Anxeity about Gym :(

[son1fan]

So lately iv been feeling really anxious and nervous about going to the gym. The reason Im going is because I feel weak and small and my friends say I have bony arms. Back in 10th grade I was kinda fat so I decided to loose weight and I did it kinda fast. Now that im smaller, im finding it hard to actually stay and concentrate and I eventually go into the cardio theatre and spend about an hour running or doing the eliptical. This would be all fine and danady but it is doing nothing to help me get muscle, in fact its doing the opposite. How would I go about going to the gym without feeling like everyones watching me and judging me because i cant lift as much as them?

 

[AverageJoe]

Don't worry. Your anxiety is pretty common when people first start out.

Most of the guys that can put up heavy weights are regulars. They pay their fees and come every other day or so with the intent of throwing up more weight. They probably don't even notice you as they're too focused on their own goals.

Even if they do notice you, they're probably more inclined to think "well, at least he's trying to do something to get in shape instead of being a couch potato. Kudos to him." Also, if someone comes over to offer you advice, it's probably because they genuinely want to help you. Don't feel embarrassed. Everyone's been there at one point or another.

So just go and don't worry about it. The only time somebody might judge you is if you're tying up the equipment for long periods of time without actually doing something. (i.e. the gawkers that just go to the gym all dressed up to stare at other people while lifting 10lbs or less 50 times. They tend to piss people off. Most serious people do 3-5 sets of 5-10 reps...)

I suppose if you're still worried, you could always find an internet guide on Gym Etiquette. Just don't interfere with others' workouts and you're golden. Better yet...just get up and go lift.

 

[JoeyJoeJoeShabadu]

As AverageJoe said most people at the gym are too focused on themselves to spend time scrutinizing another person, and every single person there had to start from somewhere. I think the overweight people probably have it worse.

Stick to own goals and don't worry about others; joining the gym shows more resolve and determination than most people have.

 

[Yohan1989]

I believe you will get used to it... ask the doctor for meds that helps anxiety. Going to gym like breathing and all can reduce anxiety too

 

[AverageJoe]

If I feel overly anxious I just take my glasses off so I can't see very well. Less visual detail to scrutinize.

Dude, that's awesome! LOL

 

[nip/tug]

i get really bad anxiety about public speaking so what do i do? alot of public speaking! the only way to squash your fears is to face them!! and skip the doc and the meds, we are to oblivious to our going-ons as it is!!

I used to be in the same boat, skinny arms (and everything else) so i know what your going through. I do free weights all the time now but when i started i used a lot a machines to get use to things. if your gym has separate areas like that give it a shot. machines are a great place to start because they really assist you, so you can focus on form and concentration (don't under estimate the mental focus in working out, its not all physical)

Most people that use machines are just trying to stay tone or are beginners as well. the big scary guys usually do there grunting with the free weights so theres no reason for intimidation at the machines.

and just a few tips, legs are the greatest things to work out, they release a lot a testosterone and help build muscle everywhere, triceps are the largest part of your upper arm, so dont spend all you time doing biceps curls, don't forget your forearms too! strength there will help with upper arms... dont over do anything, and if your confused, most people should be helpful, or just watch and compare people.

good luck!! and dont stress out!!

 

[nip/tug]

and this might be helpful too! although can be overwhelming.... but helpful none the less

bodybuilding.com

 

[codeerror]

When I first started to go to the gym, I would either go early or late to avoid the masses. I would stick to the machines as long as the huge guys were around and then run over to the free weights when I had them to myself.

Rule of thumb: Never get between a bodybuilder and the mirror closest to him

You will also find that the regulars are easier to ask for help and advice. After all they do have some knowledge, and some of them can even remember that they haven't always been big.

The only thing that annoys me these days are these high school kids lifting more than me

 

[stokeboy]

It might be good ifyou could find a gym buddy who is also just starting and then work toghether

 

[swmjck]

When I first started to go to the gym, I would either go early or late to avoid the masses. I would stick to the machines as long as the huge guys were around and then run over to the free weights when I had them to myself.

Rule of thumb: Never get between a bodybuilder and the mirror closest to him

You will also find that the regulars are easier to ask for help and advice. After all they do have some knowledge, and some of them can even remember that they haven't always been big.

The only thing that annoys me these days are these high school kids lifting more than me

I agree with the first sentence about going early or late. The gym is much less crowded at that time. I also agree with the person who said to put on your MP3 player and just do your thing. From personal experience, most people do not sit and stare at people. They're too wrapped up in what they are doing. If they do, so what. Most people are in a gym for a specific reason, gaining muscle, losing weight. building their aerobic capacity etc. Most are probably just as self-conscious about some part of their body as you are. Just go in and do your thing and be consistent. Maybe hire a trainer for a session and ask for some advise. Good luck.