Scared to go to the gym.

[Anonymous]

well, I really want to lose weight and get in shape. I've changed my diet and am making better choices, but I have to work out too, but I'm terrified of going to the gym. I'm really overweight and I don't want to work on in front of everybody, but I can't work out anywhere else. what should I do? has anybody else had this problem or lost weight and want to share how? I'm really over weight by 100 pounds, so yeah... I need to get on that. please let me know!

[frontman930911]

My suggestion from personal experience is, go any way. you'll feel way better if you go. sure, you'll feel strange and self-conscious but that's just part of the territory. If you really don't want to be seen try to go in the really early morning. but once you go it's amazing how much better you'll feel about it. one thing I realized was that I was just making excuses not to go and this was one of them. so really the only person it matters to is you, so why think about anyone else?

[Asker]

I know, I know. my friend tells me the same thing, haha. I really want to go, but I can't shake the feeling of 'all eyes on me'. did you work out alone or did you buddy up? and did you do any particular workouts that helped you?

[dasouthernicon]

I was 285 wen I went vegetarian bacc in 03/04... my regimen was consistent workouts, watching what I ate like a hawk, and lotsa running/biking. I went from 285 to 164 in 13 mths (at 6' tall)- I say a good place for you to start is look at what you normally eat. Then look at what you drink. Compare that to what you would like to look like/eat, etc... Don't be skurd- wats ur ht and w8?

[Asker]

I can't go vegetarian, but I don't eat pork or red meat. I've gone months without eating them more than once or twice. I used to eat it a lot 'cos my family's big on meat. I'm a chicken person now. I've lost 16 pounds so far, 6 in the last month. I'm proud of that, but I'm still 5'2 and 228. I need to at least lose a 100 more pounds. I know it's gonna take a lot more time, and I want to do it slow so I can keep it off forever. no yo-yo dieting. I want to make lifestyle changes.

[dasouthernicon]

Ya mite wanna start with free-range chicken...... the roids and additives they put in regular chicken is what's keepin ya big (as far as chicken goes)... and if it's to be, it's up to you. What typa changes ya think ya gonna do then?

[Asker]

I just want to work out more. that's why this guy thing is killing. I really want to get in there, but the moment I get motivated, I get all self-conscious. I start talking myself out of it when I see all the fit people walking around, lifting weights... like I don't belong or something. sounds weird, I know...

[Asker]

I meant gym thing, not guy thing, haha

[dasouthernicon]

You can start by training ur mind to not care about what people may say or think... you can start by telling yourself positive things, and stop worrying so much about ur w8 or others.

[Eartha]

I go the gym and I don't see supermodels walking by.. most of the people (except few guys wanting to look hunky) are overweight and not in shape. And no one cares to look around to see who's fit and who's not, so get these thoughts out of your head and go join the gym!

[dasouthernicon]

hey! If ya go to the gym, you will conquer your fear of people. Plus, you just mite meet some friends who will help you lose the w8 ya wanna lose...