Workout fear/anxiety

There was a point in time where I bought a gym membership online, one that was close to my office. I would pack my bag and drive over there on my lunch hour, sit in the parking lot for 5 minutes, and then just leave. I don't know why it was so hard to just get up and walk in. Being in a new place can be uncomfortable. So yes I've experienced this! I don't have advice for overcoming it though... you just have to force yourself out of comfort zone and just do it. Just walk in. Plan on doing something very easy on your first day. Get on the treadmill or elliptical, whatever you are most comfortable with. You can look around at everyone else and see that they are all in their own little worlds, no one is paying any attention to you. That first day is always the hardest.

I would imagine everyone experiences this on some level. It's simply how one faces it that makes the difference.

Early on one of my martial arts instructors told the class that eventually just getting here is going to be the hardest challenge. It's rather easy once you get here, but if you haven't gone in a while your mind is going to put you in a bad place of self judgement. She displaced this irrational fear with the realization that this is only going on in your head and to think on your thoughts towards others in the gym.

Do you care what they look like? Probably not. Realizing this why would other's think any different towards you?

Go to the gym.

kharder811 wrote: »

. I know I’m feeling bad because I’m nowhere near where I used to be in terms of my fitness level or body physique.

What's the worst that could happen there? And how would you move past it?

Cherimoose wrote: »

kharder811 wrote: »

. I know I’m feeling bad because I’m nowhere near where I used to be in terms of my fitness level or body physique.

What's the worst that could happen there? And how would you move past it?

The crux of it for you ^

And listen to those who posted to go in and do something you're comfortable doing (treadmill, elliptical), and then add things in as your comfort/confidence grows. Taking that first step can be really hard. I used to have to tell myself that time will pass whether or not I go in. So what do I want to look back on? (FWIW, it took me THREE YEARS to finally enter the weightroom at my gym. I'd been in the pool years before that.)

You can do it. Nobody will notice you. And who knows who else is there on their first day too?

I was exactly where you were a month ago! Same thoughts and fears. I used to be a total gym rat and was very upset knowing I had none of the strength/endurance I once had. Even after a month, I still have bad anxiety/fear associated with going. However, just as many others have said, going is the hardest hurdle. Once you make it to the gym those fears will subside. I usually go late (about 9:30-10:30PM), because I don't like crowds. And I (thankfully) have an awesome gym buddy that has been coming out 2-3x a week with me. If you bring someone along, it really helps the anxiety. If you can't, and for whatever reason you're still anxious in the gym, just remind yourself that all those other people are there for the exact same reason you are: to be healthier.

^^^ what @allother94 said.

The gym I go to is small, very tight knit, and very competitive. However, it’s within a five minute walk, the dues are ridiculously cheap, it’s unbelievably clean, and I love, love, love my trainer/owner.

I was doing squats and lifts Tuesday while four youngsters were standing a few feet away catching up. My trainer casually told me, “they’re all Olympic hopefuls”. I thought I would die of embarrassment on the spot, but she introduced me, and all the “kids” cheered me, as I did my puny weights.

No one laughs at other members, no one get snarky or sniffy, even with a few random retirees and business people underfoot. It is 100% supportive. People are constantly coming back after months, or a year or two away, and the vibe is always, “hey bro, where ya been, glad you’re getting back in the groove again!” Our gym has a member in remission and another with PTSD, and the other lifters give them 1,000% support. When one lifter went into hospital for weeks, gym users paid his rent. No one judges, everyone pulls for one another. It’s amazing, and as corny as it sounds, it’s heartwarming.

I guess this is a long winded way of saying, not everyone judges, most lifters are simply doin’ what they gotta do, they’re not watching you (nor do they care to) and they are super respectful of one another.

Don’t overthink, or consider changing gyms if you’re getting the kind of vibe that creates that kind of anxiety. It could be the gym and not you?!

As mentioned many times--it's all in your head. Most of us have something similar. The first time in the gym I was a fish out of water. I marched up to a young guy on the staff and said "Hi, I usually swim, but can't for a month and want to workout here. I'm as old as your mother and have OA. Can you show me what I can do?" He was so helpful and I'm still doing some of the things he showed me, just heavier and more reps. Screw up your courage and you'll be glad you did. The gym is for people out of shape--that's how they get in shape.

A little different perspective: for most people, being in the gym is a very personal, individual thing. the typical gym rat is focused on themselves, not the people around them. don't let the fear and anxiety stop you from going. set a goal. crush it. set another goal, repeat. you'll be fine.