Anxieties about going back to the gym

I've been a member for quite sometime but haven't gone in the last year or two. (I just basically help them pay their rent)

Every time I want to go back, I somehow talk myself out of it. I used to do the treadmill for 45 min when I used to go but that got boring. I've always wanted to do the classes but am embarrassed. I get anxieties just thinking about it. I'm afraid I will forget to grab one of the props and when it comes time to use it I will feel like an *** (yes I replay scenarios in my head)

I would love to get into going but can't get over all the fears I have of people looking at me and laughing.

Anyone have any advice? Or ever feel this way yourself?

Re: Anxieties about going back to the gym

Getting there is the biggest step. Just think about what your doing for yourself.. how good your going to feel when your done. The people there are probably thinking the same thing having the same feelings.
This is about YOU and only YOU. Be proud of yourself for making a change and getting healthy.
Unless your gym is a Miss America pagent, you have nothing to worry about..
GO GET 'EM TIGER

Re: Anxieties about going back to the gym

There are ALWAYS newbies in classes- ESPECIALLY at this time of the year. In fact, NOW is the best time to start.

I love taking classes because then I am committed to working out for an hour. It's too easy for me to cut my work outs short when I'm going it alone.

GL!!!!

Re: Anxieties about going back to the gym

I'm gonna give it a go tonight, class starts at 6:00.....hopefully I will be able to talk myself out of talking myself out of going lol

Thank you ladies!!!
I'll post tomorrow on if I made it or not!

Re: Anxieties about going back to the gym

I feel the same exact way !! I get nervous that all the treadmills in the last row will be taken and I will be forced to use one in front of someone

Re: Anxieties about going back to the gym

I think people are more empathetic than you think. All gym goers were first timers at some point and know how hard it is to get acclimated to gym or new gym. 100% go to the class, hit that treadmill and don't be afraid to ask for help. Give it a couple of classes and it will feel like you were never the new guy.

Good luck!!

My spin class that i have been going to over a year now has been packed with new people. The instructor always welcomes the new people and offers added instruction to help them adjust to the class.

You will be great

Re: Anxieties about going back to the gym

Do you have a friend you can go with? Or maybe even someone from here? I think it definitely helps to go with someone so that you don't feel so "alone."

I know it's easy to say but try not to worry about being judged or anyone watching you. People go to the gym to work out and do something good for themselves - not to judge.

Can you try going in the morning before work? I find having a regular routine in the morning really helps me stick with it and makes me look forward to my workouts. I see the same people every day and I like seeing their smiling faces I try not to think about it and just go on auto pilot in the morning so that there is no chance of talking myself out of it

The more you go the more comfortable you will be with going there.

Hope you enjoyed your class!!

Re: Anxieties about going back to the gym

I used to feel the same way about going to the gym. I never wanted to go by myself because i was afraid people would be looking at me and laughing. I have taken ome classes but not by myself. I always had a friend with me so i wouldn't feel so stupid. I am trying to work up to going to classes by myself. But i work out from 1-2 hours when i go to the gym now and i just put my ipod on and do whatever. I have been going for about 5 years now and it does not bother me anymore. I am still trying to get myself into the classes but i haven't attempted yet. You learn alot too after a while. You learn different exercises and stuff. You just have to go in with the i don't care attitude and get going.

Re: Anxieties about going back to the gym

Honestly I have similar anxiety about the classes and recently I got back into going. Usually the other girls (or sometimes guys) in the class are so friendly and think of it this way....most of us worry we look silly or will mess up. Go for it!

Re: Anxieties about going back to the gym

Hello! I just went back to the gym YESTERDAY after not going for over a year. And you know what, we are alll there for the same purpose- to get ourselves in shape. I saw women who were clearly regulars, men/women who were new, and others in the middle.

Just remember, everyone was new once too. You are not alone.

If you need some extra support and are taking a class, you can go to the teacher before class begins, introduce yourself and let her know that you are new to her class and just got back to the gym. She may keep an eye on you and help you out.

Otherwise, just stand in the middle/back and watch other people do it and learn that way.

Re: Anxieties about going back to the gym

I did it!!!!

I went to the gym and took the class all by myself!!!!
Boy did that class open my eyes as to how bad of shape I'm really in! I couldn't do most of it but kept moving...at one point she asked if anyone never took step before and no one raised their hand so I felt a bit ackward being the only one so I didn't say anything thinking, how bad can it be, right? WRONG! She started blurting out commands, I looked like the biggest idiot trying to follow along and I couldn't help but laugh.

FYI I found out at the end of the class that it wasn't a beginner class

What was surprising is even though I looked beyond ridiculous attempting to do some of the moves, I didn't notice anyone looking at me or caring what I do. I looked around and saw a good amount of people struggling with the moves like I did. Some people couldn't do the 8 sets of 8 leg lifts and just walked in place instead (as did I)

Definately an interesting experience. I saw some posts of people having the same anxieties, and I appreciate you sharing...at least I know I'm not crazy

The first step really is the biggest....I will feel way more comfortable going the next time now that I saw for myself there is nothing to worry about!

Thank you all for your support!!!!

Re: Anxieties about going back to the gym

Posted by MagicFairyDust

I did it!!!!

I went to the gym and took the class all by myself!!!!
Boy did that class open my eyes as to how bad of shape I'm really in! I couldn't do most of it but kept moving...at one point she asked if anyone never took step before and no one raised their hand so I felt a bit ackward being the only one so I didn't say anything thinking, how bad can it be, right? WRONG! She started blurting out commands, I looked like the biggest idiot trying to follow along and I couldn't help but laugh.

FYI I found out at the end of the class that it wasn't a beginner class

What was surprising is even though I looked beyond ridiculous attempting to do some of the moves, I didn't notice anyone looking at me or caring what I do. I looked around and saw a good amount of people struggling with the moves like I did. Some people couldn't do the 8 sets of 8 leg lifts and just walked in place instead (as did I)

Definately an interesting experience. I saw some posts of people having the same anxieties, and I appreciate you sharing...at least I know I'm not crazy

The first step really is the biggest....I will feel way more comfortable going the next time now that I saw for myself there is nothing to worry about!

Thank you all for your support!!!!