Please give me tips to feel less self conscious at the gym

[Difficultcustomer]

I’m not fit and signed up for a gym. I’ve been to a gym before where I used to live. It was very close to my home and I was able to change at home.

New home and need to use the gym, including changing rooms. It’s near work. I’ve been once, for a one-to-one session. there was someone from work there. I didn’t spot him but he told me he saw me there and why didn’t I say hello - told him I would have been in my own world (true).

I haven’t been back. I’m self conscious about the changing room.

I’m also worried about seeing the colleague or other colleagues. I may blank them due to partial sight. I’m also embarrassed by how unfit I am, they are fitter. (I know self fulfilling prophecy!)

Objectively I know no-one is looking/too busy with their own lives or about their own bodies at gym and when changing. I know all my colleagues are friendly. I could also go at other times but haven’t (24 hr gym).

Any tips on how to get past this block. Even knowing I’m paying for the privilege of not attending is not helping.

Firstly don’t give a fuck what other people think - it’s very liberating! Second get yourself some fab gym clothes to feel good in! Good for you for going, I’ll be right behind you in a couple of months time to get rid of baby weight 😊💪

Agree with not giving a fuck. I genuinely do not notice anyone or look at anyone else in my gym.

Nobody cares what you look like. I don’t mean that nastily but truly no one else in the gym gives a monkeys what you are wearing or doing they are only focused on their own workouts.

1. Wear dark colours! I go to the gym a lot and like you are typically in my own world. The only time I. Olive people is if they have bright / neon gym kit that catches my eye. Then I can’t stop seeing them, usually a flash in my periphery vision and I end up looking.

1. Earphones are your friend. Music / podcast so you have something to focus on and not worry about who / what is around you. Also good excuse if anyone you know sees you and you don’t see them - you were too focused on the music/podcast.

1. Remember you are amazing for just being there! Everyone is there for the same reason, to keep fit, they don’t actually care about you (in the nicest possible way,) and they are probably like me - just desperate to get it over with and get out of there!

Well the worst has already happened hasn't it? Someone's seen you and you've blanked them. It's done and you've survived. It would be even weirder if you now didn't go back ever again!

Are there not some cubicles to change in? Wear headphones and lose yourself in some music. I hate seeing people I know in the gym but if I do, a quick wave and hi and move on. People know why people go to gyms - they want to be fitter. That's why you're there, that's why they're there. No matter how fit you think they are, they will have things they want to improve. Head down, focus on your workout.

1. headphones
2. focus on your workout
3. time - you'll get into your groove
4. if you can stretch to it I would get a few personal training sessions - you'll get into the zone and if you ask them to they'll get you using a range of equipment and you will then feel much more confident using it on your own.