How to not be embarrassed at workout classes...?
Midnightmooncosplay
Posts: 13 Member
The title says it all. I am very overweight, and have about 80lbs to lose and a lot of muscle to gain. (what can I say, I want to be slimthicc.)
I just signed up for a free 7 day 24 hour fitness pass, and wrote down what classes i'll be taking for those 7 days. stuff like dance party, barre, booty blast, yoga, etc.
How do I get past that feeling of people judging me. I am really out of shape so I breathe so heavily once I start working out. Idk. I'm just so nervous but I really want to do this. Any advice?
I just signed up for a free 7 day 24 hour fitness pass, and wrote down what classes i'll be taking for those 7 days. stuff like dance party, barre, booty blast, yoga, etc.
How do I get past that feeling of people judging me. I am really out of shape so I breathe so heavily once I start working out. Idk. I'm just so nervous but I really want to do this. Any advice?
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Replies
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I've attended lots of gyms. I have NEVER looked down on or judged someone who was there to do something about their health.
In my mind, I am rooting them on! Go, you!!!19 -
my first (and last but wasnt really because i was emberassed so much as im a loner lol) workout class at the gym i made a complete *kitten* out of myself it was probably hilarious was like alot of bouncing on a step and i just....couldnt even. LOL. Thing is even as a loner i didnt feel emberassed or less than the others. Thats a class im more thn welcome at, Without customers the instructor have no job right. No one was looking at me like the dumbass i was, People were there to do their stuff. 2 people even tried to help me out, Probably could have made friends pretty easily if i cared to.
I was simply proud i went.
Hold onto the pride in life sometimes its limited. But everyone is there for their workout same as you, Everyone starts somewhere. Hold in your mind the pride youll feel in no time not being the new girl.
Side note i think me being completely confused and uncordinated made that class beter honestly. Sounds weird, But its actully good for my self esteem to look back on and feel proud about something i did so terribly.5 -
You can do it! I've been on both sides of the aisle and I can guarantee you that no one is paying attention to you (with the exception of the instructor). I'm so focused on not dying during a fitness class.
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ima add in this other story just cause...not related to classes so much as gyms in general.
Back before i began my loss (110 pounds down total) i was a fat little girl (5ft 3 235 pounds) and i decided to finally suck it up and go in the weight room. Surrounded by muscle men. VERY intimidating. I told myself baby steps, I had to do it i wanted to try it so i just had to go. So i did. I sat down on a weight mchine and next thing i know i couldnt breath. They had to call an ambulance and all i remember before i passed out was all the sexy muscle guys standing over fat little me on the floor not breathing just by sitting on a weight machine and barely begining. Thankfully i passed out. I had an allergic reaction to something on the machine i imagine some cologne or a cleaner. Took me nearly 2 years to go back to the gym, And that lead to me going to the class i spoke of above. Needless to say i have a few gym horror stories LOL.
If i can go back after that you can go to. I spoke to one of the guys around a year later in public he came up to me. He remembered me -cringe- as the chick who passed out at the gym. he said he was glad i was okay and everyone had been so worried about me. I guess they still spoke about me they were friends -cringeeee- But in my mind i was the fat girl who passed out and was mortified, In the big muscle mens minds i was that poor girl they worried was okay. Its 100% mindset, Everyone wishes you the best even if in your mind the world judges you.
And you know what? If they dont wish you the best, They arent worth your time to care.
I hope you do well for yourself
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I agree with everyone so far, gym people is there to improve themselves and will not be focused on your efforts. Also agree that you should be proud of taking the step to experience new ways of moving and hopefully find something you continue to enjoy.
If you are super shy and nervous, I will suggest being in the back of the room of off to a side. Make sure you can see the instructor for directions, but that way you won't feel like people's eyes are on you. Then you can see that everyone around you is focused on the instructor or themselves, and maybe the second time you go you feel more comfortable with your surroundings and take a more central position.
