Confessions of a gymaphobe

Everyone at the gym is so obsessed with what they're doing that I promise you they aren't going to pay any attention to you at all.

Don't let that get in the way of you reaching your goal. You deserve more than that!

Take FULL advantage of that beautiful gym that you are PAYING your hard earned money for.

Try to find a workout buddy, and it will be far less intimidating. I know how you feel about the gym, believe me. Been there! I've actually had some buff guys at the gym making fun of me while I did my cardio. I wouldn't have cared if I had a friend with me, but I was alone and just couldn't handle it.

Most people at the gym seem to already be thin and fit. If I were going to venture back to the gym, I would definitely find a women's gym.

The gym I go to is full of body builders. Right now there are a lot of people getting ready for competitions and looking absolutely amazing. I still have 90 + pounds to lose. I work my *kitten* off at the gym and leave each time soaking wet with sweat. There is nobody that questions why I am there. I get a "good morning" from people when I arrive and "have a great day" when I leave. I do a small amount of social chitchat but I am there to work.

If you feel intimidated by the machines, work with a trainer for a few sessions. They will show you how to use them properly and also help you get a good routine. I know that the people at my gym are aware of my body because they have commented on the weight loss. They do not judge me or bash me in any way, but I am there working as hard as they are 5 days a week, once a week with a trainer.

You sound like you have an amazing gym. I wish I had a pool at mine. I pay extra to swim in the city pool and then it is a pain fitting in their lane swimming times with my life. Don't let your gym membership go. Use the people who are fit to inspire you to work harder. You have the tools there to be able to make amazing transformations!

I should start with the disclaimer that I don't actually go to the gym- I'm too broke for all that.

But I can sympathize with the people are watching me thing. I run in my neighborhood and I used to think that everyone was watching me struggle and jiggle and thinking about what a loser I was. I used to not do any exercise any where because I thought I would do something stupid. My cubicle mate used to ask me to do crunches and push-ups occasionally at work but I refused, because of what I would look like. Then I read an article in Runner's World that really helped. It reminded me that the people I run past who run will be proud of me, they know what it takes, and they likely jiggled at one point in their life. I am one of them now, and they are happy to see me out there getting it done. Now, as for the stick thin teens who are walking their dogs and look at the red-faced sweaty lady, well, hey I'm running and they aren't so there. Some piece of them wishes they were out there training for a run. I just know it.

So, I know that everyone at your gym is likely there working. It's unlikely you will run into those folks like the teens in my neighborhood, but just remember, you belong there, you are working, you are one of them. And golly gee whiz I'm sure that membership isn't cheap! You pay for it, if they get a 'tude just ignore them, one day you'll be more beautiful on the outside and more importantly the inside!

Think of the hardest thing you've ever done.

Not something that was uncomfortable- but really really hard. Emotional things count here too.

Remember how you felt once you did it? That rush? The power you knew you now had?

Going to the gym might be even harder than that. Now just imagine how powerful you'll feel once you rise above this fear.

You walk in that gym with your head held high because You Belong There. They want to get in shape- you want to get in shape. They want to sweat- you want to sweat. The only difference is they may have a head start.

And if anyone gives you the stink eye (like an immature person), you blow a big fat raspberry at them and walk on with a smile on your face. Because That is YOUR gym!

I'm going to second what many of the people here have already said. Try not to worry about what you THINK everyone else there is thinking. Chances are, you're probably wrong. They're likely focused on their own workouts and their minds are wandering to whatever their own insecurities are.

I agree with everyone that said to work out with a trainer a few times if you can afford to. Or talk to your gym administrators and see if there is a chance they can set up a small group personal training class. My gym just started something like this. They call it "Attack the Fat" and it's a 10 week program that meets twice a week for an hour with one of their personal trainers. It costs a little less than personal training because there are up to 8 people in the group. (I paid around $240 for what is essentially 20 sessions - awesome deal!) The nice thing is that it's the same group every week (unlike some of the free classes the gym offers) and you really get to know the other people. When I took it, I got to know 2 or 3 other people in the group (besides the friend I joined with) and now, even months later, I still see them around the gym and we encourage each other when we're there. It's nice to see familiar faces. Also, you get to know the trainer and they can give you helpful advice even after the class is done. You'll see results and gain confidence from knowing that you can do it, and that you know what you're doing thanks to the guidance of the trainer.

Never feel silly if you need to ask someone how to use a machine. That's what the people who work there are for! Even if you get a "tour" from someone, it's likely that you'll forget what one of them does or how to adjust it properly. The employees are used to that sort of thing.

Once in a while I still feel self conscious working out in the free-weight room. Many times when I go there, it's filled with a bunch of muscle-bound men. Some days I can overcome my intimidation, and some days I can't. On the days I can't, then I try to do more of the machines that I'm familiar with and some extra cardio or ab work in a different room or something. But the more I work out, the fewer and farther between the "intimidation" days become. I've still got a long way to go on my weight loss, but I"m feeling stronger and more confident every time I go.

Just keep making yourself do it as often as you can muster. The only person losing out is you.

Good luck and hang in there! It's SO worth it!

Vanessa

Comments here from a gym rat, I actually worry only about my routine in the gym. When someone does catch my eye, I smile and I truly admire their determination and will. You can't ever know what people are thinking, why give any power to it? Be proud...
and keep moving!!