To let one teeny covid rule stop me joking this gym?

[Johnmenses]

I have very very low self esteem.

I'm suffering low mental health at the moment. And I'm not fit. I'm dissatisfied with how I live my lazy life. I'm coming up to 50, I'd like to embark on a programme of self improvement.

I'm very tempted to join a local gym/spa at the local hotel. I could probably go a couple of times a week - it's 72£ pcm so not cheap but I think that'll make me obliged to go.

The covid rule is yiu should arrive/leave for gym sessions in gum gear. But if you're using hydro suite, then obviously you can change out of wet costume. I understand it's to minimise risk in changing room and am completely on board with that.

I was planning on mostly using hydro but wanted to gird my lions abd start classes etc as my confidence grew.

The idea of being out in public in gymwear is really scaring me. There's no way I could do that.

Am I being a wimp for letting this stop me?

No one ever take any notice of other people unless you have two heads or something very unusual is going on with you.

Rethink your gym timing so you can go home after? It sounds really expensive btw. Do they have a lot of great benefits?

OP I've been where you are in terms of hating how I look. I absolutely promise you there are all shapes and sizes of people in the gym and no one is looking at you either when you're there or when you leave. I know it is still crippling though.

Can you wear baggy track suit bottoms and a baggy T-Shirt there so it's not that revealing? Or can you get something like a big towel, leave the gym and throw it over yourself and change immediately under that afterwards (in a car? How would you get there?) There must be a way round this. When I started running, I hated anyone seeing me run and for ages, I didn't let that happen. I only ran in really isolated spots or at funny times of day when it was quiet. It was too stressful. And then I was in London for a bit with work and badly needed to run for my mental health and the only option was to run where people could see me. I was sick with fear, I got on and did it in Hyde Park and not one single person looked my way. And I realised it wasn't the horrible experience I was thinking it would be so I did it again and again and it just got easier each time. I think you might be the same - it would feel overwhelming then if you kept making yourself you'd realise it felt ok.

I think you'd really feel proud of yourself if you pushed through this and got exercising.

If you buy a pair of proper leggings from Sweaty Betty or Lululemon, you will look good. They're practically made from magic.

Then you just need a pair of trainers, a jumper and a big coat, and as far as anyone would be able to tell, you're wearing leggings and a coat. There's absolutely nothing remarkable about that outfit.

Without wanting to be super heavy, it sounds like you don't feel very good about yourself. You've got just as much right and ability to wear gym clothes as someone who is a size six. And without wanting to be harsh, people are far less interested in how you look than you think they are. Have you ever looked at a woman in a pair of leggings and a coat and thought anything about her?

I think you sound like you should be doing this ASAP, for your mental health as much as your physical.

Where will you be going?

Wear a coat over it, that's what most people have to do now anyway as it's getting colder. Even in summer you can wear a light coat. Also gym gear doesn't have to mean a skin tight body suit.

I'd agree with others that if you're not going to and from gym from home, then you can always change in a public bathroom somewhere. I'd also just toss on a pair of trackies and a hoodie over my gym kit if necessary.

I do understand why you don't want to wear gym kit out and about - I'd look okay in it, but it's not a look I'm comfortable with unless I'm actually exercising - but I'd have thought there are options and that you could get round this rule by wearing other clothes over and/or changing on the go.

Will you be seen that much though? Are you walking there? Public transport? Or just car to spa?
Chuck some loose trousers over and a coat.

I used to be paranoid but then thought sod it, at least I’m making an effort.
Well done for signing up.

Jogging bottoms trainers, hoodie. Surely you can go out in that?

Surely if you’re not going home you’d have to shower at the gym and could therefore get changed? Are you just worried about being on a bus in your leggings?

Where are you going after the gym?

Our gym currently has the same rule but the changing rooms are open for people to leave coats etc in the lockers. It's too cold now to walk there ready changed so stick some trackies, hoody and a big coat on over your leggings / t-shirt and no one will even bat an eyelid!

I empathise. My self-esteem was so low at one point it took weeks of being spured on by a counsellor to even get in the gym. At first, I couldn't even bare the thought of using the changing room so I used to get changed in the toilets at work and then put a maxi skirt on over my leggings so that I could just pull it on and off before / after the gym. Dont let this put you off, it does get easier.

@Queenoftheashes

Surely if you’re not going home you’d have to shower at the gym and could therefore get changed? Are you just worried about being on a bus in your leggings?

None of the gyms round here have showers open. Even after swimming you’re only able to dry off and get changed not shower.

I don’t always shower straight after the gym anyway. Pilates classes aren’t sweaty but are definitely a work out! I’d often go to Lidl on the way home if I’m not bright red. I often see other people doing the same thing. I wouldn’t go to work after a sweaty cardio class without showering though.

I have never not gone in gym gear tbh. Its much easier to just turn up, do the class then go home to shower. I wear ¾ leggings and a not too clingy top (and a decent sports bra!) - I'm size 20/22 and that's whats comfiest for me

Wear a long jacket?

And yes, I often meet people from the class in Tesco afterwards with our sweaty red faces

Yes to decent sports bra!

I think it's mad to sacrifice the rest of your future health for the sake of a short time feeling a bit embarassed BUT if you start something that you are not going to enjoy/are going to dread (for any reason) then you will not stick to it.

There are other ways to get fitter and healthier without walking around in gym gear so maybe start with those and then think about joining the gym at a later point?

We have this rule at our gym....the wording is should not must.

It’s to reduce people in the changing room. So most of the time I go straight from home and turn up wearing gym kit. But if I go to the gym from work I have to get changed there. Nobody bags an eyelid, nobody tells you off. It’s fine.

Seriously nobody will care or even notice. Once you've done it once I bet you won't be bothered anymore.

Our changing rooms aren't open so there is no option to go in there.

my dsis says loads of people wear trackies and a lose t shirt to class theres no dress code just go what youre comfy in

If you’re not going home after the gym wouldn’t you have to shower afterwards anyway?

Are the showers/changing rooms open?

I actually completely get this and it puts me off walking to one club that’s a 20 minute walk away. I have a long coat but we have to take everything around the gym as no lockers available at the moment, so just today I picked up a long length hoodie that will go to mid thigh (Primark). I’m hoping that will give enough coverage so I don’t feel so paranoid!

Seriously. nobody cares what you look like in gym gear. And sports clothes are so much comfier than ‘real’ clothes - once you get into the habit you will never want to wear anything else. If you really feel too self-conscious. get some joggers and a hoodie to throw on over your workout kit - you can slip them off and on easily once you’re in the gym.