Feel so insecure at the gym

it's pretty much all in your head. i know, because i was the same way.

remind yourself that all the guys there started where you are now.

remind yourself that they are their because they are still working on themselves.

remind yourself that their work out is not your work out, and vice versa. concentrate on yourself.

and if you really have a problem with it, go really early. thats what i did. at 530am, there is no one at my gym.

This! There are times you can go (sunday morning for example/ Friday night, etc) hat the gym will almost be empty and I love to play around in an empty gym.
But you know, sometimes when I look at someone I am not judging them, I am impressed they are starting. But Im not even worried about what they are doing.
Honestly, I don't think anyone really is thinking anything negative, even if they glance at you, you can nod your head, people are usually nice, they just look serious because they are working out.
Okay and here is something SO RUDE (and I don't mean it that way) I just love this quote, it has gotten me through situations. "Why do you think your so important that everyone in the room is thinking of you/ or looking at you" so I take this statement and use it, I think about it, when I feel someone is looking at me or judging me I think, you know what I bet what I'm doing didn't even cross their mind. I know that statement is harsh but I loved hearing it, it kinda made me think, yeah why do I think everyone is judging me, I am I like that important that everyone needs to know what Im up to. I don't know maybe you will use it, maybe you wont. I didn't mean it to be rude, but you gotta think, Im sure they are more worried about how their workout is effecting their looks happy lifting!

Id say its in your mind. No gym Ive ever been to has people watching and judging. To solve your problem though just to a google or youtube search for dumbell and whatever muscle you want to work, will find a bazlillion videos showing various ways.

If you want to take on the challenge and lift straight away at the gym, that's amazing!

Maybe the company of a friend would help you feel less conspicuous - do have a friend who'd be interested in going with you?

It is also reasonable to start doing work at home until you feel a bit more confident. There are lots of instructional videos on youtube. You could even film yourself, and make the channel private, and invite particular people to give advice on your form. I'm sure many here would be willing to offer constructive, supportive comments.

I think, whatever you need to do to feel comfortable is fine. Getting moving doing something is the main thing. I'm positive that once you get into a groove, you'll feel better about everything, and it will be easier.

Yes it really is just all in your head! I say this because I get paranoid, too, haha I think we all do at times, especially when starting something new. I just started the Strong Lift 5x5 program and it took me days to work up the nerve to go to the free weight section with all the macho dudes (and Im in SoCal, lots of them to be found haha). Once I found the equipment I needed, I just did it, and it wasnt as bad as I thought. It wasnt bad at all, actually. Oh and I found wearing headphones helps for some reason, helps you to focus on yourself and not what others are thinking....

I 100% relate to what you're saying. Props to you for trying. My first day at the gym on machines, I literally got so uncomfortable that I sat by the entryway and waited until my gym buddy was able to leave. The next time I built up the courage to go, I fell on the treadmill about 3 minutes into my workout. So embarrassing! But honestly, whatever. It definitely can be an intimidating environment but everyone has to start somewhere. Those guys didn't start off lifting trucks. You & I have every right to be there as much as the next person. I recommend listening to some good music and just focus on yourself and try not to look at everyone else there. The gym is about you and it's a place to improve yourself. If you have a smartphone you should check out the Jefit app, BTW. It's free and has a ton of dumbbell exercises with little animations on how to do them. It definitely comes in handy if you're just starting out and not sure what to do. Good luck!

dude, go make some friends with those guys you see lifting ask for some advice from them i am sure those guys would help you out and then you won't feel like a fool cause they all now know you are new to it and need help they will help you and give you some tips then before you know it you will be doing some Presses to make those girls take off their dresses lol jk man just go have a good time man bodybuilding should enhance your life not take away from it. good luck man. don't give up or let anyone or anything stop you from your goals

If you have the money I would hire a personal trainer just for a week to teach you the basics. Everyone has to start somewhere and believe me everyone is clueless when they first start. Don't let your insecurities stop you from reaching your goals. Be a alpha son!!

I was at the gym today and tried to watch them for a while. All I saw was a room full of men doing bicep curls, and a few guys my own age who were mostly talking and joking around.

You are basically at a gym full of idiots who think they know what they are doing. For a start, weight does not matter. I can guarantee most of them will have awful form in their exercises for a start. Secondly, if they all just sit doing bicep curls you can tell that they are idiots. My local gym is awful and most people I see there go in, do some bicep exercises, do some ab exercises then do some leg extensions and then (usually in groups) pile on weight to see who can curl the most. It is pathetic. Personally I think most built up people who know what they are doing will be happy to help someone who approaches them as they have knowledge to share, whereas the meat head macho's only know how to bicep curl, avoid them, they have no idea what they are doing. A home gym is a good idea, I've spent quite a lot of my money from work on gym equipment but it has been worth it. From when I started my form on every exercise is so much better, the weight has went up to semi-respectable weights on most exercises and me and my friend now have people wanting to train with us as we have much more knowledge than before. We are planning on going to a decent commercial gym soon as we have the time. The one thing I personally am nervous to do is squats as we can't do them at the home gym which is a major set back, but for the most part home gyms are really good, especially for beginners, just don't go for dangerous PR's without a spot (e.g shoulder press, bench press, squats)

Most people feel like they are being stared at or judged while at the gym, but most likely there are few, if any, people who are actually watching you at all.

this, mostly. when i see newer members or those that aren't lifting that much i'm usually thinking "good for them...yayyy" or something like that

i've seen men benching/squatting the bar only and i have never had any kind of negative thought. maybe they're new, doing physical therapy, rehab, etc i do not know their story so why judge

i do look at people lifting in between my own sets but it's mostly just looking at people because they're there to look at (and checking out cute guys of course LOL)

so please get in there and do your thing OP