Step foot inside a gym alone? NO WAY

I used to feel intimidated too. Especially in the weight room. One would think that after being in the army I would be used to alot of males being around. Well, in the civilian world we weren't wearing the same uniform. I felt like an outsider.

I knew i was strong(at least bodyweight wise) but I wanted to take it to another level and knew I had to get off the machines, and do more than bodyweight. I had to start lifting free weights. I was really intimidated so I got myself a personal trainer. That might help. I now feel so comfortable I am now a personal trainer myself!

I'd rather go alone than with someone. I'm there for one reason, to work out and "get 'er done"

It's my alone time.

I think the first day is a killer. You really just don't want to go alone. I joined a gym about 2 years ago with my mom and had no problem walking in and out of there by myself after the first day. Now, that gym is closed and I need to find another one. That only one I'm considering is Anytime Fitness, but still I always feel like I need someone there with me the first day. I don't know why! Anytime after that, I really don't want anybody working out with me. I just always feel the need to compare. I work out better without anybody else around me.

I'd rather go alone than with someone. I'm there for one reason, to work out and "get 'er done"

It's my alone time.

I agree! I never understood why ladies are so self conscious of going to a gym or working out alone. Come ladies, we rock!!

I go alone~ but maybe check and see if there is one near you that has a Women's Gym~ Gold's that I belong to has a special smaller gym just for women and I love it~ we laugh when we screw up and get support from each other if someone has more exerpeicne...I love it!

Last year, the best move I made was start with a personal trainer for a short period of time. I got to know the staff at the gym really well, and they got to know me by name. You can't imagine how encouraging they can be! Im 80+lbs overweight and they treat me like Im any of the other skinny people. Absolutly no judgements. Actually, I've never seen judgement in the eyes of anyone in the gym, including the members. You have to believe that they respect that every drop of sweat that they see dripping from you proves how hard you're working towards never being unhealthy ever again!!

Hope this helps!

This is what I have done because I have the same issues with being intimidated. Everything she said is true for me. Other posters have said it is their time--I agree. I also found I work harder with my trainer--I still train alone, but there is something about having someone there to push a little bit. It helps, alot.

check out planet fitness. they have a "no critics" policy. i joined a couple weeks ago, and get nothing but smiles and encouragement from the other members :happy:

I go to the gym every day alone. I feel better that way. I get to put on my headphones and listen to the music and get to set my reps to the beat, or set my walk/run to the beat. I find when I have to go to the gym with someone else, they always end up canceling and it gives me a reason to cancel myself. or I don't get to go when it suits me, I always have to arrange my schedule around them.

Last year, the best move I made was start with a personal trainer for a short period of time. I got to know the staff at the gym really well, and they got to know me by name. You can't imagine how encouraging they can be! Im 80+lbs overweight and they treat me like Im any of the other skinny people. Absolutly no judgements. Actually, I've never seen judgement in the eyes of anyone in the gym, including the members. You have to believe that they respect that every drop of sweat that they see dripping from you proves how hard you're working towards never being unhealthy ever again!!

Hope this helps!

THIS ^^^^ I go to the Y alone 90% of the time. I am about 50lbs overweight NOW ( it was closer to 70). After I started working out on a regular basis, the Personal Trainer who works in the fitness area during the week started greeting me. Now he says "hey" most of the time, and occasionally we will have a conversation about random stuff ( Tuesday it was wild blackberries and all the decadent things you can make with them). This fall I hope to have enough $$ to hire him for a few 30 minute sessions.

I have been approached by other Y members, but never in a bad way. One big huge guy struck up a conversation to motivate me ( told me I was doing a great job and to keep it up). Another time a few older ladies told me they had noticed my dedication.

You can totally do it alone! Its so good for you to jus get into the zone and go after your goal! Trust me!! I used to be the same way and now I love to go alone!!

As someone who is now a gym rat (I go six days a week and know all the regulars ), I can tell you that people aren't criticizing you!! Generally, everyone is there to work on themselves...I am too busy thinking about myself to even pay attention to others When I see someone at the gym for the first time I am secretly cheering for them, especially if its someone who looks totally new to working out. Also, pretty much everyone at my gym works out solo - I have never worked out with a friend!

I find going alone is better than with a friend - my housemate and I joined a gym together and she would often quit after 20 minutes or so, and then I would feel guilty wanting to stay out my hour or whatever. I've moved in with my boyfriend now and it's fun to go alone - I can do what I want for however long I want to, and I don't have to worry about holding her up (or nagging her to stay!)

It's also nice to smile and acknowledge other members - if you go at the same time every day, you'll get to know the 'locals' and then you can ask them for help or just be a friendly face around the place. My gym is 24 hrs and isn't usually staffed so trainers are rare early in the morning or late at night when I go. People don't stare - unless I whack out a headstand in the middle of my stretching routine and then they come over and ask how they can do it too!!

ETA: People who go to a gym respect those who are there. You might be bigger than them, but you're there and that's what counts. You're not sitting on the couch with a bag of chips, you're doing something about your health. I'd rather people look at me running with sweat pouring down my face and my jiggles doing their thing, than point and laugh while I'm on the street or doing my grocery shopping for the rest of my life. GET IN THERE!!! You won't regret it!

check out planet fitness. they have a "no critics" policy. i joined a couple weeks ago, and get nothing but smiles and encouragement from the other members :happy:

There are critics everywhere... even Planet Fitness

For the OP - Seriously, i used to feel the same way until I realized a few things. 1. I get a MUCH better workout alone with music and headphones. 2. There is not one person in that gym who is remotely even looking at me - they are all focusing on their workout. 3. Everyone had to start somewhere!

i feel the same way - like everyone is staring, judging...eeek. So I go jogging outside with sunglasses, my mom has an eliptical(i know, most ppl don't, which is why i mentioned the running outside) and do Pilates and crunchless abs videos at home. Also, you can buy hand weights at lots of stores! good luck girl

I LOVE working out alone... having a 'friend' with you can backfire if they arent as motivated as you are, or even if they are more fit, it could make you feel bad about yourself. Going to the gym is my time away, I get to get lost in my music and break a sweat. Its great for the quiet 'me' time that I needed and deserved!!!!!!!!!!!!

I tend to go to the gym during the day, to avoid the crowds and the insanely fit people... I love how mid-afternoon my gym is occupied by retired men and women, they seem less intimidating to me, and typically leave me alone and don't stare! Not everyone can go during this time, but as a fulltime student, and fulltime single mom, it works for my schedule....


Try the gym, I love going alone and you might too!!!!!!!!!!!

I thought I couldn't go to the gym alone either...but I love it! I do like going with my husband, but we never do the same thing--- I just like looking across the gym and catching his glance and it motivates me. We tried doing the whole strength training/cardio together...but I like the elepitical for my ankle and he likes the tredmill or to play basketball. When we would do strength training it was a constant changing the seat position and the amount of the weight--it just slows it down. I like to do strength training in a class format.

If you like to be in a group check to see if your gym has group exercises... I love going to zumba, body combat (kickboxing), body pump (strength training), and water aerobics. I am probably the biggest person in those first three classes, but I keep up--- I might not always look graceful but I stay with them.

Who knows you might meet some new friends to head to the gym with-- but it is much easier to do your own thing once you get there!

Good luck with your workouts!!