Go get it girl, I hope you find a routine that you love
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i should take my own advice but yea. anyhow.
don't worry about others around you they will be concentrating on working out just as much as you.
im quite slim but have anxieties so when i first joined in the classes at my gym i was worried about looking silly or not keeping up with others. but one day i was recovering from being ill and just couldn't keep up so HAD to stop to catch my breath - while i was resting i see a few others who stopped and lying on the floor, others too occupied to notice what im doing or people doing the same as me and taking a breather. which made me feel less conscious, honestly no one is judging we are all there to achieve fitness.
i have admiration for any one, any size, any background who take the step to looking after their health. good luck you are beautiful too 1 -
I've been in and out of gyms for much of my life. In my experience, there have always been far more people who are out of shape trying to get into shape than super fit people.1
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Every body has a first time. I remember going to a Salsacise class and feeling like a complete idiot because it was quite fast and had complicated steps. I stayed at the back and spent the class tripping over my feet. But no one cared that I was getting it all wrong.They were all really nice.
I felt like not going back because I didn't think I would ever be able to keep up. But I did and after four classes I could keep up and after six I was at the front and there were new people at the back getting it wrong and falling over their feet.
I made a point of having a chat with them and trying to make them feel welcome. Because that is what the others did for me when I first started.
We all have to start somewhere. We all take a bit of time to learn the ropes. So go to your classes, enjoy them and try not to worry about what anyone else might be thinking. Honestly they probably aren't thinking anything, they will be used to new people.5 -
No one cares....
No, really, no one cares...5 -
I've been in that situation and it is really daunting but once you get going you forget about everyone around you as you're concentrating on the instructor, and so is everyone else. They really won't notice you're there, these classes are usually very friendly as everyone at some point has been the newbie at the back.
Go for it and have fun!0 -
If possible, let the instructor know that you’re a beginner. In yoga, the instructor can provide props (or bring a block and strap in case your gym doesn’t have these) and modifications. Everyone is busy focusing on themselves in class. So don’t worry about how you look. You’re taking these classes for you and not them. You’ll feel better once you become a regular in class. Remember to have fun!0
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My girl, I am "thin" and still have that anxiety myself. Honestly though, if I see a 'bigger' person working out in the class, I have so much mad respect for them. I have NEVER judged anyone in the gym no matter what they are doing- with the exception of the girls in full on drag queen makeup, I do judge them a little I'm not perfect, but I do it silently and without staring since that's my personality flaw, not theirs I guess :P.
People who are lean or fit in the gym have worked DANG HARD to get there, and as someone who has been in both slim athletic and ploppy big modes, I can safely say I have only ever been fully focused on myself. I will be like "oh cute workout leggings" or "damn wish I had those shoes" but that's it.
Nothing anyone will say will alleviate your anxiety, I should know. But smile at the ones you think are judging you and I guarantee they'll jerk like "Oh! a person hello!" and smile back, because they were lost in their own minds about goals, time, reps, dinner, work, relationship, the commercial, the song, sets- whatever.
Besides, this isn't about them, its about YOU. Don't let them be the excuse holding you back from confidence, positive vibes, feeling good, and hitting your goals hard. You'll probably see them hardy if ever. They don't matter.
You do. 5 -
JaydedMiss wrote: »ima add in this other story just cause...not related to classes so much as gyms in general.
Back before i began my loss (110 pounds down total) i was a fat little girl (5ft 3 235 pounds) and i decided to finally suck it up and go in the weight room. Surrounded by muscle men. VERY intimidating. I told myself baby steps, I had to do it i wanted to try it so i just had to go. So i did. I sat down on a weight mchine and next thing i know i couldnt breath. They had to call an ambulance and all i remember before i passed out was all the sexy muscle guys standing over fat little me on the floor not breathing just by sitting on a weight machine and barely begining. Thankfully i passed out. I had an allergic reaction to something on the machine i imagine some cologne or a cleaner. Took me nearly 2 years to go back to the gym, And that lead to me going to the class i spoke of above. Needless to say i have a few gym horror stories LOL.
If i can go back after that you can go to. I spoke to one of the guys around a year later in public he came up to me. He remembered me -cringe- as the chick who passed out at the gym. he said he was glad i was okay and everyone had been so worried about me. I guess they still spoke about me they were friends -cringeeee- But in my mind i was the fat girl who passed out and was mortified, In the big muscle mens minds i was that poor girl they worried was okay. Its 100% mindset, Everyone wishes you the best even if in your mind the world judges you.
And you know what? If they dont wish you the best, They arent worth your time to care.
I hope you do well for yourself
First off, ((hugs)) @jaydedMiss for this story. Wow, if you can go back to the same gym after passing out in front of everyone, we all have NO excuses.
