Too nervous to join a gym

If you have been a member of a gym in the past you already know there is nothing to be afraid of. I guess what it would come down to is addressing whatever is making you feel anxious about joining.

Just remember, no one cares how out of shape a person is at the gym. Everyone there is there for the same thing, to be fit.

One thing you can do, especially if your anxiety is rooted in that ankle injury or the associated weight you've gained since you had that injury, is to remind YOURSELF that it's okay if you aren't where you'd like to be.

For many years, I used to be the guy who was in the gym most nights of the week. Then, I had cancer that pretty much erased all progress I'd made over the preceding 25 years, which was a lot, given that I was in the military. For a long time, I was uncomfortable getting back into the gym because I was not only embarassed about not being as good as those around me, but especially because I wasn't where I used to be before I got sick. I just had to remind myself that there was a reason beyond my control for what happened and that the only way to undo what had been done was to push forward. I don't know how many people may have noticed me, but nobody else ever brought up my performance.

I too felt nervous about going back to the gym after 8 months of an ankle injury (that still wasn't not repaired) and putting on far far more weight than I ever had before.

I was scared as I knew people at the gym but I also knew that if I chose another gym I was less likely to go as this one is on my way to and from work. I made an appointment to see one of the trainers on a sunday afternoon (the very quietest day there) and told him about my injury and that I needed something to get me back into the routine that would only take me 40 minutes to do. he set me a small program telling me to aim for 3 time a week initially with no impact on my ankle.

I bit the bullet but went in the mornings before work (I used to do evenings when I went to the gym previously so thought if I went in the morning less people would be there and certainly less people that would know me) so I would sneek in with my headphones on so no one would interrupt me and I JUST DID IT! and I kept on doing it until I then felt more comfortable in going back to do evenings.

You just got to want it so bad that you don't care what anyone else thinks (believe me I know its hard) I know I look like crap in my workout stuff, I know I look horrendous while I work out and I look like death when ive done it but I now don't care what anyone there thinks about me IM DOING IT AGAIN and it feels so much better not just in my body but in my emotional well being to be doing something.

truth be told I get a lot of comments from people in the gym about how hard I work out and all of them are very positive. so please just pluck up that courage and after the first time it will get easier each time to the point where hopefully like me you don't care about what anyone else thinks.

I had the same anxiety about joining a gym, but I had to remind myself I am there to make a change.
That's something all of those super fit people can't take away from you. At least you are there trying to make a difference for yourself. You can also try finding a Planet Fitness as a good starter gym. It's a gym that caters to the everyday life person. It's not a place for body builders. I feel it's a bit small of a gym, but I really enjoy it, and it's 24 hours!

If you have been a member of a gym in the past you already know there is nothing to be afraid of. I guess what it would come down to is addressing whatever is making you feel anxious about joining.

Just remember, no one cares how out of shape a person is at the gym. Everyone there is there for the same thing, to be fit.

Riigght. I think you are completely out of touch with the gyms I have been in. Absolutely awful experience for some. I don't blame her for being nervous, even when I was much much smaller I was nervous at the gym. Sometimes it helps to have a friend or take a class. But if you can't bring yourself to do it find a trainer that will come to you or find other classes like dance that aren't at the gym to join for fitness.

Sometimes it plain doesn't matter why you are uncomfortable, just go with it and look for alternatives.

A few things: First, you don't have to join a gym to start exercising again. Do some jumping jacks, sit ups, run in place, etc. in your living room or walk around your block, you get the idea! Second, there's no need to be worried about going to the gym. Take your ear buds, do your thing, and you'll be fine. I must admit, the first time I went to my gym I left after about 10 minutes because my stomach was in knots - so nervous! Looking back, I don't know why I was so nervous. Everyone is there for themselves, no one is watching you.

I hope you get the nerve to go, or find something else that works for you. You can do it!

I joined the gym 4 weeks ago and that first week was pure torture for me. I felt out of place and uncomfortable and thought I would throw up every day but I didn't and now just 4 short weeks later, I do my thing and it doesn't bother me. If they are watching me, oh well. I'm there for me, not for them. I am 5'4" and 205 lbs. I see girls my size and even bigger and I just give them an encouraging smile whenever I catch their eye.

My only advice is if joining the gym is what works for you, join and it will get better as time goes on.

Is there a women only gym near you? I used to be a member of one and I loved it. The women are all super nice and most were way more out of shape than me. Even the really fit ones were less intimidating. It may be worth looking into.

i went to the hollywood bally's at 200 pounds and 5' 3", and people stared at me - they really did. heads turned when i walked by, slender model-types watched me as i worked out. luckily for me, after a little initial discomfort with this, i decided i didn't care whether they watched or not.

if you're nervous of joining a gym, buy some dumbells, a bar and a bench with a spotting stand or a rack and work out at home. we have a good quality FID bench wedged in our place, are moving everything in one room to fit our future lat machine and we have a an exercise bike we got for a good price on craigslist. our place is only just over 800 square feet, so it's a bit tight, but it works, and is so convenient.

for that matter, if space is an issue, here's something to consider. i got started with a set of bodylastics resistance bands. you can stack 'em, they come with handles and ankle weights. i've used them at up to 60 pounds resistance (as measured by our spring scale), and i can work every body part with them.

Just do it.