Gym anxiety

r0ck3rgirl
r0ck3rgirl Posts: 67 Member
in Motivation and Support
I know I shouldn't care but I'm embarrassed at the gym. I'm big and I have mobility issues and I feel like people are thinking I don't belong there. That they're laughing at the fat girl who can barely walk trying to work out. I need the equipment. Not just for weightloss but because I need the strength training to help me improve mobility. Even when I make myself go despite the anxiety I don't work out as hard as I probably could because I feel like people are kidding me for struggling. Can anyone else relate?

Replies

  • IHaveMyActTogether
    IHaveMyActTogether Posts: 945 Member
    r0ck3rgirl wrote: »
    I know I shouldn't care but I'm embarrassed at the gym. I'm big and I have mobility issues and I feel like people are thinking I don't belong there. That they're laughing at the fat girl who can barely walk trying to work out. I need the equipment. Not just for weightloss but because I need the strength training to help me improve mobility. Even when I make myself go despite the anxiety I don't work out as hard as I probably could because I feel like people are kidding me for struggling. Can anyone else relate?

    Go to a Planet Fitness. They cater to people afraid of going to the gym, or are self conscious about other people who are fitter than they are.

    There are fat people that go to the gym I go to. I think "good for them." You are at the gym. What else is anyone expecting of you?
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    I've been in and out of gyms for a good chunk of my life...in my experience, while there are certainly fit people there, the vast majority of patrons are trying to get fit and are overweight and trying to lose weight.

    At any rate, when I'm at the gym I am there to get my work in...I'm not people watching.
  • snowflake954
    snowflake954 Posts: 8,399 Member
    r0ck3rgirl wrote: »
    It doesn't help that I use a Walker to get from machine to machine right now and people stare. I assume because I look too young for a walker.

    That's true and to be expected. People are curious. You'll find that when the novelty wears off, you'll be just one of the crowd.
  • Heidijens123
    Heidijens123 Posts: 289 Member
    kami3006 wrote: »
    r0ck3rgirl wrote: »
    It doesn't help that I use a Walker to get from machine to machine right now and people stare. I assume because I look too young for a walker.

    Doubt they're staring, just noticing you. Frankly, they're probably impressed that you're working out while in need of a walker. I would be thinking "now there's dedication."

    This is what I would be thinking too! People will be inspired by you.
  • HarveysBud
    HarveysBud Posts: 421 Member
    Nikki_Lee12 wrote: »
    What I have learned is people at the gym are way to self absorbed to be looking/interested in what you are doing! They will be much more focused on themselves.
    Just remember everyone is just there trying to be a better version of themselves no matter what that looks like :)

    Good Luck!

    Perfectly said!
  • r0ck3rgirl
    r0ck3rgirl Posts: 67 Member
    I'll go take a look around planet fitness. I think my physical therapist said they have a pool too which would be super helpful after it's too cold to get in our pool
  • afence23
    afence23 Posts: 9 Member
    Hey girl, dont worry about going, just go. When Im at the gym and this is everyone I suspect, I have my earbuds in and music blaring. I only find myself looking around when Im doing cardio and am bored out my mind. Not to just look ....because everyone there is there to get in shape.
  • Jrflaw22
    Jrflaw22 Posts: 17 Member
    Nobody cares. Everyone has their ears covered with their Bose noise reduction headphones looking at themselves in the mirror. Go to the gym. Put your work in. Go home. Don't worry about them.
  • DW1Texas
    DW1Texas Posts: 131 Member
    Encourage you to keep at it and do not let others influence what is best for you.

    The only way to improve is to go and continue to be active. So you have to ask yourself what is more important caring what strangers think about you - or your overall health and well being? Choice is always your health.

    Every time I get out of the car to walk in I remind myself that I am not there to impress anyone, I am there for myself and my family. I understand your concerns but you are just as entitled as anyone else to use the gym as a paying customer. It takes a while to make the attitude change but you can do it.

    Go with a friend or get a trainer that can help with accountability and making the visits become routine - its always nice to work out with someone else. More power to you for going - keep up the good work.

    You could also just hang this sign on your walker when you go to the gym.
    i4wudhtwhfuw.jpg
  • mom23mangos
    mom23mangos Posts: 3,069 Member
    kami3006 wrote: »
    r0ck3rgirl wrote: »
    It doesn't help that I use a Walker to get from machine to machine right now and people stare. I assume because I look too young for a walker.

