Gym-o-phobia

desultorygirl

desultorygirl

New member
My uni has just built a beautiful multi-million dollar gym that students have free access to. It's a wonderful place full of everything that you could ever want, but the only time I go in is for my karate class. I'm so self-conscious of going in there and using the equipment or the indoor track because it's always crowded and full of skinny people and weightlifters (aka gym rats) that make me feel overwhelmed and self-conscious. And I get so overwhelmed over what to do. One of my friends has told me that she would go with me, but she's a long-time runner and I haven't done any running in awhile, and it's hard to find a time when our schedules meet up.

Has anyone else had to get over gym-o-phobia? How did you do it?
 
i completely understand the fear of the gym syndrom. I only ever went to women only gyms but because of my shedule i always had to go by myself. This was really hard for me. I finally decided to change gyms to one that was for both sexes. It was the hardest thing for me to do because i had convinced myself that i would be mocked. At first i would only go if my boyfriend would go because i figured there would be less chance of being attacked if he was with me. Then i realized that it was just fine. No one has ever said or done anything to make me feel uncomfortable. ( not that im completely at ease, i dont think i ever will be) Now i can go by myself without having a breakdown..lol. Though I still go with Dan when it works out. Im also aware that there may be a time when some jerk might say something not nice... but really.. jerks dont just hide at the gym, that can happen anywhere.
I told myself that I was there to get healthy and that is nothing to be ashamed of.
Michelle
 
I to have had problems going to a gym at first. I signed up for Curves about 4 months ago and after a month I quit because my manager had gotten me a free week at her gym. She knew I wanted to lose weight and thought it would be fun to go togeather. My manager is a size 0 by the way so I was scared of the gym being all skinny people. These skinny people were not the only ones there but there are people like me too! Everyone is so nice and helpful. Some guy has even come up to me and talked to me at the gym :eek:. My advice is to go and if you need help ask! I know someone would love to help you! You don't have to run like your friend, you could start out walking. Walking is wonderful exerice.
 
Hello! I was a little freaked out at first, it's been 6 years now. Don't worry no one says anything negative and truthfully we are all way too into ourselves to think about what you look like. I know that even when I do occasionally notice other people at the gym, it's because I am happy that they are making the move to get healthy!!! Joining a women's only gym is a good idea as well! Also, I live in college town and completely understand what you mean about skinny people everywhere!! In your situation I would be your friend (runner and crazy schedule) but try to go together as often as possible and when she can't go, go with out her. That will help ease you into it anyway!! HOPE this helps!
 
Thanks a lot, guys. I'm glad I'm not the only one that feels this way! I know I'm just going to have to suck it up and quit making excuses, or I'll never get anywhere. I just wish I wasn't so self-conscious! I'm usually not, but for some reason going into that gym just sucks all the confidence out of me. But I'm going to have to not let that stop me now!
 
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