Terrified of working out in front of others

I listen to music on my iPod. It shuts everyone else out and lets me focus on what I am doing.

Also you need to remember that everyone else there is as conscious of how they look as you. Which is why they are there to look better. Just ignore them. Focus on you and your workout

Actually, one more thing I forgot about. Around 4 weeks ago I DID notice someone, it was a young guy, about early 20's working with a personal trainer, he clearly had problems with his legs and had crutches. The only thing I though was "so here am I moaning internally about my treadmill run, and that guys just getting on with it...get over yourself". The most inspiring people I've seen at gyms are people like that, buff men and women are great don't get me wrong, but I really admire commitment like that more.

Turn it on its head. Would you look at someone overweight and working hard on a treadmill, and think "Wow they look hilarious/hideous?" Or would you think they were awesome for getting healthy? Or (more likely) would you glance at them and then not think about them for the rest of the day?

If you're only willing to exercise when you're already fit... well, you can see the problem! You're probably not going to stop hating how your body looks overnight, but you can choose right now not to let that irrational feeling hold you back.

However, I'm going to offer a counter opinion here. I think the gym sucks - it's extremely hard to maintain motivation if you're only there to lose weight or work on your body, because it takes so long to see any results. If you don't actually enjoy the exercise you're doing, it will be a temporary thing like a "diet", whose effects will fade when you inevitably lose motivation. Instead, find a physical activity that you enjoy and that you can stick with, and make it a permanent habit, a part of your routine.

Only join a gym if that's the place for your chosen activity. For instance, my gym has excellent squash facilities and that's why I'm a member, but I've never even seen their weight room or cardio equipment!

Of course, some activities leave you even more exposed, but if you can overcome that initial exposed feeling, you soon stop being self-conscious. When I first started running I was amazed how many acquaintances told me they'd seen me out pounding the pavement. Now, though, nobody even mentions it, it's just an accepted part of who I am. The only reason anyone noticed me in the first place was because they recognised me, and when they mentioned it in conversation it was only to express their admiration.

Seriously these people are right. No body cares about you at the gym. Everyone is overly concerned with how they look so they don't notice how anyone else looks. And... even if someone does look? Who gives a sht! Own what ya got! It's not about them it's about you. Get over it and do your thing. Don't let the opinion of others have any power over you!

Although it's true, it's far easier for people to just say "people at the gym aren't looking at you", "people don't care" etc. It's a confidence issue that you need to get over. If I were you I would start doing some home work outs when you have the house to yourself. Or let your family no you are going to do some exercise and do not want to be disturbed. Once you get into the swing of it and get more body confidence you will find that you are able to get out and exercise in pubic.

I bought an elliptical from Kmart and work out at home......partly because I don't like exercising in public and partly because I like to exercise in my PJ's then shower and get ready for the day.

dress in long leggings and a long tshirt. problem solved.
in my classes we are all so busy trying not to pass out no one has time to look at the other
you just need to get on with it. You are not the first person to have fat on you and you wont be the last
good luck

dazedjul1 wrote: »

I've noticed people at the gym tend to respect your effort level, not care about your appearance. Plus if you decide to start lifting, they're almost always happy to give advice. Don't let the fear keep you away, push through it, you're worth it.

This also.

Looking back, I have had a tendency to increase my time at the gym as I get slimmer/fitter, doing most of my exercise from home in the first 6-12 months. I'd say it was less about shame, and more about a desire to use more professional equipment to help my progression once I was somewhat fit. Although maybe there IS some pride getting me out the door too. I like the gym not only for its equipment, but for that feeling of being in a community of people who are focussed on their fitness.

BUT working out at home had big advantages too. At home I wear clothing that I'd never be caught dead in in public, I can strip down to bra and underwear if I'm overheating during cardio, I can be smelly, I can grunt, I can sing along to my music, I can fit my workouts in whenever I want, sometimes breaking them up over the course of the day. Stairs were my go to cardio in early days. I would keep a sheet of paper and tally up each flight over the course of the day. Hand weights were a close second, also scribbled down. Ditto for jumping jacks.

Exercise, IMO, is an important part of the weight loss process, both for the mental and physical aspects. Where there's a will there's a way.

You've got this.