I usually have my beats anywhere I go. They put me in my own world where I don’t worry or care about anything else. The good thing about having earbuds or headphones is people don’t bother you and your not in an akward place to have to chat with anyone.
Workout with someone else. Select equipment that you feel comfortable with. Mix it up or do body weight exercises if the equipment you want to do is occupied. Observe and follow the gym etiquette. They vary in terms of how long you should use equipment. Consider buying a few pieces of equipment for home so you can avoid busy times at the gym.
It seems like it can’t be true, but nobody cares about how you look while working out. Everyone is concentrated on their own thing. I’ve discovered this is particularly true in a busy gym. There are times I’ve full-on fallen off a treadmill and no one has really batted an eyelid. I smashed my face with a bosu ball - someone casually passed me a length of cleaning tissue to stop the bleeding and carried on with his pull-ups. So don’t worry, no-one is looking. Use this cover for time to scout out the place, and pick up on any local etiquette. Be firm and clear about what equipment you need, and ask directly if you’re not sure someone is using something, or how long they’ll be. If it’s your first time then do a workout you know to give you confidence. Most gyms have a quiet corner or handy pillar to set up your mat behind for privacy. This is your time, you did this for yourself, go at it!
I was scared at first and went in there while in fear. It was once I was in there that I realised there was nothing to be nervous about!! Just don’t pay a full year fee or whatever, so that you can change gyms if the one you first chose doesn’t suit you. But really, the people there are usually awesome and down to earth.
First and foremost, know that 90% of the people there are not going to pay much attention to you. They’re going to be focused on their form, the exercise, what’s next in their rotation, or what they are going to eat when they get home. The people that do notice are either going to be mentally cheering you on, or taking note of what you’re doing so maybe they can work it into their routine. For the select few judging... They just have nothing better to do, that’s their problem. I spend a lot of time there, and the only time anyone comments is when someone else is doing something potentially harmful. If you’re nervous, and you have some flexibility, time your first visit or two to a time when fewer people are around. Familiarity with your surroundings make it less intimidating. And if all else fails, take a friend! Support in numbers, and you have a built in cheering section.
Put on some headphones with music, believe in yourself and mind your own business. Headphones for the sounds around you, if you don’t feel safe alone, get a friend to go to the gym with you. Sorry if it wasn’t helpful. But I tried my best. 🙂
I don’t go to gym these days. There are plenty of exercise routines available online. Alternatively, I go for runs when I want a long workout.
I focus on what I need to do & understand that everyone there isn’t superhuman. At some stage either a long time ago or sooner, they were where I am... A gym novice just starting out.
I don’t go to crowded gyms, but everyone has to start somewhere. If you do not have a place at home where you feel comfortable, then when you go into a gym, try to find an area facing a wall to forget all the people and when you feel like you’re ready, try to ease your way into the crowd
Think of the end result. Everybody has to start somewhere. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. You’re doing this for you, nobody else.
Answers reflect the personal experiences of Fabulous community members. They are not medical or professional advice — for guidance about your health, talk to a qualified professional.
