Here's my Issue, it's pretty lame

I have the same problem. I've tried going at odd hours when there aren't that many people there. I know people aren't there to watch me, but I still have terrible anxiety about it. I'm curious to see what others have to say about this.

I so hate the gyms! So I cannot help you with that! And like you, usually I'm a social person, I love people. I just hate the gym it makes me anxious.
For me, walking or running alone with my ipod, outside, it works.
Or taking a yoga class or any other class: seeing the same few people every week is not as stressfull.

what if you went with a friend you felt comfortable with? or why not try working out at home with dvds?
i kind of think the opposite of you... when there are tons of people at the gym i like it because i feel like i just blend in and nobody is watching me but when it's not crowded i stand out more

I don't have this problem. But I just want you to know that when I'm at the gym I see the other people there and all I think is, " God, these people are awesome!" I bet they are thinking the same thing about you.

Obviously you want to be comfortable while you're working out, and you want to be able to stay focused and motivated, so the fewer distractions you have, the better. Going to a gym may be too overwhelming for you (for now).

First of all, have you thought about investing in some exercise equipment and working out in your own home? Weights and workout videos are readily available and pretty affordable. You can also finance workout equipment such as bikes, treadmills, ellipticals, etc. Over time, you'll be spending the same as you would for a gym membership.

Second of all, if you don't want to work out at home by yourself, you can probably find a personal trainer who works in a smaller, more private environment with fewer people around.

Or, as a few other posters already said, going for walks/runs outside by yourself is great exercise too! Fresh air always makes for a better workout

I'm not a gym person, but it's because I find them soooo boring. When I do go, I try to go with a friend, cause it brings out my competitive nature, and makes me work harder.
I think the ideas of doing workouts on Dvds or running outside are good ideas, otherwise, try bringing a friend. You may find it less overwhelming.
Good luck!

I also get the feeling that everbody is watching me in the gym and it makes me paranoid so i quit my membership, I bot a Gazelle Cross Trainer to use at home, I use the wii fit and I have two exercise dvds. Also I have the dog to walk. Theres no point paying for a membership if you feel uncomfortable, your more likely to have a much better work out if your not worried about other people "watching you" I think it is quite a common problem for people, particularly for me when I go to the gym and to be honest, most people there are fit and not overweight but are there because they enjoy it as part of their lifestyle. Also buying an exercise machine for home etc, annually will probably work out cheaper even though it seems expensive at the time. However, beware of the using it a a clothes rack lol I have did this before but its going to stop lol

put on your music as soon as you check in the door and don't take it off until you are done
or
ask if they have free passes for friends and family and drag someone with you for a while until you get comfortable.
or go up to someone who looks in the same boat as you and say something like....Do you think this class will be too hard for a beginner....(that's what I did and I thought I would never use my $10 month pass at the gym after the first few days) and now I go all the time.
or
get up front in a class you can handle like spinor something, tell the instructor you are new and just focus on him/her and not anyone else around you.
or
go days like Saturdays at 1pm when all the skinny moms are at their kids baseball practices. Today I went then and there was only 7 people in the whole place.
or
see if you can make friends with an older guy, sort of like a father figure with question like "how do yo adjust this bike" Are these stair machines hard on the knees" usually they are pretty ok to approach and have a helping mentality

there is always the high school track, mall walking, walking at local trails...a friend suggested paved over railroad tracks at www.railstotrail.com for walking paths

small classes at you local community center like for yoga or zumba or pilates

I would say the being a social person and having anxiety about going to the gym are totally different. When I used to go to the gym all the time it was not really a social setting, although some people tried to make it that way. I always focused on my workout and didn't pay much attention to anyone else. In fact I often felt bothered when someone tried to make conversation while I was lifting. I know at the beginning I felt self conscious about how I looked because I was wearing tight fitting workout wear. Now that I am older, I don't really care what anyone else thinks about how I look.