Gym anxiety anyone?

here_I_go_again

I have bad gym anxiety. I just joined a gym today and went to work out by myself. I can't get anyone else to join it with me so I'm doing it alone as I'm sure many of you do. My trouble is I feel like everyone is watching me when I exercise. I really feel stupid when I go to the free weights and everyone stares at me like I'm an idiot or something for even bothering. I have 50 pounds to lose. Does anyone else feel like this? If so, how did you get over it? I know I shouldn't care what others think and I'm there for me, but I can't get over feeling so self consicious at the gym. Please help.

ashtonvv

Congrats on taking the first step and joining the gym! I know it can be intimidating, and feel like people are watching you, but honestly, people are so focused on what they are doing that they are not watching other people! If you're worried that you are using improper form or look "weird" try booking a session with a trainer, that may boost your confidence.

If it gets to the point where it completely throws you off your work outs, I would try a different route. Maybe join an all womens gym, or a smaller gym so you can get to know people.

Honestly, I would just try to shake it off. The more you go, the more confident and comfortable you will be!

Enfermita

You can take ur IPod and load ur favourite songs on it and at the gym you can listen to it and concentrate on your workout and forget the people around you .

Also when you are at the guy are you staring at ppl and judging them?
No right you just take a look and look away

So don't worry concentrate on your goal and everything will be alright

leafstucker16

I had gym anxiety big time and have anxiety other times as well. It just took me a few times of going to get over it, now I remember why im going and I dont seem to have a problem anymore. Music helps me a ton, and seeing results pushes me even more.

Bakkasan

It took about 3 days to get over it for myself and wife. Nobody is judging you, they are just trying to do the same thing.

AnnaMolly17

The gym (or the free weights area, rather) can a pretty intimidating place. I had the same anxiety for years, which is why I was more of a Cardio girl my whole life. It really helps if you go there with a set program, knowing which equipment you want to use and which exercises you want to do beforehand. I tried the New Rules of Lifting for Women book, which really helped me know my way around the weight room better. It also has a workout routine all set for you. After my first time (it was my new year's resolution, so it was early Jan), I'm pretty sure I was really awkward and ended up hitting my head on the Smith Machine bar (smooth, i know). I was so embarrassed that I never wanted to show my face there again haha. But I made a pact with myself that I will go again 2 times that week. After the 2nd time, I felt so much more confident. You soon realize that it's mostly in your head, and trust me, most people there are there for the same reasons as you are, to get fit and lose weight. Best of luck to you, I hope you keep going and make amazing changes in your life Another upside, you just feel so much more accomplished when you face your fears, no matter what they are.

rdtm21

Everyone starts somewhere! Be proud of yourself for joining! Many dont even have that courage. My answers were to include many of the above answers...no one watches you, hire a trainer, wear music. I also would recommend attending fitness classes many do lots of e exercises that you can incorporate into your daily routine. I also regularly use apps like imuscle, and myfit. They show you the exact muscles available to work with little videos on correct posture, as well as how to stretch. They show u various equipment as well so if a machine is busy you aren't stuck! When working out always make sure you strive for balance..if u work the back work the front. I.E. chest day, back day, triceps/biceps, front of shoulders back of shoulders, abs/lower back, quads/hamstrings, glutes, calves...you will find u have favorites but don't get stuck in a rut training what u feel looks best. Best of luck!!

GamerLady

Take your music with you, you can get Eye of the Tiger to start ya out as you walk it! Keep your eye on the prize, YOU! You can get in there and get it done, just smile and get healthy. Who cares if anyone looks at you, they could end up being a buddy to go with. Stay positive!

adopt321

Good for you for joining! More than likely people aren't staring at you; you're just feeling self-conscious which is normal especially when you're new. You might consider hiring a personal trainer for a few sessions to get you started and increase your confidence using weights. Some gyms offer a free personal training session as an introduction on how to use the equipment. If you do find staring at you, smile or say hi; it breaks the ice and gives you a sense of control. You might also try some positive self-talk before you get inside and even take a little extra time warming up to reassure yourself and help with the anxiety. Also, don't feel pressured to move quickly through the equipment. People can wait their turn and no that there are other equipment options available. Best wishes and again, great job joining! That's a HUGE step towards success!

erinsueburns

Lots of us have gym anxiety. I've been back at the gym for several weeks and it us STILL hard for me to walk in. I just go in with a set plan and sort of have tunnel vision. A lady I work with laughs because I've walked by her on the cardio floor and never even saw her. Besides that, what has really helped me is asking for a spot and asking people who seem to be performing well at exercises I struggle to master for assistance. Everyone has been super nice. And that makes it easier.

here_I_go_again

Thank you everyone! I'm going to try the music route and try to keep my eye on what I am there for. "Eye of the Tiger" sounds like a great tune to start out with. Thank you!!!!!!

jazzygurl81

I've dealt with some "gym bullies" before, so yes, sometimes that self-consciousness that we feel is real, because someone has been a jerk to you in the past. Everything from people who interrupt your workout to give you unsolicited advice (and usually not in a very constructive manner) or make a smart *kitten* comment; people that won't share equipment with others and they clearly see there are others waiting; rude, pushy salesmen that are trying to guilt-trip you into signing up for some expense personal training/gym package, and when you say you can't afford it or you're not interested they say that you just don't want to do it and that's why you're so overweight; and - my favorite - people that use the gym as a social club to hit on everyone there instead of focusing on their health. Yes, these have all happened to me, I could really tell you some awful stories...and in the past I have completely given up working out because of these reasons. I think it's important to acknowledge these fears, but not let it stop you. If you feel uncomfortable, it may be time to do something different. I've had to drag my butt out of my latest rut, and get back in the swing of things.


To help with this situation, I now have a really, caring, supportive great trainer (very little chance of someone coming up to me with any comments when we're working out together), or I join a class (Zumba. belly dance, etc - again, loud music, no comments). I go to the park and walk the trail. I go to the gym early in the morning to avoid the crowds. And I never leave home without my headphones to listen to music or watch the tv screen on the treadmill. Workout DVDs don't do well for me, but I know some ppl that love working out at home with a video or something on youtube. Basically, do things that help you zone out. But overall, try to keep in mind that even if someone is being a jerk to you, at the end of the day you still have a mission to accomplish.

NikkiiiT

Well done for joining in the first place! I have gym anxiety too so I go to one with a women only suite upstairs and try to go in when it's less crowded.

I put my headphones in and focus on whatever TV screen is in the room so that I'm not tempted to look around in case I think people are looking.

I really want to go swimming but i'm not confident for that yet!