Exercise with social anxiety?

CoryIda

I have pretty severe social anxiety, although I am working hard on overcoming it.

When I first started, add the fact that I was close to 300 pounds to already being uncomfortable in public, and it was tough.

So I started by just walking around my neighborhood - at night.

I live in the ghetto, but no one ever attacked me and gradually I was able to grow the (figurative) balls to walk in daylight and then do other exercises in public.

Hannahtams

I had REALLY bad social anxiety for a really long time. I just MADE myself do it. Sure, sometimes I felt like crying and running away or just giving up. You get over that eventually. I just had to push through it and eventually I got over it.. for the most part. Sometimes it still bubbles up. I just have to remember that people don't actually care and if they do they don't matter to me anyway, so why care so much? Confidence building helps too. Im sure you could google "confidence building" and see what works for you.

I completely agree with this. I had similar issues but you have to keep reminding yourself that no-one is actually paying any attention to you. I was really scared about going outside to attempt to jog for the first time, but I made myself do it, and it was fine. What helped me was going somewhere where lots of other people where jogging/walking. The more people around, the more anonymous I felt. Plus I wore a cap, which really helps! Go on, just go outside for a brisk walk and see how you feel, once you realise no-one is paying any attention to you you'll feel fine.

jetabear10

I used to run either early in the morning or when the sun goes down. Once I was more comfortable with myself, I headed out in to the daylight. I still get a little nervous when I got to the gym but I just repeat to myself that no one can tell I am nervous but me and that helps calm me down. If you get the sweats at the gym from nervousness no need to worry since the gym is where you are supposed to sweat!

Chin up and good luck...you CAN do it!

editnonnalynn

I felt EXACTLY like that UNTIL I decided this fat chick is not me! And I started to see the future me! Now I have no problem walking even half jogging outside! I'm praying for you! You can do this!

LAMypie

So understand what you're going through. I haven't made the jump to the gym yet, but that will be coming up soon. I do workout at home, but I also take walks around the neighborhood with my daughter. She talks non-stop, so I get so caught up in what she's saying, I don't even notice the people driving by, or in their yards. When I do notice, they smile and nod. So, yes, find a chatty friend and guilt them into walking or running with you. I also like the idea of the music or audio books. Or better yet, see if there are any nature trails to jog, then you won't run into as many ppl! When you feel the panic welling, just take a deep breath and say to yourself, NO ONE will keep me from being healthy! You can do it!!!!!!

anaboneana

Well, I'm on meds for my anxiety issues but my best advice is - who are you working out for? yourself, right?
soo... who gives a card about what other people think! yes, there may be a time or two when you get honked/yelled at but that shouldn't bring you down. (sometimes it's actually a complement to your hard work!) you have every right to strut your stuff outside, if that's what you feel like doing. as long as you don't live in a shady neighborhood, people mean no harm to you.

terraskye

I really want to get into a habit of exercising for physical and mental health. But when I plan to go for even a short walk I get freaked out about going outside. There are people out there! They will *see* me!

Did anyone else have trouble overcoming shyness to get on the exercise train? Did you find certain activities worked better or did you just work out inside? Did you wrangle someone into exercising with you?

Thanks!

/raises hand Meme!! I try and workout in our bldgs gym in the morning because i know after 5pm there will be people down there strength training. Eventually I want to join a gym so I guess I'm going to have to find out what their "dead" hours our.

I don't even like to be in a group of more than 4 people either puts a cramp on fun social gatherings my friends have in the summer bicycling around the city

_Timmeh_

For me the exercise helped block the social anxiety kind of like how a medication would work.

robinslikeworms

Oh my gosh I'm surprised at the response to this!
Thank you to everyone who replied!

littlesis412: I definitely need to remember to take my mp3 player with me, music can be such a big help.

sjb74uk: I was *just* wondering about going in the dark the other day! I was thinking biking, obviously with the proper reflective gear. I'm so glad to hear the negative self-talk improves over time.

myfitnessmhoy: "man-boobs flopping in the breeze." I love you.

namowrepus2002: I have a tab open right now about local hiking trails. Do you find it hard to get yourself out there to the place with fewer people? Or is it easier than trying to just go for a walk in a populated place?

jenelizmin: I really think I need to teach my cats to walk on a leash so I can use walking them as an excuse

mcwhit: Thank you And I really like that line! Damn right I'm faster than the guy on the couch.

cherrytulips: thanks for the suggestions! I think I will get some workout clothes.

Thanks everyone who replied, I'm reading everything. Music, a friend, darkness, the forest, health over judgment!