I hate gyms and health clubs
Replies
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I have a love/hate relationship with the gym. When I do make it there, I go harder than I do at home (I pay good money for it, why not). But I equally work out at home. I have every DVD and piece of equipment you can think of at home, but I still go to the gym. I'm in my own zone in the gym, rather taking a class or using equipment. I come to workout, not make friends. In and out.
Gyms are not needed to stay fit, so if it is adding stress to your life (which in turn causes weight gain), totally get it out of your mind and do what works for you, STRESS-FREE.0 -
I have everything I need to work out at home but I also go to the gym and workout with my husband which makes it fun and less intimidating and he pushes me harder than any trainer would! We both joined mostly because it was a deal we couldn't pass up ($99 each for the entire year, my running shoes were more than $99!, plus only 5 minutes from our house). Go with a girlfriend or significant other and it makes it so much better in my opinion.0
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Maybe you haven't found the right gym for you. I LOVE my gym. It's small and everyone is very friendly and the trainers are all very helpful. Try to find one that is not a chain... Good luck!0
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Gyms...small rooms densely packed with people, none of them happy and all of them smelly. No thanks! There are plenty of ways to get exercise, many of them a lot of fun and free.
I think you are confusing not happy with concentration. I am very happy when I am at the gym because I know I am doing something great for my body. Just because everyone isn't all bubbly and smiling doesn't mean they don't enjoy being there. It just means they are working their butt off.0 -
That's awesome! We had a survey go out at my office a few years back to decide what to do with some empty office space; a gym, or a crappy room for local fast food joints to bring horrible food. Horrible food won.I love having a gym at my office. We have a running track free weights, many treadmills, elliptical trainers, also a help staff, plus on the upper floor we have a room with DVD player, TV, Sound system wooden floor and now they even have a spinning room brand new bikes that will open in a month cannot wait. All for free!!!! We have a group that meets a 6am right now of about 6 guys who do DVD's we all pitch in to buy them. We have done P90X, Insanity and now doing TapOut-XT...totally loving it....0 -
I HATE the gym. You're not alone! And I think that's why I avoided working out for so long. I thought it was the gym or nothing. I don't care what people say, other people DO watch you! I feel like I can't sweat, grunt, breath heavy, etc. because I know people are mentally laughing! I push SO much harder when people aren't watching. I discovered Beach Body programs and fell in love! Big push, minimal equipment and I could do it all at home! I've done P90X, Insanity, Turbo Fire and Brazil Butt Lift. And I've lost 30lbs and kept it off. Don't feel bad that you dislike the gym! My husband loves it, he hates working out at home. He likes people watching, it fuels him....not me! Everyone is different. Try some good home programs!
Alaythea....you must've been a Planet Fitness member.0 -
I like the gym. It gets me out of the house for a few hours, I meet new people and have a good time. If I were to work out solely at home I just wouldn't do it. I don't have any weights at home and the only thing I would do is videos which frankly get boring after a while. I can mix it up at the gym. Also with gas prices being the way they are when I go out to the gym I also get all my errands done after in one shot so I'm not doing unnecessary driving.0
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I HATE the gym. You're not alone! And I think that's why I avoided working out for so long. I thought it was the gym or nothing. I don't care what people say, other people DO watch you! I feel like I can't sweat, grunt, breath heavy, etc. because I know people are mentally laughing! I push SO much harder when people aren't watching. I discovered Beach Body programs and fell in love! Big push, minimal equipment and I could do it all at home! I've done P90X, Insanity, Turbo Fire and Brazil Butt Lift. And I've lost 30lbs and kept it off. Don't feel bad that you dislike the gym! My husband loves it, he hates working out at home. He likes people watching, it fuels him....not me! Everyone is different. Try some good home programs!
Alaythea....you must've been a Planet Fitness member.
Everyone stares at you at Planet Fitness and they don't allow you to breathe heavy or sweat? Ooooook...... Must have been a different Planet Fitness then I went to.
I think that people tend to imagine that other gym-goers are looking at them more than they really are. In truth, most people care more about their own workout than yours.0 -
There are a lot of other options out there like other people suggested. I would also say look and see what other gym options you have. They aren't one size fits all. I looked at two other gyms before I fell in love with mine. Its a little more $, but it is small and privately owned, so even during peak hours only 1/4 or so of the stuff is being used and might have one girl dressed for the meat market now and then, but that's it.
Classes anywhere, gym or studio or where ever I think I can bea a great experience. I just tried TRX at the gym for the first time and all the regulars offered nothing but support and smiles. That helped me personally push so much harder. Look and see what other gyms you have available and test them out. You might find one that you love. Some places even have women only gyms. Or workout at home, or see what other classes are available. There are so many fun stuff you can try that are so fun. Like trampoline AIRobics and circus classes and wo knows what else, but just go to have fun. Screw everyone else. A good class will keep they too busy working their butt off to even think about some girl on the other side of the room0 -
I HATE the gym. You're not alone! And I think that's why I avoided working out for so long. I thought it was the gym or nothing. I don't care what people say, other people DO watch you! I feel like I can't sweat, grunt, breath heavy, etc. because I know people are mentally laughing! I push SO much harder when people aren't watching. I discovered Beach Body programs and fell in love! Big push, minimal equipment and I could do it all at home! I've done P90X, Insanity, Turbo Fire and Brazil Butt Lift. And I've lost 30lbs and kept it off. Don't feel bad that you dislike the gym! My husband loves it, he hates working out at home. He likes people watching, it fuels him....not me! Everyone is different. Try some good home programs!
