Feeling awkw ard at Gym
jen48135
Posts: 13 Member
I joined planet fitness after a lot of consideration. Doing Zumba or Blast Class once a week isn't enough to keep the weight off. I have to go by myself cause I go so late at night. It was awkward; I stuck to the treadmill and did 30 minutes. There was a lot of people there and a lot of fit people. Anyone else feel that way?
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Replies
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I did at first. Once I crank up my tunes and get in the zone nothing else matters. Get focused on your work out. You are there on a mission to get fit. You are the most important person in the joint. Enjoy your work out.0
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Just remember you're all there for the same reason; try not to feel awkward, and just focus on the workouts you went there to do.
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I definitely know how it feels to feel awkward at the gym. All these super-fit people around, people that go to the gym every day, and me thumping along on the treadmill feeling like I'm about to die/or break the treadmill, probably drowning in my own sweat? Definitely been there. It's easy to feel that way, especially if you're coming from a place of mind where you have been made fun of for the way you've looked and feel like people 'are' watching you. Important thing to remember is that everyone feels this way one time or another.
The best advice I can give you is that those people are focused on their workouts and unless you happen to run right in front of them, while on fire, they're probably not even thinking about you. Listen to some music, get a fitness app (like Zombies, Run!) and just go for it! Even if they are looking at you, who cares? You're there for you, not to appease them.
Good luck!
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I joined planet fitness after a lot of consideration. Doing Zumba or Blast Class once a week isn't enough to keep the weight off. I have to go by myself cause I go so late at night. It was awkward; I stuck to the treadmill and did 30 minutes. There was a lot of people there and a lot of fit people. Anyone else feel that way?
So this one time, I was doing squats, and I'm there feeling it, pounding hard. I get to my heavy squats, and we're talking weights that I have a challenge moving. I unrack the weight and let loose a monster fart.
Apparently 300 pounds makes it hard to control certain functions. Some curl bros were surprised, and one guy started laughing. So, with the weight on my shoulders, I squat down, and get kinda stuck, so I grunt out, "Porkchop sandwiches" and the weight starts coming up.
curl bros start laughing again. So I'm feeling froggy, and go for another rep, get into the bottom, rip *kitten* again. So I start pushing upwards, pressing the weight up, get standing and rack it. I turn around, this curl bro is looking at me so I (I'm smiling too.) look at him and say, "time to go jerk off, arms session!"
and I walk off to the bathroom. Where I promptly get a headrush and almost pass out.-1 -
I joined planet fitness after a lot of consideration. Doing Zumba or Blast Class once a week isn't enough to keep the weight off. I have to go by myself cause I go so late at night. It was awkward; I stuck to the treadmill and did 30 minutes. There was a lot of people there and a lot of fit people. Anyone else feel that way?
So this one time, I was doing squats, and I'm there feeling it, pounding hard. I get to my heavy squats, and we're talking weights that I have a challenge moving. I unrack the weight and let loose a monster fart.
Apparently 300 pounds makes it hard to control certain functions. Some curl bros were surprised, and one guy started laughing. So, with the weight on my shoulders, I squat down, and get kinda stuck, so I grunt out, "Porkchop sandwiches" and the weight starts coming up.
curl bros start laughing again. So I'm feeling froggy, and go for another rep, get into the bottom, rip *kitten* again. So I start pushing upwards, pressing the weight up, get standing and rack it. I turn around, this curl bro is looking at me so I (I'm smiling too.) look at him and say, "time to go jerk off, arms session!"
and I walk off to the bathroom. Where I promptly get a headrush and almost pass out.
Did you get that pork chop line from GI Joe?
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yup.-1
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Most people too focused on themselves to care what anyone else is doing. Pay them no mind.0
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I go to planet fitness too! And just focus on yourself while you're there. That's typically what everyone else does. You may run into the occasional little old lady asking help with something LOL....it's happened to me twice. But otherwise people just do their own thing. After you get into a routine everything else just fades away. 0
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I joined planet fitness after a lot of consideration. Doing Zumba or Blast Class once a week isn't enough to keep the weight off. I have to go by myself cause I go so late at night. It was awkward; I stuck to the treadmill and did 30 minutes. There was a lot of people there and a lot of fit people. Anyone else feel that way?
