Shy to Work out in Public?

I've always been uncomfortable around people, I hate going grocery shopping because there are other people in the stores, NO way i'm joining a gym...I won't even work out until my husband goes to work after 8pm (night job) and I tend to skip workouts on his weekends unless he's sleeping lol. Not that I'm shy with him or anything, I just don't want to work out in front of anyone, at all. Might change when i'm more comfortable with myself...but I think i'd probably get anxiety going to a gym even if I was thin.

* not to mention the nearest gym is 45 minutes away in Tallahassee, I'll keep my workouts to my private living room.

I love seeing people running outside no matter what shape they are in. It motivates me and I never judge them. I am always thinking "You Go!"

Oh im horribly shy and self concious like i look like an *kitten* or something lol!! I would go jogging at night and when people drove past i stopped lol...dont know what my problem is! Heaven forbid somebody see me try and better myself! Would love to join a gym but i know ill feel so uncomfortable for a bit till i know im doing everythung right!!! I workout in my basement and even if my kids come down stairs i have to stop!mi dint know why, but i do wish i didnt give a crap!! :sad:

yes i am pretty shy, and avoid the gym for that reason. i have now joined the Y and run on the treadmill and dont care what anyone thinks, im still lapping everyone on the couch and at least i am trying. I sometimes do get a feeling like i hope no one is watching me, but feel good after.

I am super shy, and I have never stepped foot in a gym before. I'm SO lucky to have an in-home gym (that also doubles as a pantry and storage area). I have machines, weights, medicine/balance balls, and all my Wii fitness games. I'm still investing in more workout equipment. I'd rather spend hundreds of dollars than $15 a month at a public gym. It's THAT bad.

For me it is more about being embarrassed than shy. I was thinking about getting a personal trainer for the first few times. I think this would give me more confidence for when I go alone or, at the very least, force me to go and get myself over that hump of being embarrassed by having someone watch me the entire time. Has anyone tried this?

I work out once a week in the weights section with a PT. I don't go in there by myself, even though I could do some of the lifting I do without my PT.

I only use my gym for spinning in a group setting. I've never been in the co-ed gym...I'm too intimidated by all the serious, buff and toned people who seem to know how it all works. I'm sure its my own insecurities and they dont care about what I do, but I cant get past it yet.

It does suck! They need gyms for shy people... and all the shy people could go and be shy together... and then they wouldn't go because they're too shy to be seen there even if they're surrounded by other shy people. Oh my head.

Ooo, so then you would have each machine in little booths so nobody can see what you're doing and you don't see anybody else? And then, those of us like me who are not shy to workout around people would use the booths to just work out naked! It benefits everybody! :drinker:

*raises hand*

to me, going to the gym would be like shopping in the juniors section. "WTF ARE YOU DOIN?!"
yeah, i've been wanting to join planet fitness but i can't help but think people are going to judge me and stare. i'm a pretty big girl so obviously i'll stand out. it doesn't help that most people at the gym are pretty fit! (nothing wrong with that, btw) it's just very intimidating for someone brand new.

*raises hand*

to me, going to the gym would be like shopping in the juniors section. "WTF ARE YOU DOIN?!"
yeah, i've been wanting to join planet fitness but i can't help but think people are going to judge me and stare. i'm a pretty big girl so obviously i'll stand out. it doesn't help that most people at the gym are pretty fit! (nothing wrong with that, btw) it's just very intimidating for someone brand new.

I've actually noticed that the more fit people pay no attention to me, and it's the fellow fatties that try to put me down. Jerks, go eat a cheeseburger.

I am also weird about working out in public. It's funny, I used to walk 3 miles around the Shakesphere Fevistal Park by myself, every morning... And you pass people but not too many people, ya know. And now, I can't even make it once around the block without worrying about what people think when they see me. I have taken to 5am runs or after the sun goes down... weird. :blushing:

Meeeee tooooo! I'm not so much shy about it as I am uncomfortable. I've never been very athletic and I was always THAT girl who was always the last one picked for the team! That has caused me to really be a loner when it comes to working out. I still have the mindset that I am not doing something right and feel very self-conscious in a gym!

I have recently had an NSV, though. I started running in October and ran outside throughout the winter. Of course I was the only one who was ever out on the path. Now that the weather has warmed up and lots of people are around, I have noticed that I don't feel as uncomfortable anymore. I've also started going to a yoga class with friends.

So, I guess I'm making progress, but I'm still one of the shy ones!

Reviving this very old thread !
I was looking for a discussion like this... I feel less weird now that I've read all the people above !

I did overcome the shyness for jogging outside, it took me a few weeks... but now I don't care, as long as I'm in the park where all the joggers already are. If I run in the streets I don't feel as confident... like out of place... so I rarely do it !

But I still can't work out at home, when my bf is there. We actually started to work out together in my living room at the start of our relationship. I didn't like it a lot but I tried hard to act normal haha
After we moved, the configuration of the apartment doesn't allow us both to workout at the same time. And I can't overcome the shyness of doing it while he's there.

I should use the time he's gone to work out alone, but I have other activities I prefer doing on my alone time (singing)

I'm not ready for the gym either. I convinced him to join one, and he's been trying to go twice a week with his nephew and son. He's trying to get me on board at least to run next winter... I know he's right but... I don't feel ready I hate feeling "seen", by strangers or family.

Hopefully I'll overcome that too one day...