To the OP, I can only echo everyone else. I "look" fit. My cardiovascular endurance however is the pits (I'm working on it) and I don't pick up on things quickly. I feel like an absolute dork in exercise classes and am totally embarrassed at times by how out of breath I am and when I feel like I can't keep up. But you know what? No one cares. As so many people have stated, it's true. No one really cares. They've either been there themselves or they are right there with you. I used to hide in the back, but then I couldn't see and that made matters even worse, so now I get up near the front, awkwardness be damned. Keeping a sense of humor about the whole thing helps.4 -
mom23mangos wrote: »JaydedMiss wrote: »ima add in this other story just cause...not related to classes so much as gyms in general.
Back before i began my loss (110 pounds down total) i was a fat little girl (5ft 3 235 pounds) and i decided to finally suck it up and go in the weight room. Surrounded by muscle men. VERY intimidating. I told myself baby steps, I had to do it i wanted to try it so i just had to go. So i did. I sat down on a weight mchine and next thing i know i couldnt breath. They had to call an ambulance and all i remember before i passed out was all the sexy muscle guys standing over fat little me on the floor not breathing just by sitting on a weight machine and barely begining. Thankfully i passed out. I had an allergic reaction to something on the machine i imagine some cologne or a cleaner. Took me nearly 2 years to go back to the gym, And that lead to me going to the class i spoke of above. Needless to say i have a few gym horror stories LOL.
If i can go back after that you can go to. I spoke to one of the guys around a year later in public he came up to me. He remembered me -cringe- as the chick who passed out at the gym. he said he was glad i was okay and everyone had been so worried about me. I guess they still spoke about me they were friends -cringeeee- But in my mind i was the fat girl who passed out and was mortified, In the big muscle mens minds i was that poor girl they worried was okay. Its 100% mindset, Everyone wishes you the best even if in your mind the world judges you.
And you know what? If they dont wish you the best, They arent worth your time to care.
I hope you do well for yourself
First off, ((hugs)) @jaydedMiss for this story. Wow, if you can go back to the same gym after passing out in front of everyone, we all have NO excuses.
To the OP, I can only echo everyone else. I "look" fit. My cardiovascular endurance however is the pits (I'm working on it) and I don't pick up on things quickly. I feel like an absolute dork in exercise classes and am totally embarrassed at times by how out of breath I am and when I feel like I can't keep up. But you know what? No one cares. As so many people have stated, it's true. No one really cares. They've either been there themselves or they are right there with you. I used to hide in the back, but then I couldn't see and that made matters even worse, so now I get up near the front, awkwardness be damned. Keeping a sense of humor about the whole thing helps.
I'm in much the same boat. I look fit, but I'm choreography challenged, and I could definitely stand to work on my cardiovascular endurance! My lack of coordination is legendary to the point that my belly dance class makes room for me any time we work on footwork. I'm half a beat behind, spinning the wrong direction, and flailing wildly! They keep their distance so Mouse doesn't take them all out like bowling pins!
Honestly, if the only activities I did were the ones I'm good at, I'd have to stay home and eat all day and that certainly wouldn't help my fitness goals!3 -
Mouse_Potato wrote: »mom23mangos wrote: »JaydedMiss wrote: »ima add in this other story just cause...not related to classes so much as gyms in general.
Back before i began my loss (110 pounds down total) i was a fat little girl (5ft 3 235 pounds) and i decided to finally suck it up and go in the weight room. Surrounded by muscle men. VERY intimidating. I told myself baby steps, I had to do it i wanted to try it so i just had to go. So i did. I sat down on a weight mchine and next thing i know i couldnt breath. They had to call an ambulance and all i remember before i passed out was all the sexy muscle guys standing over fat little me on the floor not breathing just by sitting on a weight machine and barely begining. Thankfully i passed out. I had an allergic reaction to something on the machine i imagine some cologne or a cleaner. Took me nearly 2 years to go back to the gym, And that lead to me going to the class i spoke of above. Needless to say i have a few gym horror stories LOL.
