Hate glimpsing myself in the gym mirror

[Frogium]

A bit sad I guess. Used to be quite athletic but the pandemic hit me for six. I am now two stones overweight, face has started to age (late 30s) as well. I am now avoiding gym and my pilates studio because I hate seeing myself in the huge mirrors. The pilates places is full of willowy mid 20s influencer types who keep taking photos too...I know it's ridiculous but every time I look at myself my confidence plummets and feel like why have I let myself go so mcuh.

any tips? anyone can relate?

Could you find a different gym with a less willowy mid 20s clientele?

You have to let go of the so called perfect image.
Our bodies are constantly changing from moment we are born to when we die, the secret is to celebrate every single stage, our body works so hard to keep us alive, the very least we can do is love it back. So stand there alongside the others in all your glory and be proud.

Can relate: I've just been to the hairdresser and thought I was looking OK before I left, but those mirrors! I'm 53 but looked about 60. I don't think she believed me when I said I had a 12 year old!

Don't forget, OP, we are our own worst critics and you almost certainly look better than you're giving yourself credit for; and you're improving yourself by going to the gym, and will be looking fantastic soon. More importantly, you'll be feeling fantastic soon, too.

Definitely find a new Pilates studio! No influencers in mine

Don't look in the mirrors, unless you're actually monitoring your form on an exercise. That's what they're for.

Get yourself some nice workout kit that you like putting on. Treat your body well.

Try to focus on you and the improvements you are making. The gym is about the good stuff you are doing for your body. If you're doing it right, you're sweating and thinking about burn! Nobody looks good when they're really going for it. You are doing a great thing for your body and yourself - hang in there and keep it up. And watch for the improvements you'll soon see.

My pilates studio doesn't have any mirrors, or any influencers. Its used by women (and a few men) of all ages and sizes. I'd change studios, if I was you!

I feel you op.
Ive gained two stone over lockdown.
Ive never been overweight in my life and I don’t recognise myself anymore.
Ive got my zest fir life back but my gym is very small and I’m so embarrassed at how much ive let myself go.
So I joined another bigger gym further away until I feel better about myself.
I used to do pilates three times per week for years. Not been for 6 months now - for the reasons you’ve stated.

It’s shit.

But what is the alternative? You don’t go? You’ll just feel worse.

I love my gym. Before lockdown I didn’t as I like classes and it was all quite cliquey in some of them. Now everyone seems much more chilled. Tall, short, chubby, thin. It’s all good. The only annoying thing recently was a man stressing about his personal space in a Body Combat class.
I inwardly rolled my eyes. I guess it’s just about finding the place that works for you.