Mental barrier - help needed (be nice please..)

You have just as much right to be there as everyone else. You paid your membership. Just remember - they all put their pants on the same way ---one leg at a time!! Go for it.

Put your earphones on, don't look at anyone else and just go for it.

They are there for their reasons you are there for yours. Years ago I had same issue but got a trainer to set me up with a routine and off I went. I knew how to do each machine so I put my headphones on and got 'er done. Yes you will always have those not so bright looking beefcakes but you just smile and snicker quietly at them while they grunt and groan. It feels so rewarding to go in, get your stuff done and feel stronger both physically and mentally for being able to do it in the first place.

ME too! I have the exact same problem! It makes me nervous just thinking about it.

You know, I bet there are lots of people who are kinda nervous walking into the gym. We are NOT the only ones and that's what helps me overcome this nervous feeling so I can work out for a bit.

Good luck! Remember: YOU are NOT the only one who feels this way!

Can you go at a time when not many people are there? Use that time to get yourself acquainted with the machines and how they work?
For the social anxiety part: do some self-talking (biofeedback) while you're there. Keep telling yourself that no one is really watching you or cares what you're doing. Do some breathing techniques designed to counter the chemicals released during anxiety attacks. Remember: If you're relaxed, you can't be anxious.
Go get 'em!

Usually when you join a gym they take you around and show you how to use the equipment. Ask someone to do that. Best of luck to you!! You CAN do this!!

Go tot he front desk and ask to schedule an orientation, these should be free. They can't always do it right then, but I've never been to a gym (8 gyms three states) where they didn't offer this service. A typical orientation will include how to set up the machines both cardio and resistance as well as a starter routine. The people doing the orientations are not always personal trainers, but they can get you going in the right direction. You might still get anxious about walking over there, but it won't be because you don't know how to use the equipment.

If you want a little more security, spring for 1-3 sessions with a personal trainer and explain that you are just getting started and need a little help learning the machines and getting a plan together. People think personal trainers are just for long term plans, but if short term is what you need, that's what they'll give you.

I teach at our local Y, but have always had anxiety about my body and my abilities, so I have to consciously shut down the negative voices and just do what I need to do. I actually still have to tell myself "This is your time, get your *kitten* over there and lift" on free weight days. It is easy to get intimidated, and hard to stand up for yourself, but to be honest those scary buff folks over there are very helpful and understanding and many of them were just like you when they started. I was surprised the other day when somebody was asking me questions about lifting, when did I go from newbie to someone who looks like they belong?

We gym rats don't laugh at the people trying. Just the ones who come for two weeks and then fade away. Show up, if you have a question ask. If you need help with a weight ask. Most of those intimidating, in shape people are some what evangelical about form technique and keeping fit. They'll help.

just go in, introduce yourself and it helps if you've brought a fruit basket :bigsmile:

just kidding. weight rooms can be intimidating at first. just remember a few things
- most people are probably too busy looking at themselves to even notice you
- always have a plan for what you're going to do once you get there. carry a notebook if you have to to keep track of your workouts and weights
- most people in the weight room are helpful, so dont be afraid to ask a question about where to find some equipment or whatever. just make sure you do it between their sets

I think people appreciate the honesty of you saying, "Hi, I'm new to this, and I wondered if I could ask you a question" - I've been struggling with some shoulder pain and I did that very thing to the biggest guy I saw at the gym last night. I figured there was no way he got to that size without encountering SOME issues along the way. After he got over the shock of someone actually talking to him at the gym, he was really cool and immediately suggested a pinched nerve was likely the cause. I've been seeing my chiro periodically, but that was affirmation that I really needed to go see him again.

(btw, I went to the chiro today and told him this story. He laughed and then gave me some ideas for things I could do to strengthen my rhomboids, which in turn would better support my spine, which in TURN, would better support my shoulder. Crazy how the body works!)

We gym rats don't laugh at the people trying. Just the ones who come for two weeks and then fade away. Show up, if you have a question ask. If you need help with a weight ask. Most of those intimidating, in shape people are some what evangelical about form technique and keeping fit. They'll help.

This is so true! Respect is earned, not given. You get in there & work hard & you'll be fine.