Alaythea....you must've been a Planet Fitness member.
Everyone stares at you at Planet Fitness and they don't allow you to breathe heavy or sweat? Ooooook...... Must have been a different Planet Fitness then I went to.
I think that people tend to imagine that other gym-goers are looking at them more than they really are. In truth, most people care more about their own workout than yours.
You are going to get SO many PF haters on this site it's kinda funny. Mostly it's because the free weights are limited (which does annoy my husband because he can't bench as much free weights), they have smith machines, and most of them don't have barbells (which this one I think depends on the owner because I know of PF's that have barbells). Because of all the cardio equipment there that turns off a lot of people along with the *gasp* machines which I personally rarely use. But that's why these other people go to other gyms where they can drop their weights and make faces in the mirror while ripping off their shirts like they're the Hulk. :laugh:
My husband and I go to PF because it's cheap and I get to go as his free guest. He also gets to use any PF in the country for free. The other gym he was going to was $40/month and if I went with him I had to pay the $12 day pass (now mind you my sister is the manager at this gym!). At that time I was going with him maybe 5-6 times a MONTH (I had a fitness center at my work that I used daily) the $12 day pass charge got to be too much. I mean honestly, who goes to the gym for an entire day?!
Anyway, I love our PF. The people who work there are nice and contrary to what you'll here there ARE super buff guys that work out there. I sweat like a pig, breathe heavy, lift heavy and I have never gotten told to go home or had the "Lunk Alarm" pulled on me. It is a rare occasion when they actually pull the alarm.0 -
Am I alone in not liking gyms and health groups?
I have tried fitness clubs, Salsa, bootcamps, etc. They are all the same. I find gyms really intimidating: loads of complicated machinery; loud repetitive music; the feeling that people are watching you. Even though my figure is OK I feel like Mrs Blobby as soon as I walk through the door. I know it is completely irrational but I can feel the trainers sneering at me. I do not need to be shouted at like I was a squaddie. They should be there to help and encourage people not to show off to their mates.
When it comes to Salsa, Zumba or any of the dance type groups, I am so uncoordinated that my timing is all wrong. My arms up when everybody else’s are down; I turn left when everybody else turns right.
A friend recommended Bootcamp because the groups are smaller. The instructors were OK but the other girls were an unfriendly clique who clearly resented the male instructor even talking to me.
I hate exercising in front of other people. I am sure that there are loads of people like me out there. I prefer to exercise outdoors but the evenings are getting darker and I feel a bit vulnerable.
What do other gymphobics do?
I do this and I am totally addicted. I can't wait to get to the gym every day --> http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/752246-i-m-afraid-to-try-an-new-weight-lifting-program-now0 -
If you don't like the atmosphere of a gym, work out at home.0
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I hate gyms as well- I just bike, hike, and kayak in the great outdoors and lift weights at home.
This.
I do some resistance bands and dumbbells for strength training indoors and have an elliptical machine for when the weather dictates indoor cardio. Other than that, if I can do it outdoors, I'm doing it.0 -
I'm not a 'Gym Lover' but I do go from time to time. I prefer to workout at home with a great, reputable at home workout series of some sort. My preference is Beachbody programs like Turbojam, Turbofire, P90X, Insanity, Insanity the Asylum, etc because they have been creating at home workouts for the LONGEST and they are pretty solid in leading you in the exercises so you are always focusing on form and getting the best results. Plus they have everything from beginner type workouts to advanced. Do what's best for YOU and then you'll get results. Don't feel bad about not liking the gym. Im not intimidated at all by it but I still don't like to go.0
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Gyms are overrated and ridiculously over-priced.
And if you're uncomfortable in an environment, you're not going to be successful. Period.
I too hate gyms, and I'm a guy. They smell, they're loud, nothing feels comfortable or familiar, and quite frankly, I don't like being surrounded by people when I'm sweating, panting, and tired. Heck I don't even like my wife walking in on me when I'm exercising!
Just don't use it as an excuse to not exercise at all! Looks like you're in London, so you'll have to find resources for cheap/used exercise equipment (we have a rowing machine, a treadmill, and a strengh-training bench - all free!!!) and exercise in the comfort of your own home.
And NEVER let people tell you to "get over it" or to change who you are or do things you don't want to do.0 -
I don't care what people think of me or if they are looking. I don't care about the PT either. When I go to the gym my goal is to do my routine as efficiently as I can. Yeah, I notice people looking at me and I will admit it bothered me a tiny bit at the beginning but I got over it really fast.
