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?

[plominoagain]

OP .

I’m not small . I used to be , but due to injury I’ve put on some serious weight , which , like you , I am determined to shift again. At my local gym , we literally have all sorts of people , and I tell you what , there’s a lot more people like me , than there are the lithe fit gym bunny type pounding away on the treadmill .

Have you got anyone you can go with ? It’s a lot easier to be brave with a friend . If you’re anywhere near Norfolk , I’d go with you . But seriously? No one will look at you , laugh at you , or comment on your dress . You’ll have done the hardest step by going .

[MsJudgemental]

As everyone else has said, nobody will be looking at you. Even if they do, they will be thinking "I really should get to the gym." If you want to help your self-esteem, don't cover yourself up in baggy, saggy, poor-quality gym clothes. Good quality, fashionable gym gear such as Sweaty Betty or Fabletics will support and firm up your shape. It's expensive, but you deserve it. You can buy it second-hand on eBay and it lasts forever. As you get smaller, you can then sell it on and get some better-fitting kit. Also, get a properly-fitted, high-impact sports bra. This will help you to feel more in shape and means that you can do any form of exercise comfortably. Black goes with anything, if you're worried about bright colours, then just sling a thigh-length hooded jacket on. I think that this whole thing is very odd anyway; I am a member of Bannatyne's and they have simply reduced class sizes and have reduced the number of lockers available.

[Gwenhwyfar]

"I know you don't like the shape of your body "

Tracksuits don't show the shape of the body though. They're loose.

[IrkedEssex]

If you're not going straight home to shower, then surely you'll need to shower at the facility and change into normal clothes?

[BeneathTheMilkyTwilight]

I'm quite slim but am self conscious about my shape and feel awful in tight fitting gym stuff... instead I wear looser fitting exercise trousers and an over size sports t shirt knotted at the hip (bought 2 or 3 sizes larger than my usual size so it's slouchy and long). H and M are often good for these styles. I probably don't look like I am going to the gym, just wearing comfortable clothes, but they are good for working out in as the material feels breathable and wicks away sweat, and allows for plenty of movement. I hope you can find something similar that you feel comfortable in?

[ArsumLardis]

If you're 4 stone overweight then you're probably exactly the same size as most the women who enter my leisure centre, pool & gym.

[justsayso]

Hello, great to hear you're wanting to make some positive changes - going to the gym is great for self-esteem but I totally get the anxiety.
Might I suggest that CBT could be helpful for you in managing this anxiety? *I'm trying to word this politely I don't want to get flamed by the way
I'm guessing you're anxious about people looking at you and negatively judging you based on your appearance in gym clothes, outside of the gym setting.
In gym = okay/acceptable, I'm meant to dress this way in here, other people are wearing similar.
Out of gym = feels socially unsafe, I will stick out like a sore thumb and everyone will be able to see my perceived flaws.
I can tell you with 100% certainty that although you 'feel' like people are looking at you - the vast majority of people will not be. If someone does look at you, its highly unlikely that they will be 'seeing you' and negatively judging you.
I would also guess that if you were to go to the gym dressed ready to exercise, you would be looking at the floor on your way and trying to get in as quickly as possible. That would mean that you never get to find out that no-one is looking at you, because you're in 'retreat mode'; and your worries remain the same.
CBT = Just do it, face the fear and you'll find out you're able to cope

[Johnmenses]

Thanks there's some really kind and useful comments on here.

I'll certainly investigate cbt, thank you to the PPs who suggested it

[alloutofducks]

I would add, OP, that if any sane person noticed or cared (which they probably won't), they would admire you immensely for doing what you are doing.