Nervous to go gym

[Loulou2kent]

So I've finally joined a gym. It's cheap & I don't have much spare cash so I'm happy that it's no frills etc.

However every time I start getting ready to go, I feel nervous & sick . I'm so self conscious & I know that no one there is looking at me. But I just can't shake the feeling.

I know a few members at the same gym, but none of them want to go at the times I go. So I don't have someone to walk in with..

I guess what I want to know, is that does everyone get this feeling when they first join? Does it get easier the more they go?

Feel like such an idiot. But I'm here ready in my gym gear but feel like I need to throw up!

I felt so nervous before went for the first time. I had no idea what most stuff was for. I recommend picking something straightforward at first like the exercise bike and watch what others are doing, I watched other people using machines to see how to use them. Also it's great to go at times when it's not busy, in my gym in the day it's mainly older people there so it's less pressured.

Everyone gets it. But just go anyway!

You will soon be in the swing of things. I hated exercise for years until I discovered the gym. I was terrified at first, but soon goes away.

Just enjoy it.

Most gyms will do an induction with a PT for new members. If yours does this, get yourself booked in for a session, then when you go in that first time m, you'll be going in to meet him/her. You'll be shown how to use the equipment and have an exercise programme worked out for you, so your attention will be taken up with the PT. Next time you go. If you're on your own, you'll be going with a purpose, as you'll have your programme, and you'll know how to use the equipment.
Good luck!

I definitely had this feeling too but I'm now a regular and feel entirely at ease.

When you go, make a note of machines you don't know how to use and you can watch YouTube videos or google how to use them.

Thanks for all the replies!

Well I went. All by myself & I survived. . I haven't had an induction but I will book one. I work from 7.15-6pm sometimes later so I have to go in the evenings but it seems to be quiet from 8pm. So that's lucky for me.

I have been doing a bit of people watching & learnt how to use the cross trainer tonight so that was good.

I feel good for going & a little bit proud of myself. Was nice to get away from kids & DP.

Thank you for all your lovely comments. I'll just make sure I always go. I felt ok when I was there. I think your right. If I had a personal programme to follow then I would be focused on something.

Feeling good. Thank you

Well done!
Yes I was terrified and made some daft mistakes too and people helped me. I'm not 100% relaxed yet but getting there

Haha missanne I did make a little mistake. I couldn't get the machine to work. I didn't realise I'd leant my fat arm on the emergency stop whoops!

Yes a programme is the way to go.
I stick on my music, stroll in and just crack on. Smile at people and you will soon have people to chat to.

Enjoy.

I was the same but did one pt session and now do 10-15 mins treadmill, two lots abs on mat, ab curls twist things on machine, two different arm ones, pull downs, leg presses and then fingers she off with 10-15 mins on cross trainer and sometimes the same in the bike too depending on how much time I've got more than anything.

Well done, and I'm glad you feel good after having been

I really am feeling pumped about it. I've downloaded the couch to 5k so I've got a little mini goal to work towards as I'm going to struggle to pick a day for induction.

Thank you so much for all your words of encouragement.

Well done. I first went to the gym, encouraged by 2 colleagues, when I was in bits after LTR ended. I went to a class and it was awful. I hated every single second of it. Twice a week. After a week (3 classes) my body started looking different. And I realised that during these hours at the class I wasn't thinking about XP at all just wanting to get the class over and done with.
By Christmas I was in great shape and ready to get on with my life. Keep going and think about joining a class like body pump or aerobics to keep motivated.

Mike I'm so pleased that you turned a crappy thing into a positive & felt great & able to get on with your own life in the end.

Such positive stories about something so easy to squeeze in. Yes my gym do classes & so I'm going to look into booking 1/2 a week & do my normal cardio bits in the gym 1/2 times too. So my aim is for minimum 3 times a week.

I think it's going to work wonders for my mind too. As much as I was a sweaty pig struggling, my mind felt so clear. I wasn't thinking of anything but watching the numbers! Heart rate & minutes & level etc.

I spend all my time with my boys. I love them dearly, but I work from home & rest at home. It's nice to go somewhere by myself .

Looking forward to going back tomorrow x

You are doing really well. Keep it up. Any effort is better than no effort. Little steps.

You are doing brilliantly xx

Thanks trouble! Xx

OP, how brilliant. I work at home as well and love my gym as a break (sometimes take my laptop to its lounge and work before a class). On my first solo visit, I managed to impale my armpits on the handles of two adjacent machines as I walked between them, so I was left dangling .

I was really scared of doing classes but I have found some I love and occasionally try new ones. I have found the instructors are great at helping beginners and at modifying exercises. And no-one cares what you can or can't do. Make it your time, and enjoy!