Gym Phobia

I have wasted lots of money over the years on gym memberships that I didn't use. I do have occasional anxiety issues, but never about the gym -- my issues with the gym were solely about motivation.

It sounds dumb, but what changed it for me was listening to a radio program, and they were interviewing some health professional about the many benefits of working out, and I was mostly ignoring it as stuff I already knew. But at some point, she said something about defining yourself as "someone who is healthy -- someone who works out -- just make it part of who you are." I guess I was ready to hear it at that point, and I've been going regularly ever since. (November 2012)

I also started doing Stronglifts, which a) I can't do at home, b) is making a huge difference in how I look, c) starts you off with really light weights, so you at least have a ready answer if anybody asks you about it (nobody notices/talks to me at the gym), d) is really short and simple, and easy to stick to. (Especially if you get the iPhone app!)

I do have some advantages -- a gym close to my work, a subsidized membership though work, a supportive spouse, no huge time pressures/other commitments, and a gym with plenty of equipment, so I rarely have to wait for anything.

For me personally, dealing with my anxiety has mostly been a matter of forcing myself to do things anyway. It's never as bad as I fear it's going to be. Of course, my anxiety is usually about being the centre of attention, which I hate, and that is absolutely not a problem when I go to the gym -- I'm completely nondescript, and I'm usually at the squat rack, which is a lonely place in many gyms.

Best of luck, and I hope this helped!

When I started working out, I had a fear of being ridiculed at the gym. I was 500 pounds, and going to the gym there was all the good looking fit people in there. I had to just face the fact that everyone in there is trying to achieve the same things. Once I started, I was amazed how many people were supportive and motivational in my goals. I no longer care what people think about me in a gym. Mainly because I am there for myself, and no one else.

I'm don't have advice... just empathy... I wrote a post earlier asking for some help.. You are NOT alone.

I too have issues getting to the gym. And i do pay for an expensive membership. But it's so much easier/safer to get on my treadmill at home. It's not about being gross & sweaty looking, it's part lazy-getting-out-my-house and that I don't know what I'm doing unless I'm in a class with someone telling me what to do.

Maybe if find a class you like, you can make your friend go with you that way you have someone relying on you? I'm thinking of getting a trainer just for a couple times so I can 1. have someone relying on me 2. someone to tell me what to do and then I won't be uncomfortable later.

Good luck! I'm know if we just suck it up and start, it will get easier. Just say to yourself that this time it will be THE time you do it.

I was like that. I joined a gym 3 different times, and went a couple of times each. I never did classes. I just did the treadmill or eliptical and felt totally self conscious the whole time.

This time, I went to a new gym and took the time to sit down with a staff member who helped me go over my goals and showed me how to get to where I want to be. She also suggested taking group classes, which I laughed off because I always said I would NEVER EVER set foot in a class! If I was self conscious on a treadmill, imagine a small room full of people!!

Well, one day, that staff member convinced me to take one of her classes, a small spin class with 8 other people. I never looked back after that. Now, I ONLY do classes. They are great because once you get used to it, usually there are regular people who go to each class and you get to know them and realize that no one cares what you are doing, unless they are trying to help you.

I go to an all ladies gym, always have, that definitely helps with MY gym phobia. I tell everyone I know, though, to do CLASSES!

It really feels like your in your own world with headphones. You can't hear anything around you. I get scared to go to the gym a lot too but I take it a step at a time.

I used to be so insecure about working out at the gym and wouldn't go often even though I was paying so much for it. I was certain everyone there would think I was horrible for being fat or laugh at me for trying to workout. One day I got so nervous, I dropped a heavy weight on my foot, but felt so embarrassed that I kept working out as if nothing happened. Turned out to be the best thing because in the locker room when I discovered how badly I'd hurt myself (it was a bloody mess), these skinny, cute girls who I was sure were laughing at me instead came to my rescue - getting me ice and ibuprofen, helping me clean and bandage my foot. When I returned to the gym, everyone was so happy I was ok and they were all so supportive. Where I thought there was judgement, there was actually friendship and support if I'd only open myself up to it. Most people at the gym are so focused on fixing their own issues that they don't have time to notice, much less judge, anyone else's.

My gym is now my happy place and safe haven when life is just getting me down. I've met so many amazing people there and always try to give back all the support I got when I started. Sometimes I'll see someone who reminds me of my old self and want to go up and tell them my story, but I can also see the fear and insecurity I had and worry I'll offend them or something. I often wonder if that's the way I used to look to other people.

Unless somebody specifically talks to me, I wouldn't notice if the entire Fantastic Four wandered in and started using the machines next to me.

I'm there for me, not anybody else.

I go to the gym and I do know what you mean. There are some ppl that do stare like they've never seen a chunky person working out, but I've learned to ignore them on a good day on a bad mood day I stare at them back and wave. But I do love the classes Zumba and Hip Hop classes are my fav. But always clean the equipment before using it I learned the hard way.

The first time I walked in to take a look around I was very nervous but decided I didn't want to break my neck walking on icy streets so it was my only option. The second time I walked in, just to use the treadmill, I was so nervous I almost went back to the car and headed home. Now, I walk in and LOVE it. No one cares what others are doing and I have found some of the early morning regulars were very helpful in explaining how other equipment works and I appreciated their comments when they noticed I had lost weight.. If you truly can't do it, then work out at home, with the money you don't spend on gym memberships you could spend on additional equipment for your home.

Most other people aren't paying attention to anything others are doing, so there's really no reason to be nervous.

Having said that, I would also work out at home if I had the room. It would just be so much easier not to have to go anywhere to work out. And more sanitary. I don't do gym showers. I wait until I get home anyway.

Just wanted to thank everyone for their responses. As of today, I'm an official member of the local Y and summer classes start in June. I'm anxious, but I have a friend who joined with me so I'm excited to start trying some new workouts and to hopefully conquer my fear with a new love for working out!

That is so good. I am proud of you. Now I just have to get out there myself.