Gym anxiety

I used to suffer from terrible social anxiety. To the point where I never left my home for basically 8 years and that is no exaggeration. I didn't answer the phone and I ran and hid in the room whenever people showed up - even if they were family. So I definitely do understand how much anxiety can affect someone's life.

My advice to you however is to the bite the bullet and do it. At the start of this year I weighed 372 lbs and despite all that was going on in my life I knew I needed to confront the gym head on and finally get my life sorted out. I had fears of breaking machines, doing something wrong, people giving me dirty looks and laughing at me. Literally none of that happened. Infact, I was one of the most supported people at the gym. People were encouraged and inspired by me.

Exposure therapy is the only way to confront anxiety and gain control of your life. Yes it is unknown what you will come across and yes you will be surrounded by people who give Ken and Barbie a run for their money. But this isn't about any of them. No one cares about other people when they're at the gym, they are far too involved in themselves. Everyone is watching their own bicep or *kitten* in the mirror.

Is there anyone you could convince to go with you? If not. My suggestion is to go into the gym, put your headphones on and drown the world and your own thinking out. Do this for you bro, you got this!!!

But a school gym will be full of young people my age, possibly very fit, glamorous, and attractive and competent in all things fitness.

Or just people there for the same reason you are which is to do some exercise. They arent interested in you. Maybe go for an induction and you will see they are just normal people.

I'm afraid I will do things wrong

Go for an induction or have a plan of what you will do then you cna follow that. Good prep can give you confidence. You already saud you have used a gym before. You cna get advice on putting a plan together or get a PT to work one out for you.

and be laughed at or simply be conspicuous because of my size and unfitness.

Everyone is there for the same reason, people understand that and empathise with the effort you are making. Trying to get fitter is soemthing you all have in common, some people are just a bit further along the road.

but getting yelled at or told off for maybe doing something wrong is terrifying. And looking sloppy in front of everyone....

This isnt going to happen. If you know what to do before you go there, then that will help, but if not sure then ask. Take small steps though and ease yourself in.

1. Nobody will be looking at you they are interested in themselves.
2. You are there for the same reason.
3. Go for a look around, so you realise its just a normal place.
4. Go at a quiet time when there are fewer people to ease yourself in.
5. Make a simple plan of what you might do and ease yourself in. Maybe start at 15 minutes and then keep adding things as you get more comfortable.
6. If in doubt ask.
7. Maybe go with a friend if needed or use PT (if you can afford it, but not essential) for a few sessions, who can devise a workout .
8. Headphones and music are handy.
9. Some gyms specifically run beginners classes which might make you feel comfier.
10. Anxiety is normal, but if you keep going then it lessens substantially as you find your fears are never likely to happen.

I personally just dont care about other people I just go and do my things. It took me a while to get there but I realized that most people don't care about who's there either so chances are they won't care what you do. And some people are quite nice you'll see, they may offer a tip or 2. When I see someone doing something very wrong I politely ask them if they would like an advcie or tip, some say "thanks i'd rather do it on my own" and that fine other will say yes and it can help them improve form or prevent an injury. But the first time is the hardest, the more you'll go the easier it gets. One way to start is to go when its the least crowded so you get use to the gym and a few people, if you keep the same schedule you'll often see the same people it should help you get past this. In all my years going i've never seen someone openly judge or laugh at someone else, of course they may have an opinion but who cares they will keep it to themselves.

I agree with the lot, I recently confronted my gym fear. One thing I noticed about the glamorous people there though is that they are there before I get there and they leave after I do. At first all I saw were their "perfect" bodies, cute clothes and nice hair, then I noticed how hard they are working and sweating. They are putting in a lot of hard work to keep that amazing body, they have earned it. There is no reason why you can't earn yours too. Most of them, if they even look at you, will probably respect what you are doing because they know its hard work. As far as the pool goes though, that was a big challenge for me also. I kept thinking they will all think I am too fat for life or something horrible once they saw my 300lb body in a swimsuit. It took me an hour in my car to psyche myself up before I could do it. It was very worth it though. Once I get in the water all my anxiety goes away. I think with the fact that you are familiar with your gym at home you should have no problems working the machines at this one. Also maybe as a warm up before working out you can walk a few laps around the gym to get a feel for it. When you want to look at something closer just stop and stretch for a sec.

I wish you the best!!

kae612 wrote: »

Thank you all so much!!! I thought no one would go with me, but I actually spoke with a friend today and she said she wants to check it out to go running. A different area of the gym, but it would be a start! We'd only have a short block of time together, because I have class, but it would make it so much easier.

!!

I'm sure that once you get there you will find that your assumptions are wrong. I live in a college town and the gym I go to has a lot of student members. They are no different than other people there. They are in all shapes and sizes and wear what they are comfortable in.

If you feel uncomfortable with the equipment, it might be a good idea to look into taking a P.E. class next semester. That way you can get instruction on using the different equipment and they will help you develop a routine.

i didn't read all the responses. but just go and poke around. and like any gym, you can probably get a tour.

i find when i know what to expect and the literal lay of the land, my anxiety subsides substantially