I've done my gym induction, but now I'm to embarrased to go in for a session. Help!

[Roundles]

I have joined a gym after wanting to for years but held back by my own phobias. I had a short induction yesterday (its a key style gym where you load programs onto a key, stick those into the machines and away you go) so I really cant go too wrong. But it is still a gym. Filled with healthy people looking very professional and competant. I went today to do my first session on my own, but chickened out completely and ended up ducking into a convieniently starting pilates class, which is fine, and still a big step for me, but how do I overcome this? I'm just scared of looking stupid, and i know if I do it a couple of times I'll be fine but I cant get through the door! I dont know anyone who attends there, so cant go with someone. What can I do? How can I be more of a grown up about this? (I'm 32, and I want to be able to do this). Thank you if you got this far. Bit rambly I know :(

im in the same boat

After a while you realise that no one cares about you and what you look like, just their own goals and own hang ups. Everyone is in the same boat so wear a smile and give it a go. Well done for doing a class. I'm quite shy and find that way more intimidating than the gym so hats off to you.

I only ever really go to classes as I need the motivation, but I think having music and headphones can help, then you are in your own world. I think everyone is just concentrating on themselves anyway, only people I've ever registered have been wearing crazy leopard print or sparkly outfits and full face of makeup.

Thanks everyone :) I managed it this evening, taking your wise words with me.

I went step by step. All I have to do is walk through the door, all I have to go is put my key in the machine, all i have to do is walk to the bike..... and I managed it.

Thank you everyone for replying, luckily I left my sparkly leopard print leotard at home and hopefully passed under the radar :) Normally takes me four tries at something to feel basically normal with it so I will keep going next week and pushing myself to not put it off or avoid it!!

That's brilliant! So glad you went. It can be horrid doing new things but you won't be the newest person any more. Good call leaving sparkly leopard at home.

I was the very same when I started. Hang in there. And a tip, if you aren't sure just ask someone, honestly, everyone started once and it's better ask than get on a machine the wrong way round or something

Well done. Will only get easier each visit. X

Just go. Consider the fact that everyone else is way to focused on what they're doing to pay attention to you (I don't mean that to sound rude - I feel the same as you sometimes!) they're way too focused on their workouts so just try and focus on your own.

Well done on going again and I think the step by step way is a good idea! You'll be a gym bunny in no time haha

Classes are great. I do loads of them.
I find the gym really boring.
BUT
All those people are looking at themselves not you
so do the same
concentrate on your posture and movement and you'll be just like them

I went to the gym this morning. There were several other people there. But I couldn't really tell you much about them….what they were wearing, how fat or thin they were, what they were doing - I just didn't really pay attention, and I suspect that's how most people are.

I agree with a previous poster that headphones might help you zone out into your own little world a bit.

Thank you everyone, I still feel so awkward when I go, but I havent fallen off the back of the treadmill yet! I have no idea if I'm going backwards or forwards on the crosstrainer but I'm hoping as you say no one is looking at me :)

Well done and keep at it, it gets easier