Gym Phobia

cmasonrock
cmasonrock Posts: 50 Member
edited October 4 in Fitness and Exercise
So,
I got a membership to my local Gym in June of 2011 and I have not been able to step into the place. A few years ago I got a membership with a partner and we went regularily, but this time around...I can't seem to get out there and go. I'm a professional musician and perform infront of hundreds of people but for some reason when I'm outside of my comfort zone I'm a chicken...

It feels like anxiety mixed with excitement and it overwhelms me and I just look for an alternative for excercise, BUT if I can get into the gym on a regular basis I know I will shed the pounds fast!

Am I alone with these feelings?

Replies

  • mleoni092708
    mleoni092708 Posts: 629 Member
    I was too! Once you get going for a few weeks, it's like no big deal anymore. Here's my secret-I go at an off time of day (130-230 pm) and the gym is nearly empty. Usually it's pretty packed in the evenings, so I prefer not to go then.

    Hope this helps! If not, educate yourself on doing exercises at home. DVDs, get a set of free weights, etc.
  • LittleFootHafner
    LittleFootHafner Posts: 302
    I was definitely scared at the beginning. I was also worried about trying each new class at the gym.
    However, after going a few times, you will get used to it, and even start looking forward to it - Imagine! ;)

    Best of luck to you! ;)
  • pipesdreams
    pipesdreams Posts: 2
    What gets me going to the gym is having someone to show up for. When I was younger and more nervous, I signed up for a few personal trainer sessions, just to have a person waiting for me, so I would have to go. Now that I'm used to the gym, I go to the group exercise classes and lurk in the back row. Not sure which gym you are at - I chose my local GoodLife because it was close to my apartment (no excuses to stay home) and the classes are very good, lots of easy cardio for folks who can't run.

    You could also try planning your attack before you leave the house - choose a set of 10 basic exercises, how many reps you'll do and what weight you think you're comfortable with, plan how long it will take and then take a little notebook with you to remind you and mark them down as you work out. Let the notebook be your instructor: tell yourself you MUST do what you've written down there, then once you've completed your sets you can leave right away. Wear your gym clothes to the gym so you can avoid the change room if it makes you uncomfortable. Get a good playlist for your iPod and have your headphones in the entire time so you're just rocking out to your own tunes (choose something that makes you feel awesome, music is powerful stuff).

    In the words of the Nike commercials, JUST DO IT! :) Best of luck, I hope you go to the gym this weekend; make that $ worth it.
  • craigsheff
    craigsheff Posts: 1
    I had it when I joined about 2 years ago. I was worried about going into the weight section, i went to the gym to do weights but i'd find myself on the treadmill. I went a few times when it was empty and got used to all the equiptment and after a few times of doing this I stopped giving a crap.
  • JJinWI
    JJinWI Posts: 197 Member
    I was in the same boat. Heck, it took me a YEAR to even get the courage to join a gym. Like another poster said, after a few weeks, maybe even a week, it will feel like second nature. I never pay attention to others in the gym - just take a glance at who walks in and then back to my own workout. I'm there for me - certainly not to judge everyone that comes in. In and out is my motto.
  • qkiley
    qkiley Posts: 65
    I would agree with a lot of what has already been said. You are going to the gym for you, not for anyone else.

    I have also found that at my gym, once you hit a routine and become a regular, you demonstrate to everyone that you are making the commitment. Everyone starts at a different place and we all work at a different pace, but the point is that we are putting in the time to be healthy.

    Bottom line, you are there for your reasons. Don't let perceptions stop you from achieving your goals. Because let me tell you, when you hit a goal, it feels amazing!

    You can do it!
  • cmasonrock
    cmasonrock Posts: 50 Member
    These are all great tips - and thanks for the advice.
    After writting this message I went to the YMCA (my gym) and got the schedules and had a tour.
    Then I came home and seen all your messages and felt a burst of confidence.

    :) - Thank you
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