Joined the gym this week

[Perfectlypurple]

After a couple of years of being a couch potato and putting on weight and losing all my fitness I have joined a gym again. Had my induction on Friday and went again today. It was awful, I felt so self conscious and out of place. Luckily it wasn't busy but next time I go it will be Tuesday evening and I know it will be busier which will make me even more self conscious.

The other people that were there today are all lovely and slim. Give me he kick up the arse I need to make me stop dwelling on it and making myself feel worse.

[Mondy]

Don't do yourself down. You've joined the gym and have actually been, unlike me (I joined a month ago and haven't yet got around to going).

People at the gym are there for one thing - to get fit. The fact that you're doing something about your weight and fitness will mean that people will respect you. Don't forget as well that everyone has body issues, no-one is totally happy in their own skin.

I should take my own advice and go to the gym really!

[Perfectlypurple]

Thanks mondy

I will be fine when I get used to it.

[JackandDiane]

i go to the gym a lot. I always feel pleased when new people join a class

[almostthirty]

Just think, most people there started off as a couch potato too. They look fit and slim now because they stuck to it and didn't let people put them off.

In 6 months time, new people joining the gym will look at you and will feel intimidated about how fit and slim you look. It's the circle of gym life!

[peggyundercrackers]

There are very few slim people go to my gym. I tend to find most people who go to the gym are over weight.

[Wolfiefan]

If you go then you will end up being the slim and stunning you that you want to be!
If you are in a gym you are there to work out. Working out? So not out of place! Now if you are eating fish and chips then perhaps you might stand out!

Oh and I'm fat. Less so than when I joined. I work hard. No one ever comments. Except the odd well done!

[noodlingabout]

I'm a gym regular and IME the gym bunnies are much keener on looking at themselves than you, or anyone else. That's what I always tell myself and anyway, fuck em. You do what you want to do.
Good luck with it!

[MrsBertMacklin]

I go to the gym the same days every week. If you put another regular at my front door right now, I wouldn't place them.

Honestly, everyone's engrossed in their reps, matching the instructor or changing their play list, you aren't noticed.

The only users who I notice are the machine hoggers

[Perfectlypurple]

I used to go to a different gym all the time and I know you are all right. Just need to get it into my head and not let the emotions spill out like they did today.

[Tomorrowisanewday]

I posted this on another thread, but I'm 18 stone, and very short. Although I've lost a stone so far, it's the tip of the iceberg. I felt the same as you, but you soon realise that most other people there are there for the same reasons you are. In my experience, the ones who are there because they want other people to look at them aren't seen as being the cool kids. A lady commented to me that whatever I was doing with my legs was working because they were more toned. I've never had a compliment on how I looked before that, but in my experience people there have been nothing but kind.

You've done the hard bit and gone once, get past the busy session, and you'll be fine x

[Thefitfatty]

Everyone in that gym more then likely started at the same place you did, and I found the bigger and buffer they are, the nicer they are and more helpful.

[Perfectlypurple]

Went to the gym early this morning. I felt better than the last couple of times.

[Gymboree567]

Well done for joining and going
Everyone else is probably too busy working out or worrying what they look like!
I'm thin but I still worry that people are looking at me, just focus on what you have to do and your goals
There's all shapes sizes and ages at my gym, I'm pretty sure no ones really judging each other
It will get easier the more times you go, give yourself time to get used to your new surroundings, you'll be a pro before you know it!!

[mumgointhroughtorture]

I found a proper gym was quite intimidating so I joined the leisure centre and in all the weeks I've been doing the gym and classes I don't feel quite so judged as in a proper gym . A lot more older , less fitter people use the gym I've found rather than the fitness freaks with their perfect bodies. Maybe try the leisure centre if you don't feel comfortable :)

[Lottapianos]

I found the gym a bit scary at first but I promise you that no one is looking at you. Everyone is far too interested in their own workout. Please don't let it put you off. Stick with it, it gets much easier after the first month or so