How do I get over the embarrassment of being at the gym?

Head phones in, favorite music on and go at it... if that doesn't work - hire the trainer then you'll learn proper form and you'll have his undivided attention! LOL!!

If all else fails... here's a great pinterest quote - "No matter how slow you are going you are stil lapping everyone on the couch!"

I just put my headphones in and tune everything/everyone else out. I used to get at like 5am when hardly anyone was there too.

First of all...there's abolutely NO reason to be embarrassed that you're trying to improve yourself by exercising. Most people are uncomfortable about it at first...till you realize that most people are either a) not paying attention to YOU at the gym, or b) if they do see you, they're probably cheering you on inside!!

As november1999 said though, get the trainer to show you around and how to use any machines first, so you know you're doing it right.

Either way...get yourself out there, stop worrying about others and just DO IT. For every 'super fit' girl at your gym, there are probably three more who aren't happy with how they look either!!

What you're feeling is not at all unusual, but here's how I choose to look at it: I am more embarrassed by who I was when I was overweight and sitting alone on the couch watching TV than I was when I started working out in front of other people. You cannot let what other people think of you get in your way. For all you know, some of those fit, confident women were once just like you, and maybe what they're really thinking when they see you is "good for her."

If you don't know what you're doing, hire the trainer. They are there to help you, and most of them are used to working with rookies, so don't worry about it.

I feel like this is also a great place to leave Flowology principle #III...

~from http://www.templeofpoi.com/flowology/mindset.php

Principle III: Utilize Self-to-Self comparisons instead of comparing yourself to others.

We can always find someone "better" than we are; we can always find someone "worse" than we are. "Better" and "Worse" judgments often imply "Good" and "Bad" evaluations. "Good" evaluations are temporary ego highs while "Bad" evaluations are, all too often, devastating, pervasive and unnecessary ego lows.

At any point in time, depending on what criteria we choose, we can judge ourselves as both "bad" and "good." Since both are possible all the time, the value typically implied in these judgments equates to meaninglessness.

This principle reminds us that people learn different moves, lessons and skills at different rates with greater and lesser ease. We all have accomplishments and we all have opportunities for growth. This also means nothing.

Rejoicing in the knowledge that everyone's journey is unique unburdens us of expectations that keep us from being in our practice.

We all go to the gym to improve our bodies, get healthy and get fit.

i just feel that people may at first judge me but i'm doing something good, i'm working out.

don't ever worry about what other people may or may not be thinking - we all work out for the same reasons xx

Headphones.
Hiring a trainer for a session is a good idea, too. Have them show you the ropes and get you more familiar with the gym.

Not to sound like a complete brat, but no one is looking at you or judging you when you're at the gym. Unless you're showing up in a sports bra and a pair of volleyball shorts and letting everything hang out, no one will even look twice.

Trust me, I felt the same way when I first started. Then I realized that the other people at the gym were pushing themselves to do their workout and they were completely oblivious to me even being there. Focus on you and making yourself feel/look better. Good luck getting over this feeling of insecurity...it was hard for me, too, but it can be done!

Hey.. I hear what you are saying and yes, you should be able to go to the gym and feel confident and just do your own thing.. well, that isn't always going to just happen.. so.. why not start going early in the morning or during quieter times. I see my trainer at 6 am and I know I get a better workout than I would if I saw her at 6 pm.. I'd be too paranoid and busy looking around myself.... but after going on your own for a bit, you'll get more comfortable just because you'll get to know your limits, the machines, etc.. and come up with a bit of a routine.. and then maybe you will be okay with being around other people, etc.. You're doing great and there are always going to be obstacles that come up.. while it may be easier to just hop over them, sometimes thinking a way around them still serves the same purpose.. you getting your butt to the gym and working out! Lots of luck..

I struggle with the same issues. I especially feel nervous/shy in the weight room. I finally hired a trainer and he is helping me get over this. This has helped my confidence a lot. Good luck!!