Joining the Gym - Think I'll be laughed at

sunnykt

I kick started my weight loss through running at night (probably not that safe, but I live in a really safe area) and doing calisthenics at home, plus walking to uni everyday rather then driving (it's only 2km).

But I agree with this:
"I used to think that - but it's actually the other way round - you may get the odd approving glance or a bit of a smile from people that are in the same boat - especially if you are carrying one of the white cards they give you with your first gym induction on it and they have one too. "

dougstevens

The answer to your question and fear is YES.
There are so many different types of people out there in this world. Some will laugh; and some maybe territorial and wonder why you are at "their" gym. These people are very few. However, for every one of those people, there ARE many more who are supportive and welcoming. (Just look at the responses so far.) You get to choose who to listen or who to ignore; kind of cool eh?

Your are Human; Expect Mistakes
The gym like anywhere else has its own culture, its own rhythm, its own quirks. If you are not an old veteran of the gym, expect to make mistakes. Give yourself the opportunity to learn the equipment, the culture and people. Give yourself a honest perspective. Yes, at first it will be awkward and intimidating. The more you visit the more you become familiar and comfortable. And yes, which each visit you will become more comfortable and you will become a familiar face.


Questions to you.
Three short months from now you would have either been going to the gym or not. You are a healthier and stronger person than you are today or not. You had set a goal and reached for that goal; or not. Which will it be?

Also, imagine that during those three months its the first week of the new year. There are a lot of new faces; people who are feeling the same as you are right now. You have been regularly going to the gym for month. Enough times for it to become a habit. Seeing the looks on their faces, you could reflect back and remember how you felt today. You might even smile and laugh at yourself.

Of course, One of the people you may find laughing at you is You. Laughing at yourself is a powerful and good thing.

FatPandaBandit

The closest I ever gotten to being laughed at was when I stepped on to a treadmil between a woman walking fast and a man jogging and the man told me I needed to sweat as much as they were. So I did a jog myself. After five minutes I got red (its normal for me. I'm red faced when Im hot, cold, embarrased, etc.) and he grabbed his towel and tried to use it as a fan for me, smiling asking if I was ok. I found it funny myself as well as embarrasing that I got so red, but it was only out of concern.

So, I say go for it.

eellis2000

I've had those fears with everything i do, sometimes they've been warrented and sometimes not. However, you might 1-2 people like that and tbh, if you let them keep you out of the gym and from exercising you are the one who loses. Besides when you hit it hard and shape up your body you will be the one laughing. It's an awesome feeling. When i went to the gym i found that as long as i worked hard and could zone out nothing else mattered. Atleast give it a try, most gyms have a trial period. You will probably love it and good luck.

behind_blue_eyes_83

I totally agree with what was said about PE lessons - a good friendly gym should help you take ownership of your fitness and feel entitled to maintain it (even if you aren't 'sporty'!). My old gym was brilliant, and, like you, nearby and cheap. Now I've moved and started losing weight again I really miss it and am trying to find new ways to get back to fitness. I want a nearby, cheap gym!!! *googles exercise videos*

janehen12

I waddled over, joined, and did 25 mins. Reminded myself why I hate cross trainers, but overall rather enjoyed it.

One person did look at me like "get that fatty out of my gym" but it was otherwise really quiet there.

Now i just need the motivation to go again...

Thank you all for the kick up the backside I needed!!

kimcat73

Never let others stop you from doing what you need to do. I used to be self-conscious about going, in the beginning, but honestly I just see it as everyone is there to do the same thing and everyone seems very focused on their own workout. The only time I had someone act strange was when I was on the bike and a kid walked by eating a glazed donut ..... he laughed at me then but I kind of thought it was funny, lol. Keep in mind that you need this and eventually you will be a regular at the gym and fit right in:) Be proud of yourself for taking that first step and keep up the great work!

savage22hp

I had a friend once who was fond of saying , " he who laughs last laughs best " . Do what you need to do without worrying too much about what others will think , this is for you and you will be laughing with joy when you start seeing results.

wisgal77

The type of people that you think will be laughing at you are too busy wanting everyone to look at them.

TourThePast

I waddled over, joined, and did 25 mins. Reminded myself why I hate cross trainers, but overall rather enjoyed it.

I'm absolutely delighted.

What I do is put it in my diary, same time every week, and see it as an appointment. As you get into the habit of going, it does get a LOT easier to make time for it.

Thank you all for the kick up the backside I needed!!

Happy to kick your backside any time you like. :bigsmile:

evilbahumut

you can have a wee chuckle at the super skinny ones that breeze in, look at their nails, text a mate - flirt with the gym staff and then spend 10 mins on one machine whilst admiring themselves in the mirror- then head off for the showers.

So spot on! Cocaine is a hell of a way to keep the weight off, but sometimes you gotta make an appearance to keep the appearance up. Well, that's the joke anyway.

wildcata77

It's ridiculously expensive, but my husband and I joined a wellness center for this exact reason. Theere are a ton of morbidly obese and older people that are there as part of a physical therapy plan monitored by doctors. I've seen a much higher ratio of "normal" people that are middle aged, middle weight, just trying to get or be healthy than beefheads lifting or super-thin runner types.

I totally think if you just focus on the reasons you want to be there, you will be just fine, even if the first visit or two are tough. Good luck!

LexieSweetheart

I had that fear. Once I went though everyone was focused on doing them. I have met many nice people. I have never been laughed at in fact many members compliment me on how far I have come

Helenatrandom

I am a very big woman, and I have never had a problem with mean people at the gym (belonged for three months). Even the young and fit crowd are very positive. Plus, no matter what they are thinking privately in their heads, I know that in a year, they will be thinking "she did well..."!

SooZ1138

One of my biggest insecurities about going to the gym was that I didn't know how the use the different equipment and was scared that I would do it wrong. I got rid of this by asking someone who worked there to show me how to use each piece of equipment! I walked into that gym feeling prepared and ready to get my pumping on! =P

I understand your insecurities tho, it still bothers me when I see people look over at other peoples treadmill or machine to see how they're doing... I mean, really... who cares!?! I've started putting a towel over my machine =D

Good luck and have fun!!

rjmlb86

I know the fear you're talking about but I've been going on and off to the gym for years and all I can say is no one will laugh at you.

I don't know anyone in this world who would pay gym membership fees to specifically go and laugh at people. They're all there for their own fitness and most people are totally absorbed in what they are doing and envisaging their own perfect bodies.

The group of muscular guys doing the weights in corner of every gym are far more interest in the diameter of their own biceps than anything you are doing.

Remember: if you are at the gym/doing sport/exercise, you've already made the biggest step: you want to change. Everyone has to respect you for that.

JJinWI

It took me a YEAR just to get the courage to join a gym that had opened in my neighborhood. I was so nervous going the first few times, but now I absolutely LOVE it and look forward to it. It is THE best thing I have done for myself in a very long time. You will NOT regret it and I'm sure you'll be posting soon telling us how great it is!

Think of everyone else doing their workouts completely naked - maybe that will help

lookitsmikel

I got a gym membership about a month ago, and I was scared of the same thing... You see all these "fit" people running on the treadmill, and I am out of breath walking. However I soon found it was nothing to be scared of! Most people are in thier own world listening to music, and everyone else has been friendly.

No one is going to laugh becuase if your trying to get healthy. As you start to loose weight you can then encourage others at the gym that they can do it too!

TourThePast

You see all these "fit" people running on the treadmill, and I am out of breath walking.

That was me, and now I'm the running on the treadmill.

Janehen12 that can be you too.

Being the least sporty person on the planet, if I can do it, anyone can.