Embarrassed at Gym

[jordy91]

Im feeling really self conscious going to gym (i say going but ive been only been once since moving town) - not based on looks so much but mostly based on fitness levels as I keep comparing them to old PBs. I keep trying to tell myself that eveyone is focused on themselves and not me, as I remember being in the zone too much to care what others did- but Im still feeling very much like everyone is staring at machines stats or at me. Its very distracting and I dont know how Im going to get it out of head so I can focus on me alone.

Should I attempt to just get general fitness up at home by jogging morning and night, jump rope, push ups ( seeing as im stuffed doing 3 sets of 12 reps of modified push ups, i think this is a good idea before i even attempt to lift a dumbell in front of witnesses) , lunges etc etc and join the gym when I feel up to the challenge?
Or should I attempt some group classes so that I can mingle in?

I did consider asking a friend to join but she is more class inclined and is thinking of another gym to join which is pretty much a ladies aerobics centre. I really want to get back to old lifestyle which was mostly circuit work and training for marathons and triathlons, so I want more equipment and access to the pool as well.

[Athene]

I find most people are impressed by effort and consistency, regardless of your level of fitness. I know it's hard to go from being a "fit chick" to an "out of shape chick" but I agree with Les - it's likely no one really cares! People are into themselves and are probably more interested by what you are doing than judging you. There was a pretty overweight dude at gym a while back - he was so dedicated, that even though his workout was pretty lean at first, I admired his dedication and his attitude a lot, and now he is one of those buff monkeys in front of the mirror all the time ; )

Just do your thing and try not to worry. Easier said than done, I know!

[Boss Man]

Screw the thinking basically.

Most people train for themselves, or train around people they can talk too. Yes you might get a few anti-social people sometimes, but anti-social isn't always a sign of being judgemental, it's just someone being isolatory and feeling it's more conducive to good levels of effort and efficiency that way.

If some people do judge, let them. It's their problem not yours and unless you abuse the facilities or members, then where's the issue? You need to train, you want to train and you want a body that works pretty well when you're old, so don't sweat it and just get in there and do it .

[gilliebean]

I am a really really big girl and have learned to not care when or if people check me out at the gym. I am there to improve myself and so is everyone there in one way or another so don't stress and get out there and be your own inspiration, then maybe you will be someone elses and you never know you might already be

[fitoverforty]

I am there to improve myself and so is everyone there in one way or another so don't stress and get out there and be your own inspiration, then maybe you will be someone elses and you never know you might already be

Great outlook and advice, especially the last line.
If we all waited until we were perfect to go to the gym, it would be an empty place.

[gilliebean]

glad i was helpful

[scottgaran]

Most everything that needs to be said, has been, but I want to add one thing. When it comes to weights, or stats, remember EVERYONE was where you are at at one point in their lifting careers. I have been lifting for years, but can still remember how it felt to finally put a set of 45's on the olympic bar for bench. Before that I used "the little weights." That has been years ago, but we were all there. Most people in the gym admire you for working out, and the ones that don't, you shouldn't care about anyway!
scott

[Boss Man]

Good point and if one or people give you stick for what you're doing, just say something like, why are you behaving like that? You joined a gym for the first time at some point, so did you get stick or grief and if so, did you think it was justified?

Possibly call them out on their behaviour and see how they behave.

[Bonnie]

I kinda felt sorry for the people in gym when I started, never been a fan of overdressing.Only when I started I was about 20 + lbs heavier.The only reason I look at anyone is because their form catches eye or I like to give them a smile or nod in greeting.I barely notice anyone watching me, never have, as mentioned above I was there for myself.The equipment is there for everyone to use, to improve their health.If you catch someone staring at you, smile at them they may not even be aware they are staring, happens all the time.Maybe they are admiring what your doing or trying to learn from you, never know.I've only run across 2 truly rude people in one year & it was during a switch to a new gym, territorial thing maybe ?

I can tell you what i personally think when I see an unfit person come through the door.I think they are to be applauded for taking an interest in their health & well being & hope they keep coming back.A lot of regulars in gym, good to see. So stick around your gym, become a regular its a nice feeling to say hello to everyone you always see

[Smileey]

You should actually be proud of yourself for going to the gym! There are overweight and obese people that want to lose weight but are to lazy to do anything about it. When I see someone exercising at the gym I feel more motivated to keep doing what I do to maintain a healthier life style. Also people don't care what you're doing, they're there to do what they have to do and you're there to do what you have to do. Everyone's working out and exercising, there is absolutely nothing to be embarassed about.

[Bonnie]

If they have already entered the gym, they have the awareness, so ego is checked already.Most of the reason people are uncomfortable in a gym setting is because they are overweight & self conscious about it.They shake & wobble due to lack of muscular co ordination, which enhances the feelings of inadequacy.

[Boss Man]

For some people it is a feeling like perhaps they don't belong, but they do belong and if they leave because they feel they don't belong, they will find it very hard to change their physical state, as whilst losing weight is possible with diet changes and some regular walking, doing things like non-adaptive cardio like Interval stuff and good weights, will be more beneficial and more likely to increase the extent of possible results, not just the likelihood of results.

[scottgaran]

You're right Boss, I think almost everyone that has the guts to step into a gym and train belongs to the iron brotherhood (or sisterhood)! I never cared who a person was or their abilities, but loved hanging with people training and getting to know them. There are however, some that just want to "belong" to a gym and don't want to put in the work. Those people do not belong!
Scott

[Boss Man]

I saw someone once in old gym who appeared to keep turning up now and again in a random manner, no set pattern and one time he turned up, he had been there about 10-15 minutes, then went outside to smoke twice.

It really annoyed me, because it made me feel like he was taking the rip out of others like me, that took it seriously.

[scottgaran]

Gotta agree with you there, going out for a smoke during training is a no-no.