Too anxious to go the Gym

[Misssy]

I like gyms, I go there when it rains and is cold outside. used to but haven't been for months and months....my life sucks

[kc1895]

I took my first swimming lesson at an aquatics center, and I have to admit I was a bit self-conscious about what people might think about me. I was in the therapy pool about 3 feet deep, while the next pool had a pool full of kids doing their swim meet with their parents watching. My instructor told me to practice some leg kicking and neck tilting until the next class, meaning I had to be in the regular pool with everyone watching me doing these weird movements while trying not to drown. I'm feeling a bit anxious about that, especially some kids who might swim past me. Sounds ridiculous though right?

[VickieKitties]

Oh man, I'm the worst swimmer! I'd feel like everybody was watching me at a pool. :/

[VickieKitties]

The only thing I miss about sas is the fitness forum, it's pretty non-existent over here. :/

[steven]

I think you are anxious about going to a health/fitness facility,experts recommend the following steps to ease embarrassment:
A)Some research in advance which to find out if a gym is a good fit for you.If you are overweight,for instance, call and ask the front desk if the facility is friendly size,advises rice.
B)You take a class or lesson,your observation one first to see if you would be comfortable doing it and to become familiar with what's involved.
C)Trying to skip the gym altogether.Your work out routine at a home gym or outside,where fewer people can gawk.Exercise program encourages people those who dislike gyms to try walking or recreational activities such as tennis or golf.
D)Pair up with a buddy for moral support and motivation.
BefitTacoma boot camp

[Keddy]

Ah, I have the same problem. Gyms are evil.
I've really been kicking myself for not getting my butt off the couch and going but I'm afraid of being judged. I think the jocks and gym rats have radar that can tell them I'm a nerd and therefore a loser :/
I know it's all in my head but the gym is really anxiety-producing for me.
I can offer you a bit of advice though; if you can get to the gym bring your iPod or mp3 player or whatever device you have, listen to your music with your headphones in, and don't look at anybody else. When I get severe anxiety at the gym it's usually because I look over at people and think they're staring. As long as you can distract yourself, you should be safe from intrusive thoughts like that. Though I know it's all easier said than done of course.
Good luck

[GunnyHighway]

I think the biggest thing stopping me from going to a gym is the fact that I'd have no idea what to do when I got there. Exercise, obviously, but the machines and what I should/shouldn't do are things that I have zero knowledge about.

Planning on sticking to biking and swimming, but that stuff doesn't really build muscle. I don't think my calves are getting any better than they are now, seeing as that's the only part of my body that has defined muscle tone. Maybe one day I'll get a friend to come with me and show me the ropes. First step though...finding a friend that won't giggle himself into a puddle of piss at how weak my arms are.

[James]

I had a gym membership for about a year, long enough to give it a fair chance. I'll never do it again, for sooo many reasons.