Gym Dread

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Replies

  • stripeyjane
    stripeyjane Posts: 8 Member
    A year ago I would have laughed if you'd said I'd be going to a gym. But my friend wanted to go, it's only a tiny gym at her daughter's school. Knowing I wanted to lose weight and that I nearly died running for a train I let her talk me into it. She was unable to go (and still doesn't) due to a prolapsed disc and family issues, so I stopped going for a few months. Then I thought "I'm paying for this" so plucked up the courage and went inthe evening when I knew it would be quiet. Now I go once or twice a week. I plug my ipod in so I don't have to interact with anyone and just mainly do treadmill and rowing machine for about 40 minutes. I did some of the weight machine things last week as no one else was there!!
    Ask the instructor for help, they should give you a demonstration anyway, but explain you are scared - I'm sure you're not the first they've come across.
    Good luck!
  • It's pretty normal to feel this way. Pretty soon you are going to know your way around and feel more at ease! ;-) Until then I would suggest to go prepared, know what you're doing so that you can get in and out as quickly and efficiently as possible and find a way to zone out (TV? music?) to avoid getting worried about what everybody else does and looks at. And maybe go at times that the gym is less crowded, like early in the morning or late at night, if you have this choice. Best of luck and I am sure you are going to love the gym at the end! :-)
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    I feel nervous and awkward doing ANYTHING new pretty much...I just have learned to accept the anxiety and breathe through it when it hits, otherwise I would just sit at home all day every day!

    What do you enjoy? Music, podcasts, reading? Bring your ipod or book to the gym and just think, 'how nice of these people to put a bike here for me to work out on while I enjoy my tunes". The gym will be full of all different types of people, from super fit to super fat and everyone in between...so no matter who you are, you will fit right in. You DESERVE to go wherever you want to.
  • nnylee
    nnylee Posts: 811 Member
    I TOTALLY had that problem when I started. But you just gotta push past it if you want to get to your goal. Just ignore everyone, most of the time people ignore you anyway. It'll be okay!!
  • TheHorribleBlob
    TheHorribleBlob Posts: 84 Member
    I guess, I'm just going to have to suck it up and go. I'm sure I'll feel more at ease once I start going regularly. Thank you, thank you, thank you all for all the support!! I'm going to try and go tomorrow morning. Wish me luck! haha

    If anyone wants another friend, feel free to add!
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