I'm Afraid to Go to the Gym

Many people consider the gym a place of recreation. A place to get into shape, improve their physical condition and relax their body and mind. A safe haven. A part of a daily routine. But for others, the gym is a scary place. A place where our innermost flaws are exposed and put on display for strangers to see. A place to be judged for our inadequacies. We wonder things like: Why are am I so fat? Why don’t I look like the fitness instructors? Why am I so uncomfortable in my own skin? So uncomfortable that we go through great lengths to conceal our true figures under layers of oversized clothing. When we walk around our heads are not held high. We scrunch down in the very back of step class and pray that no one notices us. We pretend like we know how many reps to do on the weight lifting machine but we really don’t. We saunter around the gym, aimlessly without a solid plan.
No matter how desperately we want to reach our weight loss goal, something always happens. The disconnect between us and the gym. Going to the gym gets more difficult by the day. We dread going after work and on the weekend. So eventually……we just stop. And we make no progress with our physique. Next comes the guilt and disappointment. We feel guilty for breaking our resolution to lose weight and disappointment for giving up on ourselves. Disappointed that our jeans still don’t fit and that every time we look in the mirror we feel disgusted. That disgust eventually turns to anger. And anger turns into defeat. So we eat the fried foods and junk. We don’t even attempt to be active. We settle for sucking in our gut and wearing the tight pants with the buttons popped off. We accept being overweight because we are so far from our ideal weight. Why even bother.
At some point we hit rock bottom and realize that we need to make a change. Fortunately, we don’t have to let our weight get the best of us. And there are other options outside of the gym. Many people choose to turn their home into a safe, comfortable place to lose weight and get into shape. It can be the place to start fresh and work toward our goals free from judgment and the stresses of the outside world.
REPLY

I totally understand where you are coming from. I feel the same way at the gym. I remember going to the gym years ago when I was only about 20 lbs overweight - I felt a lot more confident and actually somewhat enjoyed it then. Now I am about 70 lbs overweight and I always feel so self-concious when I go to the gym. I LOVE step aerobics but just felt so large and ungraceful the last couple of times I went to class. Most of the others in the class were either in pretty good shape or close to it. I went to 3 classes and never went back - not because I didn't enjoy it but because I felt so self-concious and embarrassed of the way I looked. And it didn't help that I was surrounded by mirrors and had to look at myself the whole time...lol. I hope you get yourself a nice little area at home that you can feel comfortable in and put it to good use .

I had the same problem to make matter worse I am using the gym at my
college, which intimidated me even more. A few weeks ago I read a book
called the Kaizen Way, it talks about taking small step to eliminate
the fear or anxiety of change.
So I first started by walking
past the gym for a few days. Then twice I just walked in and looked
around. Next I would just go into the locker room, another intimidating experience even when changing in the stalls.
I have been going
for a week now and love it. I turn my music up to everyone disappears,
I drape a towel over the treadmill so that I am not constantly looking
at the time and distance or calories burned.
I did just the
treadmill for a day then added the cycle to my work out. I haven't
gotten to the machines. I thought about it but you have to ask for the
pin for the weights and I am not ready for that step yet. LOL
However,
I brought an exercise ball, a jump rope, some small weights, and the
Iron Gym (chin up- push up- sit up- dip bar) for at home. Part of my
issue with using the machines is that I don't know how, a friend of my
friends is going to walk me through next week. I also don't want to
look ridicules for not being able to use it, even though I know its
part of the process. But by starting at home, I will be in better shape
and better able to use the machines.
I had brought the official Sauna Suit already and excited to use it. I got to the locker room got dressed, I looked in the mirror it looked nice on me, but I looked over dressed for a gym where the girls run around in skimpies. Then I remember why I was there, my goal and my mission. Though I am still self conscience about my weight, I understand that only in doing something to change it can I change that.

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You can also look for a gym that gives you an orientation with a trainer that will show you how to use the equipment.
Last but not least you have CURVES which is a workout facility catered for plus size women. And place for us.

Hope any of this helps. Good luck!

You know, you don't even have to go to the gym to lose weight if you don't have to. Take advantage of your neighborhood, walk, brisk walk or run around your block several times. Run up and down the stairs. Turn your living room or den into a small gym.
There are advantages to going to a gym. But if you're not comfortable going there, then you won't be able to concentrate on your exercise.
If you really want to try the gym, try going during their lean hours, when there aren't too many people.
Good luck!

Well, I can't say that I was necessarily afraid to go to the gym, but I'm a busy mom of four boys.  I don't have time for the gym.  But, I have found time to work out in my home.  I have lost over 90 pounds walking in my dining room with Leslie Sansone.  I use her Walk At Home dvd's and they work great...as if the 90 pounds didn't speak volumes already:~)  The nice thing is, they are are easy steps.  Nothing complicated, but you still get an incredible work out!  I just got a new dvd by her from Target.  It's the Walk Off 10 Pounds one.  It's 3 miles and is a really pumping work out!  It's one of a set of 6 dvd's so if you don't think you would like that one, or it is too long or too short, there are others to choose from.  I definately recommend them.  She's such a fun person, too.  So many times video workout people are real duds, but I enjoy walking with Leslie every morning.
Hope my two cents worth helps!

every fatty feels the same

I use to feel that way but now I go with a good friend and we ignore everyone else.  I also can go by myself now if I take my Ipod.  I just turn in up and pretend I am all alone.  1 session with a trainer will teach you how to use the machines.  The secret is to remember that the skinny people in there might not have always been that way,  My sister is a size 4, 122 lbs and 5 ' 2".  She is 43.  People look at her and think they can never look like her.  The truth is 3 years ago that same sister was 223 lbs.  She did it and so can I and so can you.