Joining the gym - how to get over fear?

You just got to do it.

I have anxiety issues and just avoided all eye contact. Some day's I felt like crying but would just never speak to anyone and keep my head down doing my own thing.

Some days I had to spend a few minutes in the gym bathroom stall psyching myself up to go out there and into the weight room.

It eventually got better. Once I became a regular and started recognizing other people the gym became a safe place for me. I never learned anyones name but I knew what they were going to be doing and what machines they would be using.

In the end I loved it and now wish I could go back. Exercising at home alone is harder for me now.

Good luck! I hope you're able to stick with it and like it.

I would suggest to sign up for a training session (some gyms one free or half price for new members) and have the trainer show you how to use the machines, and or how to lift weight properly.

Hey! I recommend starting somewhere you're relatively comfortable. Just commit to 15-20 min light walking on the treadmill to get used to the environment. I think a beginner's biggest downfall is trying to use equipment they aren't familiar with, or having lofty cardiovascular goals. I know I did! Also know that *most* (I know there are some d-bags out there) are at the gym because they, too, want to be heart-healthy!

Take small steps, both literally and figuratively!

I was the same way... i go to the local rec center and was very self concious about myself as i am not a small person, didn't know how to use the equipment etc. staff is very approachable and i used a personal trainer to learn a few more things. i have made friends in the various classes i take and have just got to the point if they don't like what they see they don't have to look. where comfortable clothing and go for it... half the battle is getting there..

I do want to do some weights at some point Fourty6and2 - eventually! I'm hoping the staff will be nice and approachable.

check out stronglifts 5x5 program and make sure to watch lifting videos before you go in so you have some idea of what you're going to be doing. I would definitely suggest having somebody show you how to do the lifts before you start, just to make sure you don't get hurt!

Stronglifts Summary
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/560459-stronglifts-5x5-summary

Stronglifts Womens Group
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/4601-stronglifts-5x5-for-women

I love Stronglifts. I just started it a couple weeks ago. There's a free phone app for it also.

I started about 6 months ago at my local 24 hour gym. Fattest guy there at 321 lbs. No one cares!
People will notice the change and some will comment on it.
I have lost about a pound a week and changed a lot of my body makeup because I am combining weights and cardio and now doing body exercises like planks and pushups (from my knees) and I finish covered in sweat. I go at about 6 a.m., which is a good time because it is after the super-early 5 a.m. folks who are fin and before the "dropped the kids off at school" folks who start coming in as I finish up.

Make the time and go there.

I remembered when I first joined I was 350lbs and was terrified and yes there was times I got a few negative glances but now I am down almost 110lbs and have tons of people that have noticed my weight loss and keep encouraging me to keep pushing along!

In my experience (and mine might be different because I go to a military gym with my hubby), the people who make nasty comments or give you disparaging looks are the ones who have their own self-esteem and confidence issues. Ignore them (not always easy, I know). Everyone else is generally happy to totally ignore you as they huff and puff or help you, if you're staring at the ab machine like it's a horse with two heads. Just remember: you're there for you - not for anyone else.

Not sure if someone already mentioned it... but another option would be to call the gym and ask them what time they are typically the least busy. This might help you to feel more comfortable as there will be less people around. Also this would be a great opportunity to ask the staff for help They want to make sure you are safe so if you don't know how to use a piece of equipment just ask them

The gym I'll be going to is open 7am-10pm so hoping to go at 7am for around 45 minutes a couple or mornings a week, then a couple of evenings for an hour too. I take my dog out in the morning before work, so going to start jogging with her as it'll be good for her too (I have a husky so she'll love it!). Wish there was a 24 hour gym near me!!

Going in the morning is an excellent time. Only serious people go at that time. I find the doofuses come out at night.

Same here. The gym is overcrowded at night, which raises the temps like 10 degrees. Mostly people wanting to socialize. It's annoying. They hog the machines, but they don't really want to use them. At least at my gym.