I did at first. I couldn't believe people would be on the elliptical for an hour and not break out in a sweat. And yes, I had a couple of experiences were other members made assumptions about me and treated me in a rude fashion. Let's face it, being "fit" or appearing "healthy" doesn't mean nice/polite.
Not so much anymore. I truly do not care about what anyone else is doing. It simply isn't my business. Furthermore, my gym time is my time. It's my time to go to that zone space and nurture my mind, body and spirit. It's my no fear zone.
Also, don't forget you're gym membership is an investment in you!0 -
Gyms can be weird places! I go most mornings and the general group I'm "with" are really friendly and welcoming, we're always chatting to other people. I currently have my leg in plaster (snapped my achilles tendon in the 1st game of the season!) and the other people in gym can't do enough for me. Moving benches, re-racking weights, getting water, offering to pick me up in the morning. We're a little community and arrange social events too. Not a hint of "bro" about it.
Our general rule we have is that if you turn up, work hard then no-one's going to complain or treat you differently. It's doesn't matter what your standard or what you're doing, do it with focus and commitment and you'll be fine.
When you're starting out your only competition is you. Focus only on what you're doing. Chances are there's someone thinking the same!
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If you keep going daily one day you will be one of those fit people. That is what keeps me going. No one cares who else is in the gym unless it is someone they know. Even the people I run into at the gym that I know, a quick hello is about all that is exchanged. Get in, get it done, log it, and succeed. Remember, this is not some kind of special cult club, you paid your dues to the gym just the same as they did, you have every right to be there and get the body that you want.0
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I joined planet fitness after a lot of consideration. Doing Zumba or Blast Class once a week isn't enough to keep the weight off. I have to go by myself cause I go so late at night. It was awkward; I stuck to the treadmill and did 30 minutes. There was a lot of people there and a lot of fit people. Anyone else feel that way?
1. well done for joining the gym.
2. well done for going.
3. I think you need to go 3x+ a week.
4. We all feel self conscious, but when you get used to it you will worry less and realise nobody is intersted in you as they do their own things.
5. Work out a plan on what you need to do. If you have a plan then you feel more focused and directed. I have a plan written on a piece of paper which I fill in each time with all the weights and settings. I'd be a bit lost without it. Cardio is easy but i also record pace and time. As you record this information you start to see progress. If you cnat figure out a program, then get one of the trainers to assist.
6. Focus on correct form, safety and just finding your way round, then progress
7. Your challenges should push you at the end of a set of reptitions so you are striving to improve. A p[roper workout means you get the benefit.
8. Worry less you are beating all those who never make it off the couch. If you keep it up you will make progress and feel more comfy. When you make progress you will increase in confidence and worry less.-1 -
I joined planet fitness after a lot of consideration. Doing Zumba or Blast Class once a week isn't enough to keep the weight off. I have to go by myself cause I go so late at night. It was awkward; I stuck to the treadmill and did 30 minutes. There was a lot of people there and a lot of fit people. Anyone else feel that way?
Ignore and do your workout.
You are there for you, not them.
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I had that feeling this morning... My trainer wants me to start using the strength training machines on my own and today was the first time (in 2-3 weeks) I had the guts to go in and start messing around with them. I'm at a big 10 school, so that early in the morning, the gym is full of ROTC guys and athletes. Talk about intimidating!!
I know that once I feel like I know what I'm doing, then I'll be able to focus on my workout and it won't matter - even if I feel pathetic doing it in comparison to other people. The first few day when I'm trying to figure out how a new workout is going to flow is tough, but once I figure it out, I can push myself hard and I feel good afterward. Knowing it will get better is the only reason I was able to talk myself into going.
