Joining the Gym - Think I'll be laughed at

At most gyms everyone has headphones on and a TV in front of their face. They probably won't even notice you, no matter what you look like.

I used to think that - but it's actually the other way round - you may get the odd approving glance or a bit of a smile from people that are in the same boat - especially if you are carrying one of the white cards they give you with your first gym induction on it and they have one too. but once you have gone for a while - you can have a wee chuckle at the super skinny ones that breeze in, look at their nails, text a mate - flirt with the gym staff and then spend 10 mins on one machine whilst admiring themselves in the mirror- then head off for the showers.

no-one cares - everyone is there to do their thing and focusing and what they need to focus on to get through their workout - so it gets easier and easier.

when I expressed my fears once - a good friend of mine put it into perspective n said "Carol - you're not that important" lol - and she is right - so don't let that stop you joining.

I think the others have already given you great advice and answers. For me it is a struggle every time to go to the gym too because it is on an army base and everybody working out there is in an amazing shape. BUT you know what it doesn't or better shouldn't matter, because I am going there to do something for my health and if someone else thinks I look funny or I don't fit in there, then it is their problem.

So go over there, enjoy your work out and don't be afraid of others

15 years ago i walked into a gym weighing 209 lbs...I could barely walk. Im sure everyone in there was thinking...This aint gonna last long. Nobody ever said a word...Until 6 months later...then they couldnt stop themselves from saying something. I got the nickname... Cardio Queen. I lost 87 lbs in 6 months. Who gives a **** what anybody thinks... besides... show em what your really made of!! Hang in there!

Personally I love seeing people at the gym who are maybe a little larger than the average person there (as am I) because it's taking back this stupid idea that we seem to have as a culture that fitness isn't for everyone. Somehow we get this dumb idea in our heads that the only people who should go to the gym are people who are already in perfect shape. I think maybe we get that idea during PE lessons at school - we get picked last for teams, or we do badly in a race and think "I guess exercise isn't for me then" and go off and become more and more unhealthy. It's bull****.

I expressed my own concerns about being out of shape to my personal trainer, and he said he's really not fussed about what kind of shape people are in when they start working out, as long as they're prepared to put in the effort. Everyone has to start somewhere. It's the people who don't bother exercising when he's not looking directly at them who drive him crazy.

The answer to your question and fear is YES.
There are so many different types of people out there in this world. Some will laugh; and some maybe territorial and wonder why you are at "their" gym. These people are very few. However, for every one of those people, there ARE many more who are supportive and welcoming. (Just look at the responses so far.) You get to choose who to listen or who to ignore; kind of cool eh?

Your are Human; Expect Mistakes
The gym like anywhere else has its own culture, its own rhythm, its own quirks. If you are not an old veteran of the gym, expect to make mistakes. Give yourself the opportunity to learn the equipment, the culture and people. Give yourself a honest perspective. Yes, at first it will be awkward and intimidating. The more you visit the more you become familiar and comfortable. And yes, which each visit you will become more comfortable and you will become a familiar face.


Questions to you.
Three short months from now you would have either been going to the gym or not. You are a healthier and stronger person than you are today or not. You had set a goal and reached for that goal; or not. Which will it be?

Also, imagine that during those three months its the first week of the new year. There are a lot of new faces; people who are feeling the same as you are right now. You have been regularly going to the gym for month. Enough times for it to become a habit. Seeing the looks on their faces, you could reflect back and remember how you felt today. You might even smile and laugh at yourself.

Of course, One of the people you may find laughing at you is You. Laughing at yourself is a powerful and good thing.

I've had those fears with everything i do, sometimes they've been warrented and sometimes not. However, you might 1-2 people like that and tbh, if you let them keep you out of the gym and from exercising you are the one who loses. Besides when you hit it hard and shape up your body you will be the one laughing. It's an awesome feeling. When i went to the gym i found that as long as i worked hard and could zone out nothing else mattered. Atleast give it a try, most gyms have a trial period. You will probably love it and good luck.

I had a friend once who was fond of saying , " he who laughs last laughs best " . Do what you need to do without worrying too much about what others will think , this is for you and you will be laughing with joy when you start seeing results.

I waddled over, joined, and did 25 mins. Reminded myself why I hate cross trainers, but overall rather enjoyed it.

I'm absolutely delighted.

What I do is put it in my diary, same time every week, and see it as an appointment. As you get into the habit of going, it does get a LOT easier to make time for it.

Thank you all for the kick up the backside I needed!!

Happy to kick your backside any time you like. :bigsmile: