awkward excercising
cardio
embarassed at the gym
excercising
going to the gym
healthy body
muscles
toned body
weightlifting
Embarassed at the Gym
By j00nior
@j00nior (182)
Canada
May 21, 2010 8:42pm CST
I need some help myLot! How do I get over the awkward feeling at the gym? I'm fine doing cardio because in that department, I'm in great shape. However, now I'm wanting to try out doing some weightlifting to define my muscles a bit! I'm completely new to it thought and I feel so stupid and awkward when I try because I see people looking at me and I can't imagine what they are saying about me. I know, I shouldn't care what others say, but I totally do. Are there any videos or advice out there that can help me get started? I go with my boyfriend everyday but give up on the weightlifting and move to cardio because of the awkward feeling.
1 person likes this
6 responses
@Jennlk84 (4206)
• United States
22 May 10
I have trouble with this too. I always feel like people are watching me, but in reality - they really aren't. They may look at you as you walk by - but really, what else is there to focus on? I'm a people watcher too - so I watch people as they go by and I'm hard at work on the elliptical. It's not "staring" but just glancing as they go by. I do my best to just ignore it. I figure that I'm there trying to stay healthy and help my body - if someone wants to stare at me, let them. It's tough but I really try to do my best to not be too self conscious at the gym.
1 person likes this
@j00nior (182)
• Canada
22 May 10
Reading your post made me think of what I do on the elliptical: listen to music. Not just listen, I actually like get right into it, and it really helps me not be self conscious about how I look working out. I am probably ridiculous looking bouncing up and down. Maybe I should do that while I'm lifting weights to keep my mind on the exercise and the music rather than the people around me.
@Bethany1202 (3431)
• United States
23 May 10
I have this same problem. I try to focus on (as funny as it sounds) not focusing... That is, just try to zone out. If you are struggling or not good at a certain thing, at least you are there trying to improve it, no??
@nitinshukla (278)
• United Kingdom
22 May 10
Well, whatever be the reason for people staring at you,whether you are new or you are extremely pretty or you exercise clumsily.:P,there is one thing I can tell you for sure.They won't stare at you for ever.It is only going to last for sometime maybe a few days and then you being a part of the gym would become normal for everyone.But,if even after some days,there is someone who doesn't mend his ways,well you can stare back or even report to the instructor.If there are more than one doing this,you could get your timings changed.So,all you need to do is stick around for a few days and see how it goes.All the Best!!
@kharlav (1669)
• Philippines
22 May 10
Maybe they're just looking at you because you are new. People usually stare at people who are new. Hmm? I think what you should do is make sure that what you are doing is the right way to do it, like lifting and using machines in the gym, so that they can't say anything bad to you. MAybe you can try to look at youtube about this.
@maxito100 (150)
• Argentina
23 May 10
i cannot believe u got to a gym where there are no instructors. in my country whenever u start on a gym some specialist would help u measure ur fat mass and weight or overweight and u would be guided to create ur new cardio and weightlifting routine. if i were u . id look up on utube for some weightlifting exercise videos for arms . legs , abs etc. and try those ideas when at the gym. u will need some instructor to tell u how much itd be good / bad for u to lift in the beginning of ur training.
