Self conscious at the gym

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  • rldeclercq4
    rldeclercq4 Posts: 269 Member
    I was there once as well. I learned though, like many others have mentioned, the other people in the gym don’t have time to be looking around judging others. There all just doing their own thing as well. Also, I have been down the road of hiring a trainer to learn the basics but that was years ago and I’m thinking about doing it again, because I do t really know the first thing about weight lifting, I kinda just mimic what I see others do and I would like to learn better form and routine
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  • Chelle8070
    Chelle8070 Posts: 165 Member
    I used to hate the idea of going to the gym and having people watch me. Now I go to the gym and only sometimes consider that other people are watching me.

    I try and remember that most people "started off somewhere". No one woke up fit and perfect.... they ALL have to work towards it. I find that most of the people at the gym either keep to themselves or are encouraging... wayyy less judgy than you might think.

    I specifically love the mirror so I can watch my form. I want to make sure I'm doing my workouts right. I can only do so much by feel alone (like making sure my elbows stay in the right spot with the tricep ropes or curls, etc)

    I hope you find it in you to take a deep breath and going for it. The only actual thing from stopping you, is you <3
  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    I did goblet squats in front of the mirror last night. Made me think of this thread! ;)
  • tirowow12385
    tirowow12385 Posts: 697 Member
    Theres not much that embarrass me when I go to the gym except My bench press warm up on the first set is 65 pounds, so I have two tiny 10 pound weights on a barbell. Lol

    I'm pretty sure alot of people laugh at me and I'm over it, I won't be stopping anytime soon, I love working out and I feel like I'm getting stronger, we'll who has the last laugh.
  • shunggie
    shunggie Posts: 1,036 Member
    edited November 2018
    I'm a PF member and I don't pay any attention to other folks other than to avoid hitting them while walking around. I don't do the free weights because I'm a little intimidated. I use the weight machines and have grown to love it. I understand there are benefits to the free weights but using the machines gives me a comfort level that free weights do not. I do almost every one when I have time. There is one I cannot figure out how to do and I feel really weak and kind of stupid. I have watched others use it (Ok, that is another time I watch folks, when I'm trying to figure out how to do something) but when I try even at the lowest weight I can't get it to move. Either I'm too weak or I'm too short and don't have the settings right - something is off! Tonight is my weights night, this post has inspired me to ask someone to assist me. Or maybe to even set up a Design Your Program with a trainer. I didn't know PF did that!
  • hesn92
    hesn92 Posts: 5,966 Member
    Consider how often you look around at people, watch them and think "they look stupid" ? I'm guessing probably never. No one is going to be thinking that of you. Most people probably aren't paying any attention to anything but themselves. Everyone lifting weights is doing it in front of the mirror, if that's what you're self conscious about. It's normal to watch yourself to make sure your form looks good.
  • jryepin93
    jryepin93 Posts: 73 Member
    I can wholly empathize with you! It took me six months to build up enough confidence to go to the free weights section of my gym. A trick I did was practice the movements at home (weightless) and look at myself in the mirror to make sure my form looked okay. I would practice my whole lift routine at home first and then go to the gym and do it. Having a plan definitely helped boost my confidence when I'm at the gym and helped me focus less on those around me and more on following my plan!
  • mcmurdah123
    mcmurdah123 Posts: 17 Member
    It's your journey, not theirs. I did this yoga class and the instructor said that. She said "Imagine you are in sphere, and that is your space. Anything outside that space does not matter, it is what you are doing for you inside the space that does. This is for you, not for them". I take that with me whenever I go to the gym. I still have a hard time in front of the mirror too, but you know what? I don't know their story and they don't know mine. We are all there to be healthier versions of ourselves. At least that is the pep talk I give myself....so far it has worked!
  • njitaliana
    njitaliana Posts: 812 Member
    I'm old and fat and I've found there are plenty of other old, fat people at the gym. I smile at them and talk to them and it makes me feel like I fit in. I found that doing a session with a trainer was really helpful. I'd love to do regular sessions if I could pay for it.
  • Aaron_K123
    Aaron_K123 Posts: 7,122 Member
    edited November 2018
    Self-confidence is a muscle, you have to exercise it to improve it. Figure out what makes you nervous and then intentionally do that thing repeatedly until you build your confidence to the point it no longer makes you nervous. If you are scared to dance in public, then get some headphones go to the mall and dance to your favorite song in the middle. If you are nervous about lifting weights in public, go lift weights in public. Sure, it is very very hard to do but it will be less hard the more you do it...kind of like lifting weights itself. If you need baby steps then see if you have a friend that would join you, having someone you know with you could help ease you into it.
  • JessAndreia
    JessAndreia Posts: 540 Member
    quiksylver296 wrote: »
    I did goblet squats in front of the mirror last night. Made me think of this thread! ;)

    Me too, and lunges. And the men nearby didn't care; were just doing their thing too.
  • pro31wahine
    pro31wahine Posts: 62 Member
    Hey girl, I totally get what you're feeling.

    First off, get the PF app. Setup your profile with your home gym. Then you'll be able to view the sessions they offer. You can participate in one of the classes or sign up for "design your own program".

    These classes will get you comfortable with the trainers. The design your own program will give you a chance to talk to a trainer a build a program for yourself. As you improve, redesign your program with another session.

    Feel free to message me separately. I'll be glad to help you out.

    Aloha🌴
  • AlyssaP1987
    AlyssaP1987 Posts: 268 Member
    arilukaszewicz1 wrote: »
    Thank you everyone! It’s reassuring to know that most people don’t care what you are doing. I didn’t want to sound self absorbed I am just genuinely unconfident, and I want to change that. You guys def inspired me!

    I think a lot of people feel the same way you do. You didn't sound self asorbed at all. I am also super self conscious at the gym and its holding me back from reaching my potential. You can do this girl. I will try too :)
  • blobby10
    blobby10 Posts: 357 Member
    When I was younger, my mother used to tell me that being self-conscious about people looking at you was actually thinking that you are important enough for other people to notice you. Ok, so it was a very harsh way to say it but now I'm older than she was at the time, I can understand what she meant!

    Trust me, no one else in the free weights area give a damn about what you're doing (unless you are going to get in the way of their workout!).
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