To be scared of joining the gym?

[goatshavestrangeeyes]

Ok so i really need to get rid of this baby weight and i've been looking at various gyms and fitness classes. I'm a really shy and self conscious person so i'm really nervous about going.

Please tell me its not really that bad and i need to just take the plunge or face being a fatty forever!

It's not that bad. There's always a mix (IME) and the scary gym bunny girls are far too busy looking at themselves in the mirror to bother you.

Promise. And I say that as someone who also needs to go back and lose the baby weight and started going to the gym when I had a good 2 stone to lose (which I did)

I was scared too but it was totally fine.

Do it. As everyone else had said everyone is too busy/zoned out on their own workout to think about everyone else. And of you do happen to have an opinion on someone else it is only "good for them."

Oh dear I may be considered a "gym bunny" by some due to the fact I go to 3 classes a week at 9.30...but I am not. I am just a normal person. Though I don't quite fit the gym bunny mould Also a bit slack on the early morning appearance if I am going to get all sweaty I do not care if I have bed hair and stubbly legs at the gym. Not that I look a fright or anything. Honest...Just wear something comfortable. Find a regular time to go that suits your lifestyle and go.

I was intimidated a bit when I started. For yonks I was scared of what I considered to be the real "gym bunnies"....the ones which every day have perfect hair/tanned/posh gym kit/painted nails. I couldn't understand the need to do your hair before a class. I focussed on what I wanted - to get fit, lose weight and get the endorphins going to keep the old depression at bay. And in going I discovered that these perfectly turned out ladies are actually really normal and some are quite nice. And imagine the self-esteem issues they must have to turn themselves out so perfectly to get sweaty. Mad as a bags of frogs

Go, Go, Go. And stick with it.

Love the user name BTW - this is why I will not allow DH to get one. Goat that it

Vagabond - I ran on the treadmill mostly but also used the cross trainer a lot, I did some weights but not loads. I went 3 times a week for 40 mins but also walked 25 mins twice a day to and from work. I stopped drinking wine and gradually cut down on snacks and did more portion control. I got a bit obsessed tbh!

It's all gone to pot with the exercise now I've had DD (finding time and can't afford the gym) but I have managed to keep the weight more or less off (touches wood)

The gym bunnies at my gym are too busy checking themselves out in the mirror to look at anyone else.

I entirely understand the nerves, that was me too when I began. But really everyone on this thread is right ? other people will not pay you any attention as they are all caught up in their own private worlds ? their main focus is likely to be to keep breathing/ not fall off the machine/ plan the shopping etc, etc

Endorphins do exist and they are wonderful and they are there for the taking (and a bit of sweat!) and they will help you meet your weight goals ? and almost certainly increase your confidence.

But seriously, any time I?ve been at the gym and even been conscious enough to notice someone who looks as if they might be new, all I?ve felt is great admiration that they?ve managed to get themselves motivated enough to come and do some exercise.

No-one will be judging you on how fit/slim/fashionable you look ? most people go to the gym to squeeze a workout into a busy day ? and that takes a fair bit of self absorption ? which is good because it means people are oblivious to those around them.

Do plunge in!! If you feel you can do treat yourself to some comfortable leggings (I like ¾ length as you don?t get quite so hot and it is more flattering to almost all leg shapes than shorts) and tops that will ?wick away? moisture so that you don?t have a clammy t-shirt hanging on you as you get sweaty during the workout. If colour cheers you up, get some colourful t-shirts too ? I don?t know why it should make a difference but after many years I have finally noticed that it helps me so I thought I?d mention it. And definitely get a good sports bra or you will be uncomfortable ? Shock Absorber works for me but obviously there are alternatives.

YABU people will think good on you, surely

Oh and always head for the machines under the air conditioning vents

Do look around a few gyms and go for one you feel comfortable with, some gyms are very swish with most people being Lycra clad size 6s. I found a lovely little gym, really spit and sawdust, everyone really friendly and helpful, lots of different levels of fitness and age. It's great I feel really at home there and I go all the time.

I am such a sad-arse as I really love my gym. It's such a friendly place that I couldn't imagine not going now, but last january, i was in your position.

I am now 2 stone lighter and miles fitter and I have done it all through classes, started going with a friend and then went by myself when I got to know people. I do 5/6 classes a week most weeks (in evenings and weekends).

I echo the advice about:

1. Good sports bra....check out sports direct
2. Clothes that are fairly tight-fitting, don't ride up or gape loads when you bend over.
3. Tie hair back out of way as it gets REALLY sweaty
4. Clothes that wick away sweat are great and avoid colours like grey that show massive wet patches.
5. Get some decent trainers, crappy trainers and you will have ankle/knee or shin injuries within a few weeks.
6. take a towel with you for wiping sweat (yours......and other peoples!)
7. if you are really sweaty wear waterproof mascara!

Learn from my mistakes[Blush]]!

oh, yes, ignore the lycra lovelies and posers, they will not be looking at you as they are far to self-obsessed

YABU to be scared yes, It is an entirely unreasonable and irrational fear.

Best thing about gyms were the classes you turn up do them and go job done. I found hte whole doing the circuit on the equipment the most inane experience there is nothing exciting about that and any normal person will just get bored.
I am anti gyms and just run now by far the quickest and easiest way to loose weight.

PS every one at the gym is there because like you they want to tone up loose weight or get the gym buzz no one but no one goes for the shere enjoyment.

Oh and if you feel anyone is looking at you weirdly it is probable me ...have to take glasses of cos of the sweat, don't have glasses, so cannot see a bloody thing... well I can make out the machines and instructors gross movement, but facial expressions/friendly smiles from others? nah...all a blur...

Oh and if you feel anyone is looking at you weirdly it is probable me ...have to take glasses of cos of the sweat, don't have glasses, so cannot see a bloody thing... well I can make out the machines and instructors gross movement, but facial expressions/friendly smiles from others? nah...all a blur...

DO NOT be scared of joining the gym.

If you want to build up to it, try Curves for a few months; curves.eu/uk

There will be one local to you and it is a great way to get fit and to meet like minded ladies.

Good luck!

Even the skinny ones have cellulite and saggy bits. At my gym the women aren't shy and the fit toned ones are rare as hens teeth

I think OP may have made the decision given the thread is a ZOMBIE.

People in the gym won't give a shit about what you look like. You can weigh a ton and they don't care. They will notice you though if you look exceptionally pretty/fit/gorgeous. Now, that's a head turner.