self conscious at the gym

So my husband and I joined a gym with the promise of going 3 times a week.  But there are days when he can't go, so I don't.  I thought today maybe I would go by myself, but have spent the entire afternoon trying to find the motivation, to the point where I am about to cry because I'm afraid to go by myself.  A few years back I did the same thing, only hired a trainer to go with me and as long as I wasn't by myself, I didn't mind going at all.  How do I get over this?  I took a year membership - hubby only took 6 months (because he is active during the summer).  I need to make this about me though - I know I need to do it - I'm not sure what is stopping me.  Any ideas?
Thanks,
L.

I totally understand. When I first started out I worried about all sorts of things. I also used that worry as an excuse not to go because working out is tough.

Based on what you wrote here's a couple of suggestions.

1. Sit down and write down why you think you should go to the gym. Come up with reasons that are more personal than "I need to". Post the list somewhere you can see it. Read it out loud.

2. Start small - going once a week, going for 10 mins, whatever works for you. Who says you have to go for a hour 3x per week? Anything is more than you did before right? Try and add a little more once the first goal is easy. (Note: I didn't say add more each week, just when the first goal is easier.)

3. Have you looked at taking classes? Sounds like company works for you. I've made some great friends in classes. Another reason to go - people want to see you.

Lastly, remember no one is going to judge you. We all started somewhere and frankly when I see new folks working out it inspires me to take it to the next level.

Good luck.

Those are all great ideas.  Thanks! 
I don't mind going to the gym (with somebody) and it's easy to go 3 times a week with company.  It's going by myself that's the problem.  It's a real fear and I don't know why and I don't know how to get over it.  I'm normally good with a challenge.  He's on call next week and I don't think he'll be going to the gym, so I'm just going to have to suck it up and try by myself.  Monday will be my first time.  I think I might be able to do it if I take it one day at a time.  Wish I could have done it today.  But Monday for sure.
L.

I was all about rewarding myself when I started going to the gym.  I couldn't convince any of my friends to go with me so I was in it by myself. 

I only read magazines at the gym while on the cardio machines...or if I went everyday I said I was going to go I'd get to download a new song from iTunes.  If I went an entire month, then I got to buy an entire album!!

I found that having headphones while I was at the gym helped me feel a little more confident too.  I'd write down what I wanted to do before I went, so I knew exactly what I wanted to do while I was there and I'd bring that index card in with me...it helped me focus on me while I was there instead of worrying about what everyone else was thinking of me.  And with my headphones on I'd walk around and just go from machine to machine without another thought.

Keep posting too, that helps!!  I try to post everyday, even the days I don't do anything, or rest days, I try to post...it's nice knowing that everyone on here is looking forward to see what you were up to that day and WANTS to hear about your workout too, so stick around!!

 and if you post a while, you can have fun going back in the archives to see where you came from :)  :

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/fitness/4114759/Wednesday-Workouts/

Wow - everyone seems to do so much.  Not sure if I'll ever get to that spot.  But I hope to improve slowly but surely.
L.

Rewards don't do much for me - if I want something I get it anyways.  But I really like the idea of the headphones and my son bought me a multi-media player for Christmas last year and I have lots of good music on it, so that is definitely worth a try.  I'll try it Monday - I think I'm going to be walking in there all by myself... don't know what I'm so worried about.
L.

Hey there, 

I just had this conversation today.  For me, I have to plan and make my move to the gym during transitions of the day.  I can go first thing in the morning, on my way home from work, when I drop my daughter off at basketball practice, etc.  I found out if I wait around instead of going directly to the gym, I won't make it.

Hope this helps you in some way.

Interesting.  I actually thought about that today:-)  I had to go into town to pick up a parcel and thought, well I could go to the gym while I was there.  But I fussed and fumed and worried about it for so long that when I finally went to get the parcel it was almost dinner time and needless to say, I didn't make it to the gym.  I'm going Monday, after work, by myself (at least I think I'll be by myself).
Thanks.
L.

Also, earphones and a favorite playlist or plugging in while watching a favorite TV show on the gym monitor is a must.  Unless you're taking a class, I've found this as a way to go to "another realm" while working out.