If you are confident you should not care what others thing. You are there to workout and not to make friends friends or socialized.0 -
Gyms...small rooms densely packed with people, none of them happy and all of them smelly. No thanks! There are plenty of ways to get exercise, many of them a lot of fun and free.
Densely packed small rooms, WTH to do you go?0 -
Gyms are overrated and ridiculously over-priced.
Yep, the 10 bucks a month is hard to scrape together.0 -
Gyms...small rooms densely packed with people, none of them happy and all of them smelly. No thanks! There are plenty of ways to get exercise, many of them a lot of fun and free.
Densely packed small rooms, WTH to do you go?
Clearly you've never been to a gym in Manhattan
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Gyms...small rooms densely packed with people, none of them happy and all of them smelly. No thanks! There are plenty of ways to get exercise, many of them a lot of fun and free.
Densely packed small rooms, WTH to do you go?
Clearly you've never been to a gym in Manhattan
Thank god?0 -
Am I alone in not liking gyms and health groups?
I have tried fitness clubs, Salsa, bootcamps, etc. They are all the same. I find gyms really intimidating: loads of complicated machinery; loud repetitive music; the feeling that people are watching you. Even though my figure is OK I feel like Mrs Blobby as soon as I walk through the door. I know it is completely irrational but I can feel the trainers sneering at me. I do not need to be shouted at like I was a squaddie. They should be there to help and encourage people not to show off to their mates.
When it comes to Salsa, Zumba or any of the dance type groups, I am so uncoordinated that my timing is all wrong. My arms up when everybody else’s are down; I turn left when everybody else turns right.
A friend recommended Bootcamp because the groups are smaller. The instructors were OK but the other girls were an unfriendly clique who clearly resented the male instructor even talking to me.
I hate exercising in front of other people. I am sure that there are loads of people like me out there. I prefer to exercise outdoors but the evenings are getting darker and I feel a bit vulnerable.
What do other gymphobics do?
I do both workout at home and in the gym.
I prefer at home for convenience but sometimes I can lack the necessary motivation to get myself going. I have a few gym partners, to ensure on those rainy days I have someone to kick my *kitten* into gear and ensure I don't make excuses.
I swap between strength training and cardio mostly squash and have as many partners as possible. Having different partners for different activities adds extra motivation and fun. I'm not a million miles from you so i know there's at least three gyms locally.
I acknowledge you dislike gyms but if you haven't tried a gym partner, give it a go and see if it helps. Just because it works for me doesn't mean it'll work for you but it's definitely worth a try if you haven't tried a gym partner already. In any case good luck with whatever approach you take, truth be told it doesn't matter where you exercise just as long as you do
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I absolutely love love love my boot camp. The workouts, the instructor, the small group, the variety... literally everything about it.
I was worried about starting and being intimidated, but I haven't been. Everyone has been really welcoming and it's a very supportive group. There are some super fit people, some newbies like me and some that are somewhere in between. The workouts are SO HARD, even for those who have been going for a long time, but we all definitely have a camraderie an support each other in getting through that one last set of bleepin' burpees.
Obviously, it's totally going to depend on the group and the instructor. I'd recommend trying some different ones to see if you can find one that works for you. Most around here seem to offer a free session to test it out.
The gym I go to, eh, don't love it like boot camp, but it's fine. I just go and do my thing and leave. I really couldn't care less what anyone thinks of me there. If they think the best use of their time at the gym is judging other people, that's their loss. I'm getting fit for me, not them. I really don't concern myself with what petty, shallow people think of me.
Also, generally speaking, people are not paying nearly as much attention to any of us as it may feel like
The feeling like people are staring or making fun is usually a product of our own insecurities. 0 -
If you don't like it and don't want to go, then don't. Simple as that. Millions of people will never step foot inside a gym.
But, don't think of all of them as being too loud, or unsupportive, or smelly, or whatever. Not all of them are. I walked into my gym this past June at 370lbs. No muscle. No self esteem. I was miserable and full of health issues. The most incredible man did my orientation. He led me through a workout that left me energized and, more importantly, full of hope. The people at my gym are awesome. After a session with my trainer, it's not uncommon for one or two people to come up to me and tell me how well I did. There is a little old man there who gives me a hug every time he sees me and tells me how proud he is of me. Two people are constantly cleaning. There are wall dispensers of hand sanitizer all over. Trainers are walking around ready to give you a hand if you look lost on a machine. No one is intimidating. I love my gym.
The funny part is that I was at this same gym 2 years ago and it was quite the opposite of this [except for the cleaners and the hand sanitizer]. I wasn't comfortable there at all. I'm starting to think it was MY attitude that made my gym, the very same one I go to now, a place I wasn't happy at. Maybe it's your attitude as well?
It doesn't really matter though. There are loads of workout videos you can do, and equipment you can buy, so you can work out in your own home. And walking in the park is always free.
Good luck with whatever you do! 0
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