Gym Dread

There are lots of workouts you could do at home, so many good DVDs or online videos - is that an option for you?

I haven't been to a gym in years - it's not in our budget to join one, but if I did, I know I'd feel awkward and out of place, at least at first. But it would be intimidating for me, for sure!

I honestly don't like working out in front of people either. I also don't really have the extra money for a gym membership and with 3 kids and a job finding time to go seems difficult. I have gotten around these obstacles by finding things I enjoy that I can do at home. I love riding my exercise bike and playing the wii (great to do with the family I do my "wii Active 2", "wii fit", "Walk It Out" and "Just Dance" (kids love the last one). I also take walks around my neighborhood.

I have found that I'm more likely to do something that I enjoy and feel less self-conscious about. I hope this helps. Good luck in your journey.

Yes! I did! I joined the gym last september and couldn't bring myself to go there alone but finally two weeks ago one of my cousins came with me, and after that I was able to see that I had nothing to be afraid of, you just go, everyone there minds their own business, so no need to afraid. Maybe schedule a tour and a fitness training so you now how to use all the equipment and don't feel awkward, also ask when is the gym less crowded maybe and try to go on those hours etc. After the first day you go you will feel comfortable! At least it was for me and I wish I didn't wasted all those months not going!

If your gym offers beginner classes (like beginner aerobics or something), I think that can be good for nervous gym-goers because there's someone telling you what to do the whole time. You don't have to figure out how to operate the machines or how to design your workout. Maybe ask if there are classes they'd recommend for beginners?

There's also the option of walking outside, interspersed with brief periods (30 sec) of jogging.

Sorry to hear about the difficult living situation.

I also find - that the YMCA has many people of different weight sizes and ages. I have tried many different gyms. Some carter to the younger crowd (and yes, that is great if you are younger). However, when I went to that gym...many were pencil thin.

Just my opinion.

Marcy

Ugh I have the same issue of Gym Dread

After some convincing from a friend, I signed up for a membership in 2010 - well, I was under the impression that we could motivate each other & have some fun. Unfortunately, after the 1st mth of attending classes (eg. yoga, pilates... etc.), her enthusiasm fizzled out and so did mine... so much so that there were months that I didn't go down at all, despite continuning to pay the instalments (it's a 4 year non-transferable contract).

The membership didn't come cheap, it's almost S$100/mth & I am annoyed with myself for not utilising it as much as I can.

I'd love to go down more often, but I feel so awkward attending those classes alone! Especially when I am unable to do a certain exercise (my balancing sucks and my flexibility is terrible) when everyone around me can. I've managed to drag myself down a little more & attended a few classes this month though. But I wish I can get rid of that dreadful feeling I still have. As for using the machines in the gym, I still can't bring myself to do it. Am worried that I'll not know how to operate the machine & end up looking totally stupid standing there. =X

Have you considered just walking outside in your regular clothes and sneakers? Even an hour a day is pretty good exercise. That way, you only need to go to the gym for weight training.

I also have worked out at home to loose weight. I used to have a gym membership, but I didn't like going either. It always seemed that there were clicks and people judging me. I always felt uncomfortable. I love working out at home it saves time, money and stress.

I used to be the same way. I didn't go to the gym for years because I was afraid of the judgement.

Then I met my husband and he told me that people are there to be/get in shape, so they are most likely too concerned with their own thoughts to even notice I'm there.
He said whenever he saw a heafty out of shape person at the gym he felt happy to see someone wanting to make a change in their life.

When I go now, if I feel like someone might be giving me a judgemental look, I just tell myself "**** em. I'm here for ME not them!"

People at the gym are pretty friendly. I remember when I first started, I was trying to use one of the machine. After reading the instruction on the side, I was trying to start my workout, when the guy next to me stopped me. Apparently even after reading the instruction, I got it wrong. I was facing the wrong way! I was very grateful for his help! I was still a little embrassed!:blushing:

I just started eating better, and I know if I want to keep losing weight, I'm eventually going to HAVE to go to the gym...The thing is, I don't have a gym buddy and I feel incredibly awkward in gym clothes. I'm a pretty awkward person in general and I don't really like going out as it is, but the idea of going to the gym makes me particularly nervous... I guess, because I feel like I'm being judged there.

Has anyone else had this problem? :[

you will be judged.....and hopefully it's for all the right reasons.....That your busting your hump at the Gym trying to get healthy. Don't worry about what others think with it. This is about you!

So many people fear the gym for this reason...and have this crazy idea that the gym is full of beautiful and fit people...its NOT! I think you'll probably find that people aren't all that interested in watching others and judging...they're all too busy doing their own thing.

If you're really concerned at first and you can make it work with your schedule....try going early in the morning when everyone there is more serious (and half asleep). Its usually a whole different world than the evening crowd at many places.

Good luck..and don't be afraid..you've got this!

I just started eating better, and I know if I want to keep losing weight, I'm eventually going to HAVE to go to the gym...The thing is, I don't have a gym buddy and I feel incredibly awkward in gym clothes. I'm a pretty awkward person in general and I don't really like going out as it is, but the idea of going to the gym makes me particularly nervous... I guess, because I feel like I'm being judged there.

Has anyone else had this problem? :[

You don't have to wear "gym clothes" just wear something you feel comfortable in, assuming it's safe to work out in. Also, you do not need to go to the gym to work out, you can walk around your neighborhood, or do exercises in your room if that feels comfortable. Finally, as a regular gym-goer, I can say I personally am far more worried about getting in my own workout then paying attention to other people. If I do notice someone who is very overweight at the gym, I always admire them a little, because I know it can be hard to make yourself walk in that door (I was once morbidly obese myself). The only exception is the guy in the weight room who insists on grunting very loudly when lifting weights, starting with the first rep of the first set, I think he's an @$$. Seriously man, tone it down, I can hear you with my head phones on.

I also find - that the YMCA has many people of different weight sizes and ages. I have tried many different gyms. Some carter to the younger crowd (and yes, that is great if you are younger). However, when I went to that gym...many were pencil thin.

Just my opinion.

Marcy

I work on a college campus, and use the campus gym, both because it's less expensive and convenient. The potential down side is that its filled with college students. I like go to to the gym before work, because it's less crowded, but this also seems to be the time when there are more "older" people (by which I mean not 18-22), and the young people you do so tend to be very focused on doing their own thing. In the evenings, you see a lot more socializing.

Felt the same way at first. Very intimidating. But I went every day and started to recognize the "regulars". After a few weeks one or two would come up to me to say they were very proud of me and to keep it up. Gradually I recognized most people are concentrating very hard on their own workouts and don't really notice you. The ones that do were very encouraging and supportive. I also encourage you to buy a "workout" wardrobe, maybe two pairs of shorts, two tops, good tennis shoes, moisture-wicking socks, and two sports bras (if you're female). You won't look out of place and sends a signal that you're serious about your workouts. Good luck!