    Doubt they're staring, just noticing you. Frankly, they're probably impressed that you're working out while in need of a walker. I would be thinking "now there's dedication."

    This! ^
    quiksylver296 wrote: »
    5310mw4wtde3.jpg

    And This!! ^^

    At my old gym there were two members that blew me away everyday. An elderly man and woman (not-related). They were there rain or shine. The lady used a walker and would slowly make her way across the gym to the pool every day. The gentleman had a huge smile on his face and a kind word for everyone and walked with a pronounced limp/foot dragging. He still hit the weights hard each day. If people are looking at you, it's because they are inspired by you.
  • Asher_Ethan
    Asher_Ethan Posts: 2,430 Member
    I promise no fit person is thinking that. They're more excited that you're there!
  • Ghostofachance
    Ghostofachance Posts: 305 Member
    I had similar anxieties when I joined a gym. To combat these fears, I started working out first thing in the AM when there are less people at the gym (in addition, there's little competition for the equipment.) I think the biggest thing I had to get over were my own insecurities; if anything, people were extraordinarily nice and supportive when I was at my least fit. I'm still not where I want to be, but I've made some real progress.

    Personally, the people I notice at the gym are the ones who are there on a daily (or near-daily) basis. As others have said, people notice hard work and dedication rather your fitness level. Everyone is on a different point on the fitness spectrum at the gym, the one thing they all have in common is that they are in the process of improving themselves.

    Good luck!
  • hesn92
    hesn92 Posts: 5,966 Member
    edited October 2018
    Ditto what everyone said already. People will look at you when you use a walker, but they aren't judging you. If anything they are probably impressed that you have that much dedication. There was a guy at my gym in a wheel chair. He didn't let that stop him. There are all kinds of people at the gym. Fit people, old, young, out of shape, people with physical disabilities, etc. It's not reserved for just already-fit people.
  • hoppgeorge
    hoppgeorge Posts: 368 Member
    I say ditto to what everyone else has said as well. Go and do your best. Make good things happen for yourself.

    I was, and still am, basically, the biggest guy at the gym when I’m there and it’s not because of muscle. However, I have made it a habit to go and try to be better every day. Building the habit, IMO, is going to overcome almost anything, anxiety, motivation, “I don’t feel good”, you name it.

    I started at 400 lbs and I’m down to almost 300 now. I thought EVERY eye was one me. It was scary. I learned, and you can to, to embrace the suck lol.

    I have all the faith in the world that you can overcome your anxiety and work toward a better future. I applaud you for stepping outside of your comfort zone! More people need to do that! You’re amazing and deserve a long future ahead of you!
  • elisa123gal
    elisa123gal Posts: 4,324 Member
    It has always been so weird going to the gym..when you first start feeling awkward and like you are wearing a clown nose is very common.

    The truth is most everyone who works out respects those who are doing something to improve their health. I cheer on any one who is doing the work it takes to get in shape.

    So, feeling awkward is part of being new to anything or doing something different. But, I don't think you could be in a more supportive environment to achieve you new goals.

    The more you go.. the awkwardness will wear off... do it. you won't regret your decision.
  • HeyEmilio
    HeyEmilio Posts: 64 Member
    The gym is a sanctuary, a place to focus on self. Just put in some earbuds and get at it. Keep up the good work.
  • tirowow12385
    tirowow12385 Posts: 697 Member
    Yeah I can relate, I used to be like that
    a year ago then I realized if anyone needed the gym and belong there, it was the weak out of shape guy, Not the guy who had all the muscles. The one who needs to try his best and hardest is me, so I can be strong and healthy. It makes no sense to be there and only give half of what you can, that's not why you are there. No ifs, ands or buts. Look at the last half of your post, you have valid, reasons to be there. It certainly not because you're there to look cool and muscularly and laugh at the out of shape people who go there. Put in the work.
  • StarBright147
    StarBright147 Posts: 26 Member
    Everybody there had a day 1. We have to start somewhere. Just remember the gym is where we go to get fit. I have gym anxiety too. I was very fit. I had accident and Trumatic experiences and gain a lot of weight. Im back at day 1. It’s hard but keep going. Listening to music or something helps with the anxiety.
  • r0ck3rgirl
    r0ck3rgirl Posts: 67 Member
    You're answers really helped ease my anxiety and I joined planet fitness.

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