I hate gyms and health clubs

Firstly, your smokin' hot, so when people look at you in the gym, they are checking you out.

As for running outside in the dark, I can well understand. RUn in the morning if you can. Or do some HIIT training at home(you don;t need any space for it)

Also, fitness DVD's would be a good idea.

And as for the gym, I see all shapes, sizes and levels and always think, fairplay, better to be here than at home

The gym environment is not for everyone. Maybe working out at home is a better option for you!!!

^^This from an amazing person!

I, too, hate gyms. The flickery flourescent lights, loud sounds (It only takes one other person there clanking something to be too loud for me- then add the annoying background music some use), the thick air, etc. Gyms are just a huge sensory overload for me. THEN there is the "people' aspect. Not too fond of 'random people' either.

I just started a book/workout program about using bodyweight, written my a guy that trained marines and Sec Ops people- or something like that. And we have a small weight bench (my sons')- as soon as we get it set up I will add some small lifting once a week. Not sure the results, but the book/author seems good- so "tiime will tell"- It can't hurt to try, I figure- and if after the 10 weeks, I am not fully satisfied, I can change things up.

(You Are Your Own Gym, by Mark Lauren)

I haven't been to a gym in over 2 years. I do all of my workouts at home or outside.

I don't know how I feel about gyms because I've never belonged to one. And I've never been obese. In fact, I was never even overweight until after age 40 and then only occasionally. I've always gotten my exercise at home or outside because when I was younger I didn't have the money for a gym, and by the time I did have the money I didn't see the point. Walk, run, hike, backpack, bike, swim, play, sports, calisthenics, jump rope, DVDs, home exercise equipment, TV exercise shows. I've done all of those and more over the years to keep fit.

Why would I want to pay to go inside a sweaty germ filled building and do what I can do for free outside?

Specific DVD for home exercise: Leslie Sansone's series..... Walking..... ( various levels )..... You can add upper arms for more cardio ..... but effective...... Another DVD is Dance Yourself Thin.. with Marie Forleo.... Prevention Fitness Systems. Get a good tv with dvd.... a mat , so you don't wear out the carpet... and away you go... You will perspire... feel better...... It;s less expensive, and if you live in the Midwest or colder climate in winter.... it's safer. Best wishes.

I understand where you are coming from. The gym can be quite intimidating at first especially when we are not comfortable with the current state of our bodies.

However, I firmly believe that people in the gym are there to workout and not to judge or watch other people. When I am working out with my trainer or on my own I am so focused on what I am doing that I rarely, if at all notice what is going on around me. I am more focused on what I am doing and seeing my own gut in the mirror.

Also, if you are really uncomfortable then you can try working with a personal trainer. I think that will help keep you focused on your own workout and not pay attention to what others are doing.

However, if you are seriously wanting to workout at home there are plenty of programs to help you. P90x, Insanity, etc. are all good workout programs and many people have success with them.

Best of luck meeting your goals. I wish you the very best!

Check out Jayme Bales' page (SPNluver83). She has never joined a gym, does all of her working out at home, and has had an AMAZING transformation. She's on here and facebook. I admire her from afar!

I agree with the post about it not being the gym. You seem like you are socially awkward, at least around people in the fitness area. To me this makes you seem very insecure. Tackle your fear and overcome it. I have worked at a couple of gyms and all of the trainers I know are actually pretty compassionate people that make crappy money because they enjoy helping people and love fitness.
My suggestion is to find an experienced workout partner that can show you how to use the equipment. It would only take you about a week to get the hang of it all. Use your lack of knowledge of the equipment to make new workout buddies or at least to work on your social anxiety.
I don’t know how the gyms are in your area, but I’m suddenly thankful for mine. Most people seem to be just doing their own thing, and often times people know each other because they are regulars and they shoot the breeze between sets and are smiling and having a good time. Making a friend or two can change your entire gym experience.
As for the group you mentioned, well, I do sympathize with you on how cliquish some groups can be, but that doesn’t mean ALL groups are like that. Don’t give up! Once you find some like-minded friendly people to be active with, it really takes it to another level!

I also hate gyms, the waiting....constant waiting for equipment.
I said screw it and bought a treadmill and a bike. I will probably never
go back to the gym, rather be outside or on my treadmill where noone
is standing in line waiting for me to get off.