scared of the gym?

[Zaphirah]

I have an opportunity to join a gym that offers childcare, but I'm afraid. Of, what, I do not know. Of failure, perhaps? I have SO much anxiety about it that I have put off joining for a month. What gives? Anyone else have fear about exercising in public? I think it's just that it seems so overwhelming and all...and also that I don't have a CLUE about weight training and I'm a TOTAL CLUTZ. BUT I WANNA LOOK HOT!!!!

Anyone overcome their fear and get a smokin' hot body? I feel so silly about even posting this, but the fear is so intense...:confused:

[Ginger]

Anytime those thoughts surface, push them out and say I REALLY ENJOY THE WAY I FEEL WHEN I EXCERCISE. I LOVE TO WORK OUT. IT MAKES ME FEEL GOOD AND MAKES ME HAPPY! :D Really feel those words and just focus on how good your body feels when you move it. Do not allow those little scared defeating type thought to get in your way. I also like to close my eyes when I am on the machines and really feel every muscle work and communicate with my body. I have really bad social phobia and anxiety issues so I can definitly understand the not wanting to work out infront of people! I have found that by the time I get to the third machine the endorphins or whatever it's called have kicked in and I really do feel good! I don't know alot about weight training, just that I freaking love the feeling!, but I do know some stuff like to build muscle you need to take at least a day or two to recover after each workout so your muscles build. Always stretch the muscles you use before and after working out. Lower weight but more repititions tone while less repitition with more weight builds bigger muscles. Sometimes I will do all lower body one day then all upper body the next time but usually I like to just do a complete all over workout twice a week. I usually try to push myself a little further than the last time but only when I feel my body is ready to step it up a bit. I am lucky that my gym has great child care, these people feel like family and are so great with my daughter. She never wants to leave LOL! I think if you just gofor it you will really enjoy it! And so will your little one! Don't put any pressure or demands on yourself to go so you can't 'fail'! Just go when you can and enjoy the feeling!

[MindyLee]

I too am a person that hates going to the gym... not so much that I am "scared," but because I hate waiting in line for machines, weights or a bench, the sweat and germies on the equipment from prior users kind of gross me out (I don't care whether the prior person wipes down the machine or weights with a towel, it's still gross to me)... and those body builder guys that walk around like they own the place and are always grunting and groaning and then the ones that just gawk at all the girls, or try and hit on you when you're dripping with sweat and just want to be left alone... ok sounding a little b*tchy here so I'll stop now...

Anyhoo, the point is, if you are scared of going to the gym, you can just as easily workout at home, that's what I do and I'm in really good shape. I'm actually in better shape now then when I used to go to the gym! First, unless you have bad knees, joints or whatever, go running outside for cardio. I just took up running about 6 months ago and have never felt better and absolutely love it! Make sure you have a good pair of shoes though!

And then you can go to Target and get some free weights, a jump rope, yoga mat whatever... and do all your weighted workouts at home. If you don't know how to, or where to start buy a book or look up ideas on the internet.

And I would also recommend buying some workout DVDs to help you as well. There are a lot of crappy ones out there... I would know I have a bazillion of them, so do an internet search on highly rated workout DVDs, and then whatever one interests you, go pick up at the store or order online.

There are many ways to get a highly effective workout without stepping foot in the gym!

Good luck! If you want any recommendations on good websites or good DVD videos, just let me know! :)

[Mialsse]

I know where you're coming from. I used to feel the same way (still do a bit. I'm trying to over a HUGE social anxiety issue of mine) Just bite the bullet and go!!! You'll be less and less anxious about it each time, until before long you'll start looking forward to it with excitement. Love yourself for who you are NOW... the clutzy, clueless about weight training person, LOVE HER!!! Have the confidence to put yourself out there to learn something new. Don't feel akward, or silly, or stupid about the process ... you can't grow as a person until you put yourself in situations where you learn. Sure, it can be uncomfortable and/or fearful walking into the unknown, but you have to embrace that unknown ... right on the other side of it is another layer to add to your soul! It's empowering to know that you have the ability EACH day to shape your mind, your body, and your spirit. Take advantage of that awesome ability and GO FOR IT!!!

[MindyLee]

Yes yes I agree totally with the above post and I forgot to mention... I'm sure 75% of the people inside the gym are self conscious, feel like they don't know what they're doing and are scared as well... but you would never know it!! Truly no one really pays attention to anyone else that much or thinks badly about someone who is at the gym working out (except for those creapy guys I mentioned in my above post ;) )

Everyone kicks ass just for being in there in the first place and most importantly... who cares what anyone else thinks, you are doing something good for yourself and you is who matters, no one else! :D

[EZ rider]

Everybody's different so maybe the gym isn't for you ? Maybe its rebounding or walking or tennis ? If your stressing about it there's probably a reason. I like to just go with the flow and when the right exercise come along for you it will feel very natural and easy. HTH

[halikatak]

I completely have a fear of exercising in front of people. I don't even like doing it in front of dh.

I didn't used to be like this. :(

[RawKev]

Invest in a few introductory sessions with a personal trainer. They will show you how to use each piece of equipment properly and safely. They able to show you enough different exercises and give you an effective start up plan. Once you know what you are doing you will be more confident working out alone and not be as self conscious. For the most part, everyone is in the gym for the same reason as you are and nobody is really that concerned with what anyone else is doing.

Can't afford a trainer? How bout drag a friend along to the gym with you. The distraction of having someone else to talk to can be a great help. You guys can even motivate each other while working out.

[KittyMommy]

Another option is working out at home to DVDs. Can't beat the convenience.

[Zaphirah]

you guys are the greatest. I love every suggestion. I feel that I really must join the gym to get to the next level of fitness. I've lost 75 lbs or so by walking/running/elliptical at home but I'm kinda stuck and really in need of intruction. Mainly, my poor lonely dd is a HUGE reason that I never really get a good workout at home. The gym's child care option is wonderful for her and a HUGE relief for me. I think Mialsse is right-I can't grow til I stretch out of my comfort zone a little. (I hope that's a fair paraphrase!)

RawKev-they actually offer 4 free sessions w/ a personal trainer when you join and a really cheap rate if you sign up with a few other people.

well, dh is at the gym right now checking it out to see if he wants to join too! :cool: