gym anxiety

[icantbearit]

hello, i want to join a gym but i just cant workout in front of others, i just cant. people looking at u, people judging u! its too much to bear.... i really need to workout. ive tried working out at home, but i reached a point that i feel gym is a must!

[Dolphin14]

icantbearit

Have you looked into different gyms? Stay away from the hard core " muscle" gyms and find something more laid back.

🐬

[icantbearit in reply to Dolphin14]

I've tried. just felt overwhelmed with people breathing, people sweating, people acting really confident while me looking really awkward....

[Dolphin14 in reply to icantbearit]

People probably aren't looking at you that way. What you may be feeling is what you think of yourself.

Maybe you will work your way up to confidence when you start seeing changes.

[icantbearit in reply to Dolphin14]

could u provide me with some tips? according to the internet wear headphone/earphone with noise canceling feature along with a baseball cap. not sure if it will help, what do u think?

[Dolphin14 in reply to icantbearit]

Sure try those and just focus on your stuff, don't look around. They are busy, I don't think they care about you.

My advice from a mental health standpoint is giving yourself a pep talk

All that matters is I'm here. I'm working on myself. I'm doing this for my health.

[Jenna442]

Hi there! I feel the same way about the gym. Then I try to think about my behavior at the gym. Am I judging people? Likely not because I am more worried about myself. Most people are much more concerned with themselves. Think of the last time you saw someone trip or something? What was your reaction? Even if you judged them as being clumsy in the moment, you likely forgot all about it. Most people are self-centered (not saying it in a bad way it's just how we are wired). Most people are much more concerned with how they are being perceived. I would try what others suggested and find a more casual gym. Also going during less busy times. Is there anyway you can bring along a friend? When I was trying strength training, I used an app to show me how to do the exercise on the equipment. I had a few "muscle guys" look at me, but I was there for me and not for their entertainment. If they thought I looked weird, that was their business and they could stop looking if they didn't like it. I also have a very hard time with cardio type classes. I am awkward and don't follow "choreography" well. I chose to do my cardio on equipment instead. I watch YouTube videos to take Zumba type workouts at home. No one judges me there.

There are a ton of options other than going to the gym. You could walk or jog. Do at home workouts using YouTube videos. Turn on music and just dance around your home.

Don't give up. There are options. I would love to be there to help support you. Even just being an accountability buddy. We can start an accountability chat where you tell me about your workout that day or something.

I feel very isolated and alone right now. I welcome the opportunity to chat with people and hear about their days.

Jenna

[SR2727]

I can definitely relate, somethings I've found that helped me:- Going at off-peak times so it's generally quieter

- Selecting the noise cancelling setting on my Earphones

- Having a dedicated playlist that has my favourite hype music 🙌

-Trying to find a quiet corner/somewhere out the way and work with dumbbells

- Looking up "shy girl gym workouts", usually they have good exercises that don't require machines or lots of different equipment so you can stay in one area you find comfortable

I don't know if you've tried any of these but hopefully something will help 😁

Honestly though, it's highly unlikely anyone is going to be looking and judging because they're too busy focusing on themselves. There will be other people who are also anxious being there too so will be too busy worrying about getting judged to notice anyone else themselves! The more you go, the more confident you'll also become, the first step is getting over the initial anxiety and you'll be fine! 😁

[LoveforAll41]

Howdy icantbearit. That sounds great that you have made progress at home and are ready for the gym. I love the gym, exercise is my one outlet that is healthy (until I get in my head and must go or I'm a failure). That being said, I think you would be really surprised at how nice people there are. It is a community of people trying to better themselves or care for themselves. When it comes to worrying about other's perceptions I like to recommend the book "The subtle art of not giving a f***" by Marc Manson.

When I see someone at the gym that is overweight or obviously new, the only thing I feel for them is mad respect. It is going to be harder for them to go. Maybe a little bit of jealousy that they will be having some nice "beginner gains".

Anyway, if anyone judges you for going to the gym it is safe to say they are an a**. I do go to the local rec center which is pretty low key. I wish you confidence, fun, and peace☮️