Exercise and anxiety.

Generally, I prefer to go to the gym during low peak times. If you go during off hours there won't be many people there.

I feel you...that's why I prefer to exercise alone. This comes from some of my experience dealing with anxiety with psychologists before.

With the anxiety about the gym, if beating it is important to you I believe the best thing would be exposure in small amounts, and gradually work your way up. You could go in for a few mins, take your bf and try it out to see how it feels. Next time go a little bit longer and so on.
Also could be a good idea to take some music and headphones and or try to focus in mindfully on something particular such as on your workout, your body, sounds around you, your breathing to 10 and starting again at 1 for the duration, or you could sing along in your head to your music that you enjoy...that way u have something to think about other than the negative thoughts or emotions that you might be having. Hope this helps

Alternatively, I usually power walk, run or cycle, and do weights at home too. You don't have to go to a gym to get fit. Could you power walk or jog in your area? an hour brisk walk each morning would burn probably about 500 cals, does for me but of course everybody is different and burn will be different for your weight and pace, terrain etc, just a rough guide anyway.
Perhaps you could do it with your bf too. It's great he has been so supportive of you. Sounds like a keeper. Best of luck

If you don't mind my asking what kind of gym do you belong to? I used to struggle with the same issue and used to only work out at places like Women' Workout World, Curves, etc. I belonged to XSport for a while and, even though I was in good shape, felt very out of place. A gym like your local YMCA should contain a very good mix of people - many seniors and even very obese people trying to get into shape for health reasons. The same people tend to be there everyday and form friendships and often even spend time together outside the gym. Lastly, I think you will find that in general athletes are very supportive, kind people. I think the only person judging you is you.

Good Luck!

A couple of things:

1) Start small and low key, so as not to trigger your anxiety even more. This way, you'll get more comfortable with the gym. After some time (A week? Two? A month?) start to branch out to other equipment.

2) Comfy gym clothes. Black / dark yoga pants (so you don't have to worry about gym shorts riding up) and a comfy t-shirt. If you're there with your boyfriend and not to meet someone, it's ok to be comfortable.

3) A headset that you can plug into a treadmill/elliptical. Alternatively, if you have a device that plays music, bring that. If you're focused on the music or a tv show, it's easier to relax and not get caught up in everything else.

4) Find out if the gym offers any kind of training session to show you how to use the less-than-intuitive equipment, so that you develop good form and don't injure yourself. Some gyms also have file folders that you can keep sheets to track your workout in. Some people use notebooks. This way, you have a visual representation of where you're at. That might help build confidence and reduce anxiety.

Exercise can be awesome for helping folks with anxiety, simply because of all of the wonderful things that it does to the body and the chemicals in the brain.

Have a look at 'I am the woman in the free weights section'. - it's one of the stickies (Sorry I don't know how to post a link on this machine).

Good advice in there for you

I have a diagnosed anxiety and panic disorder-I'm on medication for it but I still have panic attacks, so I know how you feel. Not fun.
I have noticed that working out helps this more than anything I've tried, so it's really in your best interest to go to the gym. It doesn't matter how many times I go, I will always get butterflies pulling into the parking lot. It helps me to remind myself that a. I feel so much less anxious after working out, and b. everyone is in the gym for themselves, not to look at you.

That being said, you have to find a gym that doesn't make you nervous. I used to go to a body building gym and it was terrible. Every time you walked in the door personal trainers attacked you to find out when you'd be booking a session with them (I won't be, you cost $280 an hour) and I had more comments made about my butt TO MY FACE than I could count. For some reason to these guys "your butt looks great" translated into a compliment and NOT sexual harassment. I got so uncomfortable after a year that I just cancelled my membership. So about a month ago I joined the YMCA and it is SO much better. First of all they don't have a serious personal trainer program, so you don't have to worry about being harassed. Also I've noticed that the clients at the Y are a little older, usually with families so you don't have to really worry about being hit on or creeped on.

Maybe you could try the Y, or possibly curves or something that caters to women? I do know that the Rush has women only workout rooms. Just try and remember that the reason people go to the gym is the same reason you are going: to relieve stress and get and stay healthy. Honestly, the only thing I've ever thought at the gym ab another person is "wow they look great" or "wow, good for them for being here".

