go to a sporting goods store and get some water shoes, they should run you about 5-10 bucks. Grab a bath size towel and go!!! You must WANT to go to the pool, so just GO!!! DON'T HOLD YOURSELF BACK!!!! It will feel sooooo good. I PROMISE! I started walking in the water about a year ago and I can't tell you how great it feels. No knee pain, no hip pain, no back pain, no foot pain. It's so good!!! OHHHHH GET IN THAT POOOL!!!
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