If i can go back after that you can go to. I spoke to one of the guys around a year later in public he came up to me. He remembered me -cringe- as the chick who passed out at the gym. he said he was glad i was okay and everyone had been so worried about me. I guess they still spoke about me they were friends -cringeeee- But in my mind i was the fat girl who passed out and was mortified, In the big muscle mens minds i was that poor girl they worried was okay. Its 100% mindset, Everyone wishes you the best even if in your mind the world judges you.
And you know what? If they dont wish you the best, They arent worth your time to care.
I hope you do well for yourself
First off, ((hugs)) @jaydedMiss for this story. Wow, if you can go back to the same gym after passing out in front of everyone, we all have NO excuses.
To the OP, I can only echo everyone else. I "look" fit. My cardiovascular endurance however is the pits (I'm working on it) and I don't pick up on things quickly. I feel like an absolute dork in exercise classes and am totally embarrassed at times by how out of breath I am and when I feel like I can't keep up. But you know what? No one cares. As so many people have stated, it's true. No one really cares. They've either been there themselves or they are right there with you. I used to hide in the back, but then I couldn't see and that made matters even worse, so now I get up near the front, awkwardness be damned. Keeping a sense of humor about the whole thing helps.
I'm in much the same boat. I look fit, but I'm choreography challenged, and I could definitely stand to work on my cardiovascular endurance! My lack of coordination is legendary to the point that my belly dance class makes room for me any time we work on footwork. I'm half a beat behind, spinning the wrong direction, and flailing wildly! They keep their distance so Mouse doesn't take them all out like bowling pins!
Honestly, if the only activities I did were the ones I'm good at, I'd have to stay home and eat all day and that certainly wouldn't help my fitness goals!
Very good point, If people didnt do what challenge them no one ever would progress with anything. You cant get beter doing the same. So really if it helps OP remember that most people will be slightly out of their comfort zone.
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mom23mangos wrote: »JaydedMiss wrote: »ima add in this other story just cause...not related to classes so much as gyms in general.
Back before i began my loss (110 pounds down total) i was a fat little girl (5ft 3 235 pounds) and i decided to finally suck it up and go in the weight room. Surrounded by muscle men. VERY intimidating. I told myself baby steps, I had to do it i wanted to try it so i just had to go. So i did. I sat down on a weight mchine and next thing i know i couldnt breath. They had to call an ambulance and all i remember before i passed out was all the sexy muscle guys standing over fat little me on the floor not breathing just by sitting on a weight machine and barely begining. Thankfully i passed out. I had an allergic reaction to something on the machine i imagine some cologne or a cleaner. Took me nearly 2 years to go back to the gym, And that lead to me going to the class i spoke of above. Needless to say i have a few gym horror stories LOL.
If i can go back after that you can go to. I spoke to one of the guys around a year later in public he came up to me. He remembered me -cringe- as the chick who passed out at the gym. he said he was glad i was okay and everyone had been so worried about me. I guess they still spoke about me they were friends -cringeeee- But in my mind i was the fat girl who passed out and was mortified, In the big muscle mens minds i was that poor girl they worried was okay. Its 100% mindset, Everyone wishes you the best even if in your mind the world judges you.
And you know what? If they dont wish you the best, They arent worth your time to care.
I hope you do well for yourself
First off, ((hugs)) @jaydedMiss for this story. Wow, if you can go back to the same gym after passing out in front of everyone, we all have NO excuses.
Ya that sucked.... LOL
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I remember going to my first pilates class. And i couldnt do much tbh, and i could see some of the women had excellent form and did it with ease.
And then one of them farted during a stretch LOL. No one laughed. (Inside i was screaming with laughter but i was pretty young and immature anyway but i wouldnt want to embarrass anyone! And i wasnt laughing AT her it was just funny in general)
But i realised then that it doesnt matter. If youre fat or thin, embarrassing things can happen no matter how "good" you are.
Like the extreme body builder who accidentally poops on a lift.
Or the runner who falls off the treadmill!
It can happen to any one at any time!
My partner goes to the gym to build muscle.
And for some people starting out with small muscles, speaking to the biggest guy in there is pretty daunting.
He just went over and spoke to him, and the guy said "no one ever speaks to me, i think they find me intimidating but im just a normal guy" and said that just over a year before he was my partners size.
So it was pretty motivational for him!
So i dont care that i look like a potato jumping around in aerobics! It wont be my size that will embarrass me!
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You might find these fun reads and realize that everyone has embarrassing gym stories.
