Social anxiety at gym?

[GlitterAndBlood]

In my recovery I really want to start working out because I don't like my body, at all. But I have crippling social anxiety so just the thought of going to the gym to work out makes my tummy ache. Does anyone have any tips for overcoming this? I know that it's good for your mental health to work out and stay active, therefore I really want to work on my social anxiety. I try coming prepared to the gym (having a clear program) but I just feel so ridiculous working out. My brain keeps telling me that I look really stupid and that results in me having a panic attack in the locker room, which is also embarrassing.
Please help :( <3

 

[Pluto]

I had the same issue. What helped me get started was having someone to go with, and a particular gym that had a wide variety of people, including old people, so it didn't have an elitist atmosphere. I now go by myself since there's a routine and the social awkwardness is either minimal, or just expected. Once I saw some results, I was so terrified of losing them that I maintained the habit regardless of my mental state.

Now that I'm the best part of a year into it, the irony is that I see it as almost an unpleasantly unsocial atmosphere. People mostly avoid talking to each other, have earphones on, etc. Especially when seeing the same people over and over, it would be nice to have some sort of ice breaker.

I'd encourage you to go through with it any way you can. There's also a lot that can be done outside of a gym.

 

[Message In A Bottle]

I do workouts from home via YouTube.

-There’re plenty of ones to choose from where they’ll put out a monthly calendar on what exercises to do each day - Some without equipment if you don’t have dumbbells.

Growingananas I use.

 

[Angi]

If you live in an urban area, you probably have several gyms within a reasonable distance. They usually have a free trial day/session/tour, try them all! I found that gyms are very different, especially from a social perspective.

 

[thevaccumguy]

People in gym look at themselves , and barely pay others attention ( tiktok staring at girls ptsd )...........ahem. But it's true. You go in there, put blaring music on your Airpods and the rest will be fine. You'll be surprised how peaceful working out can be.

 

[LaVieEnRose]

You could work out at home to start with. Here there is a chain of gyms that is cheap and explicitly caters to the average person and not fitness junkies or athletes. Maybe there is some such gym near you.

 

[wrenwolfe]

it isn't embarrassing, promise. everyone is there to work out and only focused on themselves and how they look. i'd do your best to not look at anyone and focus on yourself, and listen to music if it helps you at all. personally, i do home exercises sometimes, but the equipment is nice to have. i wish you the best of luck. try to hype yourself up before you go! it might make you feel better about the whole thing <3

 

[CantWait2D1E]

As I regular gym goer I had a bad experience today with people so I know your pain. It’s hard not to see everyone, especially the gym couples, and wonder how happier they are or how much better their lives are. As far as social interaction, people are going act like you aren’t even there. The most you’ll get is someone coming up to you asking if you’re almost done with whatever you’re using.

Like others suggested, there is a lot of exercises you can do at home with just your body weight. Prisoners get absolutely jacked doing simple things like push ups. You could step outside and go for a run or long walk.

I’d recommend steering clear of commercial gyms if people are too much an issue. Look for smaller, hole in the wall gyms if you can. Less crowded and better chances of wholesome interaction with people just like you.

 

[GlitterAndBlood]

Okay random update I went to the gym!
It was scary and my stomach and chest hurt from anxiety but I did it!!! I was on the treadmill and then did some weight lifting. I'm going to try again tomorrow! Yay! :D

 

[shiroiuu]

In my recovery I really want to start working out because I don't like my body, at all. But I have crippling social anxiety so just the thought of going to the gym to work out makes my tummy ache. Does anyone have any tips for overcoming this? I know that it's good for your mental health to work out and stay active, therefore I really want to work on my social anxiety. I try coming prepared to the gym (having a clear program) but I just feel so ridiculous working out. My brain keeps telling me that I look really stupid and that results in me having a panic attack in the locker room, which is also embarrassing.
Please help :( <3

You’d be surprised by how many other people have felt the same way initially about going to the gym. Gym anxiety is one thing you get over with time, ever rarely you will encounter an unforgivable asshole who treats you like absolute shit for simply having terrible form. Most normal people would just go up to you and probably tell you to work on this and that or even help correct your form. The bigger guys also tend to be the nicer ones don’t worry about them, there’s a chance they probably felt the same way as you at one point and even I was in your position. Once you start going consistently you will then understand that everyone else focuses on themselves and just want to get a good workout in. Hope this helps <3

 

[Nohw]

It's totally normal to feel that way, everyone felt that way when they started going to the gym, me included, but no one is really paying attention to you, don't worry about it, a lot of folks there have the same goal as you.

 

[Rosesandthorns]

When I first started going I went with a friend which helped get me started. In all honesty, I've noticed everyone is too focused on their own things to be bothered judging anyone else.