Nervous about joining new gym

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For a few years now I have been a member of a ladies only gym, have done really well, but my work circumstances have changed which means I cannot go as often as I'd like to, given their limited opening hours.

I have been to look around a 24/7 gym which has everything I want, including classes. I am on the verge of joining, but am being slightly put off by the ultra slim women with perfect bodies I have seen there. I am a size 20-22 40 something and can't help but feel self conscious even though I am fairly physically fit. I don't know how I am going to feel at this gym but I want to give it a try.

Can anyone advise on how not to feel nervous and self conscious at this new gym? How do I deal with any stares or being looked up and down?

If anyone gives you ‘the look’., look straight back at them and say, ‘Everyone has got to start someone, Mate’.

That is what an ultra skinny man I knew said to the big beefy man who looked at him as he walked into a gym.

It’s a top response!

I have trained at various gyms before and I can assure you nobody will care what you look like. Besides, these days when between sets 99% of members will be looking at their phone screen.

With respect feeling nervous can you get some earphones or headphones? Both motivation for your workout and will keep you in your own little bubble.

@LimboLass I'm thinking that too.

I attend my yoga studio about 5 times a week - every age and body shape is there (both men and women of all abilities) and nobody bats an eyelid nor is competing, and that’s what I love.

I was really nervous about joining the gym but literally nobody cares. Everyone is doing their own thing and not looking at other people. I just go in, stick my headphones in and blast some happy music and do my thing. It's worked wonders for me, don't let it hold you back!

I'm a size 6/8 and usually couldn't have told you the first thing about anyone else at the gym. Genuinely, the only times I HAVE noticed someone who's somewhat larger or really unhealthy, it's only ever been with the thought of "good for you, I remember what that was like starting out".

Also, everyone has their stuff. I would like to lose several pounds still and become much more muscular and strong, which is getting harder and harder the more weight I've lost over time. So even though you'd probably write me off as one of the skinny women, just like you, I have issues with my body and am working towards my own far-off goals and hoping no one around judges me.

Oh please don’t give this a seconds thought. Everyone , even those with perfect bodies, are on their own personal journey. Stick some earphones in, get a good belt purse thing to carry your phone in and just enjoy it. Every time you walk through that door just remind yourself that that part is the biggest hurdle, and you’re over it. Treat yourself to a nice shower gel for afterwards, or trainers or something.

It'll be fine, honestly.

There will be people joining conscious of how tiny, skinny and weak they are compared to others. And some that don't give a shit because they've got as much right to be there as anybody else, whatever their size, age or whether they're wearing the latest colour matched scrunch butt cycle shorts and crop top or a pair of black capris and a Godzilla t shirt.

I've had one unpleasant comment in 25 years going to gyms. And they promptly got perma-banned for it.

You're there to workout, they're there to workout. Just go and enjoy it.