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10564872/whats-you-funniest-most-embarrassing-gym-moment/p1
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10697407/what-your-most-embarrassing-gym-story/p1
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10399077/embarrassing-moments-at-the-gym/p1
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10481777/embarrassing-things-that-have-happened-while-working-out
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I am right there with you. I keep trying to get the courage to go and keep backing out. But by golly, i'm going to zumba tonight. I'm tired of caring about what anyone thinks. I'm losing weight for me, and I need to own who I am. I am someone trying to regain their life. I think I'm at the point where I would rather be embarrassed inside than continue to be disappointed about my outside. I can do this. You can, too. To heck with anyone else. Most likely they have all had their first moments of learning something new.
I'm also looking to add a few friends for motivation and support. I'm a married mom in my forties who works full time. I've lost 85 pounds, gained back 20 and am back to finish losing the other 80 I need to lose.3 -
I have nothing but respect for people who get up the courage to go to fitness classes. I’m the one in class who looks fit(ish) but lacks balance and coordination and gets lost right from the start. We are all learning, some of us have just had more practice.
And sometimes the biggest muscle heads in the gym are also the nicest. Once in a while you will run into someone who is an ignorant jerk, but those types can be found anywhere.
You can do this. It gets easier, so keep at it. Gyms used to intimidate me too, but once you start going regularly, it’ll feel like your normal place. The majority of people there are concentrating on doing their own thing.2 -
I know not everybody has had the same experience I have, but I joined Planet Fitness about 2 months ago. I'm 54 and now weigh 235 lbs. You see every body type and age group imaginable in there! The trainer at my location is fantastic! He was great at helping me find a plan that would work. They have classes and do not allow more than 5 people at a time. I'm having a great experience, but we all know, for every person who has had a great experience, there is somebody who can tell you something negative.
Shop around and look for the place where you feel comfortable. Go at different times of the day for a tour to see who is there. You will find your niche. My other experience is most people are so worried about themselves that they don't notice others. Hold your head up high and go for it!!!
Connie in KY2 -
So, did you go, @Midnightmooncosplay?2
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I doubt anyone will be looking at you. Be proud of yourself that you are taking this step. Hold your head high and get moving. Good Luck.0
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The more you do it, the better it will feel. You will find there are plenty of other people in the classes early on in their weight loss journey. There will also be the skinny minnies that look like fitness models - but they weren't born that way, and will never laugh at you because they work hard to get where they are.
You could always try clubbercise or boogiefit first because they are in the dark, so it might help you relax a little more.
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You are awesome just for going. I’ve never had body image issues but I can assure you that really nobody is paying attention in those classes and nobody will remember you when I think the exercise class one month after the fact😋 which is really just a great thing. We are all wired to forget minute details! It’s awesome!!0
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Just remember that we all start somewhere. We all aren’t fit jumping in, it takes time and practice to get to where you want to be. When I go to fitness classes and get winded I would be embarrassed because I wasn’t as fit as everyone else, but I realized I’ll eventually get to the place everyone else is at!2
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Everyone in the class was new once, felt awkward, incompetent and (in most cases) like it was darned near impossible . . . for several sessions, if not longer. It's normal.
They stuck with it, had fun, and got better.
You can, too. You'll be surprised how soon, if you stick with it, you'll be having fun, too, and not worrying how you look (plus encouraging other, newer new people).
The cool people remember what being new felt like. You'll likely be surprised how soon, if you stick with it, you'll think of them as "my new friends from gym".
Don't be worried. Dive in, introduce yourself, say "hi", ask questions, have fun. It'll be good.
(I did classes for a long time while obese. It was good .) 0 -
Thank you everyone for all the kind and encouraging comments. I went to check out the gym and ended up signing up for a membership. I'll be going there to work out tonight, and to a class tomorrow.4
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Midnightmooncosplay wrote: »Thank you everyone for all the kind and encouraging comments. I went to check out the gym and ended up signing up for a membership. I'll be going there to work out tonight, and to a class tomorrow.
Excited for you!
Let us know how it goes, OK? 0 -
When I see an overweight person at the gym, I silently cheer them on because they are taking the right steps to get healthier and it takes a tremendous amount of courage to put yourself out there like that. I bet I am not the only one rooting for them.0
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