Getting used to going to the gym is like being a tourist in a new city: if you walk around like you know what you're doing (even when you're totally lost), fewer people will mess with you 0 -
CogentLinkie wrote: »Most people too focused on themselves to care what anyone else is doing. Pay them no mind.missiontofitness wrote: »I joined planet fitness after a lot of consideration. Doing Zumba or Blast Class once a week isn't enough to keep the weight off. I have to go by myself cause I go so late at night. It was awkward; I stuck to the treadmill and did 30 minutes. There was a lot of people there and a lot of fit people. Anyone else feel that way?
So this one time, I was doing squats, and I'm there feeling it, pounding hard. I get to my heavy squats, and we're talking weights that I have a challenge moving. I unrack the weight and let loose a monster fart.
Apparently 300 pounds makes it hard to control certain functions. Some curl bros were surprised, and one guy started laughing. So, with the weight on my shoulders, I squat down, and get kinda stuck, so I grunt out, "Porkchop sandwiches" and the weight starts coming up.
curl bros start laughing again. So I'm feeling froggy, and go for another rep, get into the bottom, rip *kitten* again. So I start pushing upwards, pressing the weight up, get standing and rack it. I turn around, this curl bro is looking at me so I (I'm smiling too.) look at him and say, "time to go jerk off, arms session!"
and I walk off to the bathroom. Where I promptly get a headrush and almost pass out.
Did you get that pork chop line from GI Joe?
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Thank you everyone. I will be going back tonight for another 30 min walk on the treadmill.0
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Don't worry about the people people, just worry about yourself......that IS the glory of planet fitness! I am a member there too and love it There's people of all shapes and sizes there......start incorporating some weight training though, and it won't feel as awkward....they are all there for the same purpose......
P,S, try that elliptical! It's a beast! Start slow, with like a 10 minute session first though + cool down.....as it can get rough I never have been a fan of the treadmill.......just could never find my "pace" without the think draggging me off the machine, or me running off the front of it.....lol. 0 -
They probably don't even notice you. The only time I ever paid attention to anyone at the gym was because this one guy was as sweaty as I was and it made me feel better. I'm that nasty, soaking wet person you see.0
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The first couple times I went to a gym I felt a little awkward, too. I soon realized I was being ridiculous. You pay to be there. You belong there. The super fit people you see have just put the time in. They all had a first day too.0
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Congrats on your decision to get fit/exercise. When I first joined the gym I felt as if everyone was looking at me and thinking about how overweight I was. I doubt if you are even registering on their radar. I put my headphones on and zone out. You can do it! Good luck!!! 0
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I've been going to my gym for a couple years now and... hopefully you will always have moments of feeling awkward and out of place. Many of us feel that way when we step outside our comfort zone and place ourself in unfamiliar territory. I used to only do the eliptical, treadmill... cardio stuff. I mean, you get on YOUR machine and you do YOUR thing - no one to "work in" etc. Later, I joined the bootcamp folks and was way out of my element... I've been doing it a year now, love it and can actually help some of the new kids when they join. I then incorporated BodyPump... no clue what I was doing, felt dumb, but stuck with it and now I have "my spot" in the class lol. I have just started (this weekend) working in the free weight section... with the boys (gasp) and talk about feeling awkward and out of place. I had to rerack about a thousand pounds of weights on the squat rack so I could do my little squats with 15 on either end. But I did it... 3X so far this week. I even moved some dudes towel that thought he could just go do other stuff and hold his machine - pretty bold ; ).
My point is, when we challenge ourselves it's scary but so worth it when we get through it and do it. Go do your eliptical tonight - rock on. Then take a deep breath and go do something else that makes you feel "awkward".
