Low self esteem is deterring my progress

i don't have this problem, really. but if it were me, and i had the ability to go to the gym at any time, i would probably choose a time when it was less crowded. that way you might not feel the pressure of people looking at you. that way you could take a little more time with all the machines, and become proficient at them to the point where you are comfortable. that comfort level, would probably make you more confident and able to work out whenever you wanted.

the point is, there is something that needs to happen where you can tune everyone else out and just workout for you. if it takes some "practice" sessions in the off hours, then that's okay. remember, most people at the gym didn't arrive already in shape.

I'm an early riser; therefore, I tend to go first thing in the morning. I've been doing this for years and I've found that the ones that goes first thing are the truly dedicated and are working towards a goal and they don't 'judge'. I generally roll out of bed and change into work out clothes and go - and I look like a 'hot mess'. I've made some work out friends in the morning so that also motivates me to get out the door. Hope this helps.

You just gotta go in there and do it. If going early in the morning doesn't work for your schedule anyways. But seriously, act like you belong there (because you do!) and no one will bat an eyelash. Sure, they might glance up because you're new, but that's it. Pop in some music that gets you pumped, get in, do your thing, and get out. Soon enough you'll forget anyone else is in there with you. Good luck

Chances are slim you'll be mocked.

If anything, when you start showing up over time, you'll be respected.

I'm a fat swimmer, so as far as body, there ain't no hidin'. Most of the people who are in the pool when I am are these sleek dolphin types and triathletes.

No-one gives me a hard time. One of the cool things about early morning exercise is that showing up regularly tends to get respect, even if you aren't a superstar athlete.

All you can do is just get in there and act like you own it. Go with a plan and stick with it. I was really intimidated by the weight room at first and I would only use it on "off" hours for the longest time. Once I got comfortable and knew my routine it got so much easier to just walk in there and do my work. You belong in there just as much as all the hard bodies. Lifting weights has been the biggest boost to my self esteem, I think it's a step in the right direction to build confidence, so go get it girl!!

I say this as someone who has felt and still feels the same way as you...

Honestly, you just have to get over yourself and your insecurities because these feelings won't change in a short period of time.

Psych yourself up and have fun at the gym. Having great music helps a lot.

I was in your shoes when I first joined the gym. Was so leary of going into the weight section. For the first while, I went at times when it wasn't too crowded, and I got a few sessions with a trainer to give me some insights on how to use some of the machines.

I have to admit, i'm still a bit self-conscious at times, when there are all these fit, athletic people there working out, and i'm there with my mom-tummy. I just tell myself that if I don't do it and just do the workout I need to do, then i'm going to stay looking like I do now (which I hate).

Thanks yoovie

I know how this feels but luckily my brother was in the army and he has a bunch of weight lifting stuff. As everyone also said, you could try sucking it up and just do what needs to be done but I really understand how hard it is so you can try my suggestion below.

You can try saving up and have your own mini gym at home. If you're into lifting, the materials doesn't cost that much unless you wanted to use treadmills or something for cardio then you really have to go to a gym. Advantages are you can exercise to your hearts content anytime and feel free to lift without being judged. Disadvantages are well the equipment isn't that good but as long as your muscles are working it makes little difference which type of equipment you use.

Tips in lifting
1. Get a good plan and exercise all of the muscle groups. A good plan consists of training different muscle groups everyday so they could have their rest day while you're training other muscle groups.
2. Form, this is the most important part in lifting. Poor form not only leads to accidents but it also doesn't help you in exercising your targeted muscles at all. Example would be wildly doing the bicep curl with the use of your entire body in like a swinging motion just to get it up and only to immediately drop it. (you can check this as an example of a good form https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykJmrZ5v0Oo)
3. Push yourself, this can be the hardest part but it's very rewarding once you're done and you can feel your muscles burning after your workout and during the next 1-2 days but you have to see a doctor if that pain lasts a week because you've likely injured it seriously.
4. Protein! This is an integral part of muscle building, without it you're basically just wasting your time because muscles can't repair and improve themselves without this guy.

Up until a month ago, I was in the weight room... and it's a good place to be. Choose a routine like Stronglifts 5x5. Research the 5 moves so you know what you're doing when you get into the gym... and choose a time that will make it so you don't have to compete as much for the equipment. then go to it.
It doesn't take a long time to be in the weight-room if you know your program and the equipment are available.

I found that early mornings was less competition for the power Rack. Yes - you can develop enough that you can use an olympic bar and real weights. You can do squats, deadlifts, bent-over rows, overhead presses ... and 30-45 minutes can get you through this workout. You'll feel good! You'll feel strong! You'll feel invincible.

People sharing the area really are focused on their own routine. Just go and do it. practice good form. do your sets. You'll love it.

If I could kickstart myself to get out of bed early (now that it's so cold, it's definitely more difficult than before) - I'd be there again. I expect that once the winter solstice occurs and we get longer days again - I'll have more inclination to be back and lifting - so I may see you there.