self conscious at the gym

Not a gym member...wasn't using it enough.  I ride my bike a lot.  If it's raining I put on some good rock music and walk...From the living room to the kitchen to the bedroom.  I just made my little path.  I'll do some little exercises while I'm walking...WHO CARES HOW I LOOK, I'M INSIDE AND NO ONE CAN SEE!!  Another thing you can do at home...Bring out your old aerobic videos.  You know the ones, you had the best of intentions of doing.  If you don't have any...go to the library...Tons there.  Good luck on your journey.  Brian  PS  You are not the only one who has a phobia or mania...I fear going to the mailbox...Postal Phobia.  Also my wife doesn't like to eat alone in public...

Thanks Brian.  Guess we're all "normal":-)
L.

I know in my heart that to loose weight I need to get out of my comfort zone and go , but I feel anxious when I even think about joining a gym. I donreally have friends to do anything with and my husband works 6 days a week. I wish I could overcome this as well. Good luck to you.

Want to make a deal ... I'll go by myself if you do too.
L.

I just got back from the gym. I can totally relate. I was lucky initally I had my son go with me but now he works various shifts and so if I want to go I must go alone . I totally agree the headphones do make a huge difference. I feel like im in my own world and i am not totally feeling like the ackward one. Also try to go the same time seeing the same people will put you at ease after awhile walking in.  I do notice men arent as self conscience as women.

Awkward is a great way to describe what I'm feeling.  Is it because as women we are raised not to go anywhere by ourselves?  You know, we go to the bathroom together, things like that.  I remember once being on vacation while my husband worked in LA and I went to a movie during the day by myself - it was awkward too.  And last year I took a trip to Halifax by myself and the same thing.  Maybe that's it... I'm just not used to doing ANYTHING alone!
Thanks
L.

here's a tip: whenever you're in the gym and you see a bunch of hardbodies and you feel self-conscious, just remember: all those pretty hardbodies poop exactly the same as you do :)

It also helps to find out what hours the gym is empty and try to go during those times, it's great when you have the whole place to yourself.

What really helped me (before my knees gave out, and my work hours increased) was finding a class instructor who was challenging/fun but willing to show you exercise alternatives in case there's a move that is too high impact or above your skill level. It makes a lot of difference...

Oh and if you get into cardio kickboxing, make sure the instructor has a few belts in some MA discipline or they will probably not teach you proper form (which can lead to SERIOUS INJURY).

OMG - that's funny - now they're all going to think I'm nuts because I'll be laughing through my workout.

Sometimes you have to just follow the Nike motto and "Just Do It".  Trying to reason why you should or shouldn't really doesn't get you to the gymn.  If you need some motivation and reward how about a healthier life as a reward, something you can't buy but have to work for .

For over a year before my surgery I wanted to do TKD classes with my kids, but the Father's Day class always kicked my butt.  I committed to taking classes after surgery and then they said ok you had your surgery you ready and then I said when I get to this weight.  Finally I just went over and talked with the head instructor about my surgery and my concerns.  I admit almost all of my concerns were based on my abilities or endurance.  So now I take TKD classes I am not the best but I do my best.

Excellent answer - that kind of motivation/reward would definitely work for me - I buy anything I want but this I have to work at - I like working at something and feeling the gratification that comes with the hard work.  Also, like the not the best but I do my best attitude.
Thanks
L.