How do I get over my fear of going to the gym?

Question

I have gained a lot of weight. I am pretty much 100 pounds over weight and I'm scared to go to the gym and run into someone I know. I'm very self conscious and when I run into people from high school they look at me like they can't believe I'm the same person. I'm so ashamed I let my depression take over like this. I used to go to the park but it isn't safe for me to work out alone in the city I live in. I don't have a work out partner. What should I do?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I have been in the same situation as you and I know what it feels like. I was very much overweight and scared of going to the gym because people can be mean without even uttering a word; their looks and stares can deter you from the gym alone. That being said...

If you really want options, I would suggest either going to a gym that's slightly farther, so you don't run into many or any people you know, if that's a possibility for you. Or, you can go at hours that are not as common or crowded; go during the very early morning hours or very late at night.

I would say the best thing is, even though you're very self-conscious and you're ashamed of the way you look, pretend like it doesn't bother you. I know it's hard, but act like you're unaffected. People will only make a big deal out of it if they can see that it affects you. Also, the people who comment on your looks have no place to, and they don't matter... you're going to the gym for a very good reason - to work out, lose weight, and get healthier. If anyone makes you feel bad for it, they're just plain stupid and they really don't matter... at all. The gym isn't (and shouldn't be) a place to socialize; the gym is a place to work out.

I really hope this helps. Really, don't let anyone or anything keep you from feeling good about yourself or from making yourself a better person. You may not have a workout partner, but I suggest to at least surround yourself with positive people or look to a positive online health community/forum... doing this alone can really help keep you in a positive mindset.

redeyemindtricks · Accepted Answer

Hun, there will be zero haters. Really, total quantity of haters = 0.

Everyone at the gym will fall into two categories:
#1: Don't care.
#2: Will support you.

The split will be about 95 percent in category #1, 5 percent in category #2. If it's a touchy feely women's gym, maybe 80 and 20 percent.

If it's Planet Fitness, then I don't know. Because Planet Fitness is not a gym. It's a very slick business model designed to maximize the number of non-attending members (= people who pay dues, but don't actually go).

Just go. Go to the gym. Haters will not exist. Zero haters.

__

"I used to go to the park but it isn't safe for me to work out alone in the city I live in. I don't have a workout partner"

You can probably just go on your local reddit or craigslist, and post an "ad".

ryanontario · Accepted Answer

go to a gym in another city maybe? if that would be a realistic option. but personally I'd say you just need to go to the gym a few times and get over this fear , once you've been there a few times you'll be more comfortable with surrounding

ConsultantIsBack · Accepted Answer

Other than going during non-peak hours (mid-day during work week or later during day/evening on weekends) There isn't really an easy way around it, but you need to just focus on taking control of your life!!!

BeeNee · Answer

If you really feel as though you cannot go to the gym for the reasons listed, literally start working out at home. Most of the reason for your anxiety, is you feel ashamed of the weight gain, so tackle that first in the safety and judgement free zone at home. Once you start shedding the pounds, that will help boost your confidence to get out and go to the gym. If you just want to try and face your fears head on, go to the gym, but go at least the first couple of times with someone you know who is encouraging for you. Just keep reminding yourself that we all fall down, but its how you get back up. Who cares if they see you... you are trying to do better for yourself, and that is much more important than anyone who may judge you just for some weight gain. Good luck to you!

Anonymous · Answer

I know this feeling, i think every one has gym anxieties like this. I think you should be proud that you are going. You are taking active steps to ensure a healthier lifestyle. I think their would be a lot more judgement if you were not trying to be proactive about your weight.

Don't be ashamed, depression is an hard on-going battle and sometimes people don't notice its taken over till much further down the track when things are much worse. Wear your gym clothes with courage because you are being the strongest version of yourself! Now go and kick butt. :)

Cmasterson · Answer

Hey its a start you want to make the change, no one can really talk shit about someone who is looking out for themselves and wanting to do better. The more you go the greater the results, you can do it! Stay motivated

ivaneca · Answer

I go at 2-3 am, albeit for a different reason (I hate waiting for someone to be done with weights / machine). There are usually not more than 4-5 people in the whole gym, which makes it a lot nicer.

BeerTester · Answer

You go into the gym to loose weight, whats wrong with letting people seeing that you do something for your body?

MJas16 · Answer

Look at it this way. You're going to the gym to lose weight. They shouldn't judge u on that. Thats the whole point of going to the gym.

Anonymous · Answer

People will judge you at the gym by what you're doing A lot of them are regulars. If they see you coming in regularly and working hard they will know what path you're on before anyone else.

Anpu23 · Answer

You could join a running club, one that meets a few times a week near you. That way you could be with others, yet still away from the gym.

RationalMale · Answer

start jogging and dieting at home, or jump roping, until you're good to go to the gym. problem solved.

alliecheergirl123 · Answer

This is gonna sound possibly laughable but go on Russel Simons Instagram and it will literally wash away your fears!

WeComatose · Answer

go to the gym, if i saw that i would be glad to see that the person was doing something about it

alexJV · Answer

go to the gym anyway.

How do I get over my fear of going to the gym?

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