You got this.0 -
I've been going to my gym for a couple years now and... hopefully you will always have moments of feeling awkward and out of place. Many of us feel that way when we step outside our comfort zone and place ourself in unfamiliar territory. I used to only do the eliptical, treadmill... cardio stuff. I mean, you get on YOUR machine and you do YOUR thing - no one to "work in" etc. Later, I joined the bootcamp folks and was way out of my element... I've been doing it a year now, love it and can actually help some of the new kids when they join. I then incorporated BodyPump... no clue what I was doing, felt dumb, but stuck with it and now I have "my spot" in the class lol. I have just started (this weekend) working in the free weight section... with the boys (gasp) and talk about feeling awkward and out of place. I had to rerack about a thousand pounds of weights on the squat rack so I could do my little squats with 15 on either end. But I did it... 3X so far this week. I even moved some dudes towel that thought he could just go do other stuff and hold his machine - pretty bold ; ).
My point is, when we challenge ourselves it's scary but so worth it when we get through it and do it. Go do your eliptical tonight - rock on. Then take a deep breath and go do something else that makes you feel "awkward".
You got this.
Great advice, thank you all! I have been spoiled with my zumba class its on a roller rink with the roller rink lights on. no bright lights on you, LOL
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I joined planet fitness after a lot of consideration. Doing Zumba or Blast Class once a week isn't enough to keep the weight off. I have to go by myself cause I go so late at night. It was awkward; I stuck to the treadmill and did 30 minutes. There was a lot of people there and a lot of fit people. Anyone else feel that way?
So this one time, I was doing squats, and I'm there feeling it, pounding hard. I get to my heavy squats, and we're talking weights that I have a challenge moving. I unrack the weight and let loose a monster fart.
Apparently 300 pounds makes it hard to control certain functions. Some curl bros were surprised, and one guy started laughing. So, with the weight on my shoulders, I squat down, and get kinda stuck, so I grunt out, "Porkchop sandwiches" and the weight starts coming up.
curl bros start laughing again. So I'm feeling froggy, and go for another rep, get into the bottom, rip *kitten* again. So I start pushing upwards, pressing the weight up, get standing and rack it. I turn around, this curl bro is looking at me so I (I'm smiling too.) look at him and say, "time to go jerk off, arms session!"
and I walk off to the bathroom. Where I promptly get a headrush and almost pass out.
Thank you for the great story
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just showing, the gym can be an awkward place... don't let it get to ya, we all have the potential to be awkward.
Unlike a bar though, we're not there to hook up or make friends. We're there to put in work. So, work. 0 -
Keep at it and push on OP and soon you'll find yourself feeling awkward when not at the gym.0
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TL; DR
It's Planet Fitness. If any of the fit people bother you, just complain and they will be asked to leave. It's been done before.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/20/too-fit-for-planet-fitness_n_5002658.html0 -
I told my husband, before I started lifting, that I was anxious and he said:
"There will always be someone lifting heavier, someone will be more fit. They didn't get that way by paying attention to other people, they got that way by hard work. No one cares what you're doing, they care about them. That's how you get fit."
So just go, get your thing on, and move on. It feels weird because it's new.0 -
kmorgan221 wrote: »TL; DR
It's Planet Fitness. If any of the fit people bother you, just complain and they will be asked to leave. It's been done before.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/20/too-fit-for-planet-fitness_n_5002658.html
That's hilarious especially after you see her.
I was expecting a competing fitness model or BB. Nope.0 -
trivard676 wrote:The best advice I can give you is that those people are focused on their workouts and unless you happen to run right in front of them, while on fire, they're probably not even thinking about you.
I love that line. Will have to borrow it.
Yep, this. Exactly.Even if they are looking at you, who cares?
You're there for you, not to appease them.
I see people who are more fit, can lift more, run faster or longer, who inspire me,
and I see people who are less fit, lifting tiny amounts, doing very short times slowly on the treadmill, who remind me where I was.
The people I notice & judge are the people being rude or gross.0 -
kaseyr1505 wrote:I told my husband, before I started lifting, that I was anxious and he said:
"There will always be someone lifting heavier, someone will be more fit.
They didn't get that way by paying attention to other people, they got that way by hard work.
No one cares what you're doing, they care about them. That's how you get fit."
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