Best of luck, I understand how daunting trying anything new can be with an anxiety disorder. Also, your bf is a keeper for understanding your problem-I've noticed that's hard to come by with disorders like these.

I also have anxiety, and choose to work out primarily at home, using a variety of dvds and youtube videos. I take advantage of the warm weather and walk outside a lot as well. If you want to push yourself and go to the gym, I would recommend maybe finding a trainer for a couple sessions so you won't be alone, and you then don't have to worry about figuring out what to do or how to do it. When I go to a new gym, the first few times I go, I usually just find a treadmill/bike/rower and do that for a while and scope out the rest of the gym - seeing where/when is usually busy, what other people are doing, who are the friendlier employees if you need to ask questions, etc. It helps me feel a little more comfortable when I'm ready to move off the treadmill. Good luck whatever you choose!

I struggle with anxiety a lot. I'd like to go to a gym but the idea is too daunting. I've only exercised using the Wii in my own home in recent years.

My boyfriend has offered to go with me the first few times so I can feel more comfortable about going alone but I still feel panicked by the idea.

Any tips on how I can exercise comfortably or find a way to go to the gym with confidence?

Go to the gym, put in your ear buds and get on a treadmill or elliptical. Put your blinders on and ignore everything around you. Focus on your movement and what your listening to, and nothing else. And repeat this method until you become comfortable. And then slowly expand your areas.

Best of luck....

I suffer from social anxiety disorder and I know how you feel.. there is NO WAY I would go to a gym, especially alone. I walk at home in my neighborhood and I have free weights at home. If I ever get to the point where I can jog I'm going to do it very late at night or earlier in the morning when it is still dark.

I struggle with anxiety a lot. I'd like to go to a gym but the idea is too daunting.

Ironically, working out is what helps me alleviate my anxiety. Just find what your comfort zone is with going and then slowly build from there. Starting out with the BF sounds good.

I also suffer from anxiety and the first time I went to the gym I sat in the changing room for about 15 minutes trying to get myself together and I nearly went home straight away again!

My advice would be to go when it's not very busy which is what I tend to do, if you're worried about people watching you/judging you then don't!
No-one really pays attention to anyone else, everyone is there for their own workout!

The only way to overcome your anxiety and fear of leaving the house alone is to just do it. You don't want to become an agoraphobic at such a young age.

Start by going for walks in your neighborhood. Take someone with you the first couple times and then go by yourself. Then work your way up to going to the gym. Again, take someone with you the first couple times. When you feel comfortable, go by yourself. Even if you are only there for 10 or 20 minutes. The most important thing is that you STAY no matter how much anxiety you are experiencing. When you flee, you are teaching your body that it is unsafe (fight or flight response) which it is not. Is it uncomfortable? Yes. Is it scary? Yes. Can you do it? Absolutely.

Look into CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). It's basically exposing you to your fears. It has helped me get my life back after suffering from severe generalized anxiety and panic disorder.

The only way to overcome your anxiety and fear of leaving the house alone is to just do it. You don't want to become an agoraphobic at such a young age.

Start by going for walks in your neighborhood. Take someone with you the first couple times and then go by yourself. Then work your way up to going to the gym. Again, take someone with you the first couple times. When you feel comfortable, go by yourself. Even if you are only there for 10 or 20 minutes. The most important thing is that you STAY no matter how much anxiety you are experiencing. When you flee, you are teaching your body that it is unsafe (fight or flight response) which it is not. Is it uncomfortable? Yes. Is it scary? Yes. Can you do it? Absolutely.

Look into CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). It's basically exposing you to your fears. It has helped me get my life back after suffering from severe generalized anxiety and panic disorder.

^this was a terrific post. :drinker:

Look into CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). It's basically exposing you to your fears. It has helped me get my life back after suffering from severe generalized anxiety and panic disorder.

I agree. I've seen doctors for generalized anxiety and taken my teen (as recently as last week). They always recommend CBT. We have a lot of good books of CBT exercises. It's the best treatment I've found.