Scared of the gym
Intheseblueeyes
Posts: 17 Member
I wanna start going to the gym, but I'm scared what over people would thing of me going there. Does anyone have tips of how to get over that or what would help. If you could let me know that would be great, also feel free to add me as a friend.
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Other people won't think anything of you unless you don't wipe the machines/benches down or leave weights unracked. Trust me.8
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I agree with Malibu. No ones going to be thinking about you at all! Just go and do your thing!2
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Thank you both0
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Wipe the machines, rerack your weights, remember that the squat rack isn't for curls, and go easy on the selfies.
If you're there to do an honest workout, to the best of your ability, you're going to be fine. It's also just fine to ask employees how to use a machine, or the proper way to do an exercise.
Most everyone there is going to be wrapped up in their own workout, and not paying much attention to anyone else.5 -
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Here's a great read for you, spawned by many other threads exactly like this: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10536013/what-fit-people-are-really-thinking-in-the-gym/p1
Don't let what other people might think (and they're not thinking what you think they're thinking) get in the way of you doing something awesome for yourself.2 -
The people at the gym will think it's cool you're trying to improve yourself. The people not at the gym...it doesn't matter what they think.2
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Also you can't please people 100% of the time so who cares what they think of you. Just walk in with confidence and do your thing!1
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Most of the time, people are not gonna be looking at you nor are they gonna care that much about what you're doing. Most people are concentrated on their own workout so no one is gonna make fun of you. In fact they might say hi and be friendly since you are a newcomer and a novice and they might even give you some pointers. Anyone who makes fun of you or is critical of what you do is a immature clown who probably lifts less than you do
and yes rerack your weights in the proper place and wipe the sweat off the bench or machines. 1 -
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I found that having a plan written by a personal trainer really helped me. I knew then exactly what I was doing and did it with confidence. I still haven't ventured down to the weights room but it will happen. Most gyms give you a free session with a trainer when you join. Best of luck.2
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Thank you0
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I'll tell you what works for me.
When I figure it out and actually step foot in a gym......3 -
Maybe this will help. I signed up for adult swimming lessons. I really wanted to know how to swim. I was mortified at showing up in a bathing suit. I worried that my instructor wouldn't take me seriously and that I would feel too self conscious to go. I worried that the other people swimming laps would roll their eyes and wonder who this old woman was flailing about. It turned out great! My instructor is so patient and kind. Everyone I've met at the pool as been encouraging and kind. Take that leap of faith. I'm certain you'll be fine. You'll be so proud of yourself. I hope you give it a try.7
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If you have any social anxiety it maybe best to go in the early morning or during business hours when it's less people.3
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Look at the mom and pop type training places as well if you aren't comfortable with a big box gym. I have one I'm with that less than a 100 bucks a month and the group classes almost never have more than 5 people. As close as you can get to personal training without the cost.2
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Another thing that I'd like to mention is that when I'm at the gym, I am pretty focused on what I'm doing. Generally I'm going to be looking at a window, television, some spot on the wall, or just eyes forward if I'm on a machine, or looking at the mirror with free weights.
About the only time I'm registering what's in front of my eyes is when I'm watching my own form to make sure I'm doing an exercise correctly, because otherwise I might not get the benefit of it, or worse, cause myself injury. All that other time, I'm not really seeing what's in front of my eyes. I'm thinking about my heart rate, whether I can do another set, should I add some weight, when is my next race, am I on target for my goal pace.
It's pretty normal to be in the zone like that. People won't be looking at and judging because they're not even really seeing you. They're inside their own head.3 -
I'm going to disagree with the fact that SOME won't judge you...there has even been some video evidence of folks judging others in the gym.....
The point is one has to start somewhere. You can't stop people from judging its just a fact of life. You can only control what you to do improve you!1 -
Nobody is thinking about you while they're working out
UNLESS you're that one d-bag that leaves machines sweaty. We hate him.2 -
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leanjogreen18 wrote: »I'm going to disagree with the fact that SOME won't judge you...there has even been some video evidence of folks judging others in the gym.....
The point is one has to start somewhere. You can't stop people from judging its just a fact of life. You can only control what you to do improve you!
There are a few people I judge in the gym.
People who don't wipe the machines.
People who don't rack their weights.
People who do curls in the squat rack.
People who camp on a machine to take selfies.
People who let little kids run around in the exercise areas.
That's the whole list.5 -
I like smaller local gyms. Many cater to specific clientele (young, older, men, women,...), which can be nice.
If you're new to weights, get instruction.
Have a great time!1 -
As the others have said, you'll be fine. If you find the rare breed that does do something in an attempt to humiliate you, you can always just report them to the front desk. Most gyms are pretty strict about not making fun of anyone.2
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I went to the gym yesterday for the first time in a long time at my heaviest with all sorts of horrible scenerios running through my mind I was a nervous wreck for the first five minutes until I realized no one is paying attention to me everyone is too busy absorbed in their own world which helped me relax and get a great workout in.2
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I was terrified too then I realized everyone is looking at themselves. Get out there, do it!1
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Nobody pays attention to me there.1
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When you start at the gym ask the person who is signing you up to show you around, go over rules, etc. It will help you feel more at ease if you walk through with someone else and you'll see first hand that everyone is just minding their own business. Some gyms do a special discount on some personal training sessions for new members and if you can afford it that might help too--especially if they pair you up with someone of similar skill level as then you'll have a gym buddy. Just keep in mind, personal trainers often know ZERO about food and nutrition so don't pay too much attention to that, just let them show you how to use the equipment....If you can't afford that, it's fine too. Strangely enough a lot of times other women come up to me at the gym and ask "how do I use this?" or stuff like that and I don't mind--guess I look approachable or something.2
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Thank you0
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Usually, no one else even pays attention to you. Most people are focused on their own workouts. Just get some wireless headphones, grab a good water bottle (personally, I prefer a sports bottle that i can just squeeze. Caps are a pain when you're working out) and go for it!
I recently joined the Planet Fitness that opened up in my city. I really enjoy it. I see people of all shapes and sizes there.
EDIT: And like others have said, just be sure to wipe the machines and re-rack your weights. Its simple, really.4
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