Gym/Exercise Class Anxiety

[CliffordMouse]

So, I'm starting my weight loss journey.

I really want to book onto a Zumba class my gym is running, but I feel so anxious about it! What if everyone knows eachother? What if I feel awkward? What if I'm the only new person there/everyone else has been doing it for ages?

Just feel really worried that it'll be embarrassing. No friends who I can rope in to coming along, I'm new to the area

I'm not usually an anxious person, I'm usually very confident! Please tell me I'm not the only one who feels like this?

[ListeningQuietly]

EVERYBODY feels like it the first time they go to a new class
even if they are a gym bunny moving to a new area
or trying something new

there will be a clique
leave them be

say hello to the instructor
and plant yourself in the middle of the room (so that you can see people whichever way you turn)
and enjoy

[chestnutshell]

I am booking a class for the very first time this week and I'm very nervous too!! I have never done this type of exercise class before so I'm absolutely positive I'll be making a tit of myself.

So no help! But know you're not alone!

[CliffordMouse]

@chestnutshell ah! If you can do it, so can I! I'm going to book it! It's on Friday so I will let you know how it goes, I'd love to hear how yours goes too!

@ListeningQuietly you're right, I absolutely need to just do that. I'm really excited about the class, I just haven't been to one in years and I've never done Zumba before so I think I'm getting myself panicked that I don't know what I'm doing. But that's the point isn't it, to learn. So I'm doing it!

[Dashel]

Have you thought about seeing if you can find some Zumba you tube videos to try before you go? A bit of practice might give you some confidence but you should definitely go for it! !!!

I think 99% of people feel the same so please know you aren’t the same. Try and make eye contact and smile at people and don’t be afraid to say it’s your first class.

Good luck I’m sure you won’t regret going!

[chestnutshell]

@CliffordMouse I will report back on Thursday once I've been. I hate change and feeling awkward but I imagine after a few weeks you just become part of the furniture.

[ListeningQuietly]

Remember that lots of people will be trying desperately not to turn left when the instructor turns right

and that super quick shuffle is not an extra skill, its a swiftly hidden mistake

and NOBODY is watching anybody else - they are either watching their own reflection or concentrating so hard they cannot focus far