Gym intimidation?

Question

I really want to start doing cardio. I know I won’t have the motivation to do it at home with online work outs. I’ll either end up sitting on the couch or just not even turning it on. So I want to join a gym. The gym near me has a 7 day free pass - I wanna try to pass to see if I even like this gym- but I’m so embarrassed to go. I’m 200 pounds, out of shape and have bad anxiety. I’m nervous to be judged. I’m nervous to even start, like is it even worth it? Will I even lose weight? 
I don’t want to walk in and ask for the free pass and have them think “girl screw the free pass you look like you need a membership” any tips? Or encouraging words?

Answer

Put on your headphones and don’t even look at anyone. You do your thing. They can all kiss your butt. If they don’t encourage you and cheer you on then it’s not the place for you. Maybe try a Zumba class if they gym is too much they usually have them at other places like a ymca etc. I think the official Zumba website if you put in your zip code it tells you where they have clases nearby. Maybe a dance studio or something. I’m not a gym girl myself even at 350 I knew myself. Walking was what I did. I walked at home, in the mall and grocery stores. I just put on music and had fun. Step together step together and toe taps etc, just danced around my kitchen. If it’s important, then you make it a priority and not find excuses. You’ve got this. I’m down 94 pounds just walking and eating better. High protein high fiber and low sugar low salt and mostly granola for bread carbs. I used a Fitbit and MyFitnessPal app and that’s it. I did it on my own. If you can stick with it for a week it will become a habit and part of your routine. It takes a week to break or make a habit. Start slow. You are not in competition with anyone but yourself. We all lose and gain. It’s a process. Sometimes you recycle the same 10 pounds eating out on the weekends and losing it during the week. Life happens, celebrations happen, you only fail when you stop trying. We all have yo-yo dieted. You start off great, you plateau and quit and gain it back and more. That was me since the 90s. This is the only thing I have stuck with. Because it’s how you look at things. Diet was a bad four letter word. Starving and deprived was all I ever felt. It’s not a diet it’s a lifestyle change. It’s not starving or depriving yourself it’s finding alternatives. I still eat ice cream and chocolate daily. I just found alternatives. Halo top pops 50-60 calories each. Dole dark chocolate frozen bananas 100 calorie pack. It’s finding a balance. Breaking bad habits like bored and emotional eating. Finding new ways to cope like journaling or screaming into a pillow or yoga or exercise or remembering all the hard work You already put in and repeating it’s not worth it over and over again. We all have triggers, mine is my mother. Verbally abusive. Calls me fatass daily etc. Even after losing 94 pounds, she still does. I was a size 32 pants I’m down to 18. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel bad about yourself. I never needed a bully, I had her. But because of her I learned not to care what anyone thought of me,  their opinions are dust in the wind and don’t matter. The only opinion that matters is your opinion, everyone else can kiss your butt. You’ve got this. I would walk in and say hi can I try your gym for a week I want to see if this is the right place for me where people are encouraging and cheer you one and not judging you and disrespectful. So I would like to see for myself if I belong here or not. If people are judgey, I’d say, I’d rather be big than an a-hole like you. You’ve got this and if it isn’t the place for you there is no commitment it’s a week that’s it. Good luck.

Answer

I used to feel this way about the gym as well. As someone who works out 4 days a week and really pushed past the self conscious anxiety, don’t feel bad or self conscious! Everyone at the gym is hyper focused on their workout so do you! Group classes are a great way to get started and there’s a variety of them as well.

Answer

I hate people feel this way :( 
Is there any family/friends you can go with? I started going with a friend until I got comfortable with going alone, it’s nice to have someone there while you get use to working out and stuff. 
Also just plug in your headphones and focus on you and you trying to better yourself. Honestly tho you’d be surprised how many people don’t pay attention to anyone while working out , everyone is there for a reason and no one should judge anyone cause everyone is bettering themselves ❤️❤️ much love

Answer

I used to feel this way too. But then I repeat the mantra in my head that everybody starts somewhere. I would never judge a person at the gym because they are there they're showing up for themselves and they are trying. You will not be the biggest or most out of shape person there and even if you are so what. Do it for yourself and don't worry about what anybody else thinks about you. I hope this helps!

Answer

The main thing you need to remember here is that everyone in that gym started somewhere. Those before and after pictures they usually post are real. 
That being said, there is no harm in trying it. You have to start somewhere.

Answer

We do exercising for free at our local parks. There's no intimidation or judgement there, just yourself getting your workout on. Maybe try on your own first. ❤

Answer

Hey everyone is in the gym for a reason can’t judge someone wanting a healthier lifestyle!

Answer

Girl, to be honest. No one is going to judge you. Just start with something simple like treadmill. Then some light weight training when you are comfortable enough to explore that area. Good Luck! You got this

Gym intimidation?

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