Looking for some advice - the idea of the gym actually scare

AlmostMrsMoore
AlmostMrsMoore Posts: 18
edited October 5 in Motivation and Support
So I'm fairly new to MFP but already this place seems like a really supportive community! I'm looking for some advice, I'm terrified of the gym. Like, not even in a joking way. I went to a really sports based university and went to the gym once and was felt so unfit and uncomfortable next to all the crazy fit sporty people and now I cant go back, I've tried going to classes but I get really panicked at the last minute and can't go, I know how stupid this sounds!

Basically I'm wondering if anyone has any advice for me. I'm starting the C25K programme soon and I'm fine with the eating bit but I want to get more exercise, just not at the expense of having a panic attack in the middle of a gym.

Thanks :)

Replies

  • AlmostMrsMoore
    AlmostMrsMoore Posts: 18
    That topic should read 'the gym actually scares me' I need to read before clicking post...
  • megpapier
    megpapier Posts: 60 Member
    I don't go to the gym at all. You should check out www.beachbody.com and look at some of the workout programs. I'm doing P90X now and loving it. You can workout in the privacy of your own home :o)
  • AlmostMrsMoore
    AlmostMrsMoore Posts: 18
    Thanks for the advice! I'll have a look now :)
  • KatyE213
    KatyE213 Posts: 447 Member
    Yeah defo look at some workout videos, I actually do like the gym but use 30 Day Shred at home, usually if I don't have time to get to the gym. There are loads of exercise DVDs out there, find one that suits you! Good luck :smile:
  • TerraGirl17
    TerraGirl17 Posts: 275 Member
    30 Day Shred and 6 week six pack are great videos and you can do them at home
  • Tree72
    Tree72 Posts: 942 Member
    If you decide you do want to go to a gym, maybe find someone who will go with you? At least for the first couple of times.

    Maybe also look into joining a gym that is specifically designed to be less intimidating, like Curves or Planet Fitness?
  • missle30
    missle30 Posts: 40 Member
    Most gyms are actually not that scary at all. I used to be worried that I would walk in and be judged and laughed at and be the most out of shape person there. Turns out, none of that is true! Everybody is there, basically for the same purpose, and I have actually made some very good friends at the gym, and there are a lot of really supportive people out there. I was terrified of the "free weight room" at my gym, but once I started going in there with my trainer, i learned it's not so bad, and now I actually feel really proud of myself and gloat a little bit (to myself, of course!) when i'm the only girl in there. :)

    Good luck with your C25K program! :)
  • vzucco
    vzucco Posts: 229
    I don't go to the gym because I can't afford a membership but I've had the same experience of just feeling like the gym is not for people in progress! It intimidates me and makes me feel self-conscious. But there are plenty of videos you can do at home and walking and hiking are my favorite exercises- they're very effective. If you have a dog, take him for walks every day. If you're interested in weight training, there are plenty of fitness magazines which include workout plans of all kinds. Good luck :)
  • nygiantschick
    nygiantschick Posts: 289 Member
    I don't go to the gym either. I've heard the 30 day shred is good...I do my own bootycamps at home and use some ideas from Youtube. I run at home and do ZUmba. All of that has worked for me just fine and I save money by not going to the gyym.
  • ak_in_ak
    ak_in_ak Posts: 657 Member
    I had never been in one untill a year ago. I had a friend go with me and it made me realize there was nothing to fear. The first gym I went to was the one on my campus. I hated it becasue I saw so many people I knew, now I go to my local planet fitness and I like it much better. it is really difficult at first but there are so many people of all abilities there and everyone is there to work out!
  • lizziebeth1028
    lizziebeth1028 Posts: 3,602 Member
    Yep what everyone else is saying...there are tons of great exercise DVD's out there, also in nice weather you can walk or run. The idea of finding someone to go with you to the gym is good too. There are a lot more of the 'low profile' gyms out there now a days. That have just regular folks just going about their routine (not the super sporty hard body people). Have you checked out your park district?

    Best of luck!
  • mochalovies
    mochalovies Posts: 192 Member
    I hear you -- going to the gym can be intimidating. Do you have somebody to go with? I work in a military base, so its all guys everywhere, i do feel a bit self conscious sometimes...but at the end of the day most ppl are not even paying attention to you because they are too busy with what they have to do. I know it sounds silly but I usually go to the gym wearing long sweats and baggy tshirts... that way I dont get that much attn. Also, some gyms' staff show you around and how to use their equipment, so you dont walk around not knowing what to do.

    and even if you still feel shy -- you get used to it after couple of times.
  • 3GKnight
    3GKnight Posts: 203
    This may sound harsh, but no one else at the gym actually cares what you look like. I would think most people are far more self-absorbed when they're at the gym than they normally are.

    There is a very good mix of body types at my gym. In fact, it may actually be kind of light in 'fitness buff' attendance. Not that there aren't some who obviously spend too much time there, but there are enough 'in progress' members to make you feel comfortable.

    You could always visit the gym you're interested in and if you don't see that, don't go there. For me, the gym is a better motivator than home workouts. Not the least of those reasons being the eye candy, but also the expense. Since I'm paying for it, I'm more likely to go.
  • c56white
    c56white Posts: 2 Member
    If your gym offers promos like a "free personal training session" that is a great way to get accustomed to the mechanics of the gym. For some people it helps to know how machines work, or how to perform free weight exercises or the best types of exercises to fit your goal. Knowing what you want to accomplish and knowing how to do it in they gym can be a big confidence boost. Going with a friend like some other suggested is great too! And I agree that many people are focused on themselves and their routine (like me!) that they don't really pay attention to what is going on around them so much. Everyone has their own level of fitness, the important part is that you are there and trying, at your own speed!
  • kyle4jem
    kyle4jem Posts: 1,400 Member
    You didn't go to Loughborough by any chance?

    I've been going to gyms on and off since Uni and I don't really care what anybody else thinks. despite my bulkitude (which thankfully is now down from humongous to blimp) I do actually know what I'm doing, because when I used to go in the beginning I was actually quite fit and given expert tuition in how to lift sensibly without injuring myself, so I don't feel that self-concious.

    Mind you, there's a nice mix at my gym - some real gym bunnies, all toned and buff, but mostly just ordinary folks and no posers as far as I've seen, but then I tend to go early-doors, rather than at evening peak.

    In the end, I mostly go to the gym to swim (and now that the whaling ships don't pose a threat) I really enjoy that, so maybe you could try out your local pool or actually some of the gym pools are much nicer and quieter. That's why I joined the gym despite me saying.. never again :laugh:
  • LuciaLongIsland
    LuciaLongIsland Posts: 815 Member
    I totally understand. However, I highly recommend Planet Fitness. It is cheap and best of all there is a NO JUDGEMENT ZONE> No one looks at you or criticizes you. If you want a exercise plan the staff develops one for free. There are no classes so no worries.
  • madameduffay
    madameduffay Posts: 166 Member
    A good way to ease into it is to go during the slower times. Early in the morning and right after work tend to be crazy busy. Try going right after the crowds die down.
  • jotapaula
    jotapaula Posts: 19 Member
    I have gone to the gym on and off for years, but could not keep it up. I live far from it, and it was always easier to find something else to do. Since September I have been exercising on an elliptical (cross trainer) machine from home, and it has worked really well for me. I do it while I watch some TV show or music videos - needs some be something that really distracts me, so that I concentrate on the TV and not on how many minutes has gone by.

    Besides the cardio, it also does wonders around the waist line and arms, and my legs are finally shaped nicely again....

    So, if you are scared of the gym, think about a cross trainer.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories