Workout anxiety :/

I can relate. I used to be afraid to go to the gym at my school, but now I've gone more and it's not so bad. Just bring headphones, listen to music or watch TV (if you have them) while you work out to distract yourself. Also, you can go really early or later in the evening when not many people are there. Or you could avoid the gym and go running or walk. Good luck!

I think that most people probably feel self-conscious, so you're not alone. Maybe try going and just do one or two things to start and get a feel for the gym. Sometimes when I go there are young guys lifting and grunting, I just go and do my thing. I have found they are very polite and are more interested in looking at themselves than me. Good luck

Good for you improving your eating:) Remember, you don't have to exercise in the facility at school. You can walk/jog alone or with a buddy (more fun). You can dance at home or do aerobics until you feel a little more comfortable in the gym. YOU CAN DO IT!!!! JUST MOVE. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO BE YOUR FRIEND!!

Debbie

I have found the workout support I need by joining fitness classes. It's nice getting to know the regulars and encouraging one another.

I've never really understood this. I have used a fitness center for years. Nobody that I have ever known or worked out with has ever said anything about anybody else working out. Everybody is into their own routine and spends virtually no time or energy watching, discussing, or criticizing anybody who is in the gym trying to get healthy. Just go, after a few weeks you wont notice anybody else either...

I had the same anxiety when I started out at the gym. I have since moved on from working out in the gym (my schedule doesn't really allow it). Believe me, no one is judging you, if anything people are happy to see you there trying to better yourself. I don't go to the gym anymore, but I do run out in public even though I'm still significantly overweight. It overcame the fear after the first few times I did it. After I did it and didn't feel bad about being out there, it got easier. Go a few times. You'll start feeling better about yourself and you'll be on the road to a better you in no time.

you can try starting with something like this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRScb2l4Z4g

just start walking. walk everywhere you can, for as long as you can. take as many walks a day that you can fit it. You can lose a ton of weight with just watching your diet and moving a little bit more each day. Once you get to where you are comfortable, then go to the gym. I still hate going to the gym alone, so I make my husband go with me or run out side.

I still hate going to the gym alone, so I make my husband go with me or run out side.

For me, running outside was harder than going to the gym. IDK. More people to "judge." Screw them I decided, I'm out here busting my butt while they're sitting on their butts doing nothing... And I had a goal to run a 5 mile race, and that's not going to happen just running inside on the treadmill.

Have you ever considered getting workout DVD's? I have never liked going to the gym, so my workouts are done at home. In the summer, my cardio is mostly riding my bike, but during the winter, I workout exclusively with DVD's. I have a whole library of cardio, weight, yoga, barre workouts so I don't get bored. I even have easier workouts when I either don't have the energy or I'm getting over a chest cold. If your interested, go to www.collagevideo.com or www.totalfitnessdvds.com. They have hundreds to choose from, levels that are beginner to advanced. Hope that helps!

I can relate to you plight. I have pretty severe social anxiety *anyway*, and when I decided to join a gym, I ended up paying big bucks to go to a women's gym thinking that would help, but when I got there I was still tweaking about it. But as others have mentioned, most people there are too self-absorbed to pay attention - and also, once you start working out, and getting those endorphins flowing, your anxiety levels will decrease. I also like to remind myself, if I feel self-conscious, whether its at the gym or out for a walk around the neighborhood that even if people *are* looking, they're watching me do something good, something healthy and positive... and not... well, anything other than that. It makes me feel stronger, more confident just to have that attitude.

Just remember you have tons of support here.

Most people are focused on themselves and in reality really aren't focusing on you anyway. Go & do your own thing..

I felt something similar last month. I joined a taekwondo class on May 9th. I weighed 324 pounds. The largest man there. Everyone else was experienced (blue belts or higher) and fitter (heaviest guy probably hitting 230 in wet clothes). Everyone was so focused in their own training that no one was watching me. That was my fear. That everyone would be looking at me. After class it was noticed that I didn't give up and walk out. I gave it my all and I was so focused on my training after that, that I wouldn't notice now if anyone was watching or not. I've made good friends their now and look forward to my workouts and classes there.....

I think it was worded best in a previous post. Most ppl are so self absorbed that they aren't going to notice anything but what they are doing.

If ppl take notice, let it be because you're trying to do something better for you.

Good luck with your anxiety. I'm sure you'll defeat it before it defeats you.

My success + your success = our success

Thank you op for this post! I get mega bad workout anxiety all the time. Can totally relate! It is so nice to read this thread and know that most people are having the same feelings. "Knowing is half the battle."