Scared of the gym??
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Scared of the gym??
| Wed, 02-16-2005 - 6:50pm |
Hey,
I'm new here to the group. I'm a 20 y/o who is currently a whopping 259 lbs :( How did I get here?? lol Well, my problem with going to the gym is that I get so self concious I always think people are like "Oh god what's she doing here" or "I hope I never look like that" or just the fact that there's beefake guys in there and I don't want them to see my rolls flap in the wind. Does anyone else think this way? I know it's silly but the thoughts are always there and because of them I end up not going and sitting online posting on boards. I heard curves is good.. I dunno any help would be appreciated

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You have come to the right place!
I used to feel that way and every time I go to a new gym I start to get scared. I just forced myself to go on a Friday Night when it wasn't crowded.(or try Saturday morning around 7 am) Once I understood no one noticed me or really cared about me I started to feel better. In fact, when I tell my friends and other people I am going they are excited for me because I am making a positive change. I still get anxious, but now that I am exercising more the weight is coming off faster.
You might want to look around for a gym that feels more comfortable. Or you can buy a video and workout at home. Try walking. It doesn't matter what kind of exercise you do, you just gotta get out there and move. Good luck. sharla
LOL on the gym thing. I know those people in there either 1) don't care or know I exist; or 2)Or just think what they want and hope they never look like me.
I just bought "walk away the pounds" for in home exercise and I like it. You may want to try that. I am not very active and it's the best thing for me for now.
Sussie_Q
Hi and welcome here (: You're not alone in your fear! There are alternatives, like Curves as you said (I've tried Curves and it was too easy for me, but it's wonderful for some people) or other all-female gyms. You can also work out at home, there are many wonderful exercise dvd's. A good one to start with is Walk Away the Pounds. It eases you nicely into a routine.
- cl-Yavie, sig in still in progress :D
I am just a young girl in need of some
A close friend and I (both seriously overweight) tried Curves and, well, it didn't do anything for us. This may be due to our past exercise routines and current Yoga sessions. Or, it may be due to our relative cardio fitness despite the fat :) Curves offers a free session---maybe you could try it out and see if your heart rate increases and you enjoy the atmosphere? If you have a friend in need of fitness, maybe you could split the bill on some inexpensive equipment like bands, mats, DVS, hand weights, balls, etc...and try to exercise together? If there is a "Five Below" store in your area, look there for such apparatus. Look for "The Method" sessions on your tv--if you have Tivo or a VCR, you could record some episodes for free and keep those you really enjoy/can tolerate. skye
Good Luck!!!!
I know what you mean, I am 25 and joined the gym before christmas and was TERRIFIED for the first week or so. It was the cheapest gym in the area and has weights machines, ellipticals which are great for cardio similar to running, makes you sweat so much!! Also treadmills and recumbant bikes (sitting bike for low impact exercise). They have a pool for swimming and yoga and fitness classes.
I am back at the gym again and it the beginning it always intimidating. I think the first thing you should do is ask for a tour, and if they don't give you one free session with a trainer, pay for one session. They will give you a simple routine of exercises and recommend a cardio program that suits your body's health history. This way you learn the correct way to do everything and the machines won't seem so scary.
Then you just have to REALLY be brave for the first bit until you make some friends there, everyone is usually friendly and even the fittest people who look amazing are really willing to answer a question about weights or machines, or to tell you about their fitness journey.
I think once you start going it is very inspiring to see people working together just getting healthy. Lifting weights is great for making your body toned and muscle burns more calories than fat.
I know a website that also is good for gym information for women who are overweight and want to lose body fat. http://www.stumptuous.com/weights.html
Good luck, and know that someone else still gets nervous but is going there and sweating too.
kristrin
Rhonda
Spring is Here
<Ohhhh...the dreaded gym...with big buff men and tiny little women in mid-driff baring outfits. Lovely.
I completely understand your fear of the gym so much so I've spent the past few months debating joining my local. I honestly think if I had someone to go with me it would make it easier. We wouldn't have to work out together but there is something to be said about knowing there is a friendly face in there with you.
Cost is also an issue for me. I live in a very trendy area of the city and things are more expensive then out in the suburbs, including the gyms.
So what do I do instead of the gym? I'm fortunate enough to be able to walk everywhere - to and from work, to get groceries, to shop, etc. I also do the Tae Bo tapes (much to the chagrin of the poor fella who lives below me I'm sure). And for those days I just don't have much 'umph' in me after walking home from work I keep an exercise ball and free weights in my living room so when I watch the tele I am doing something.
Oh...and I also take a bellydancing class once a week. It's a riot and there are women of all shapes and sizes doing it.
You'll find something...just keep looking and be willing to try new things.
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