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.

 

[Source Energy]

Some gyms are 24/7. You can try to find one of those and only go at night when it is mostly empty. Once you feel more comfortable, you can slowly introduce earlier hours and get used to work out among others. Most gym goers work out with head phones on and they stay to themselves. But you can reach to a point where conversations with a stranger won't bother you anymore.
I am an introvert. I prefer night hours and being left alone. But I got over my SA completely, and I can chat up with anyone without problems. They are just another human being with the same goal as you: getting toned up and looking good. Generally gyms are judgement-free zones. Everybody tries their best to improve their bodies. It is therapeutic to work out with happy tunes in your headphones. Go for some upbeat rhythm and lyrics not depressing songs. You have to build your mental muscles along with the physical ones.

 

[Galileo3630]

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

The biggest self-confidence booster for me is music, I listen to some CRAZY PHONK music and I don't really like it outside of working out, but when I do work-out and listen to phonk, all of the negative thoughts and embarrassment simply shrivel away

 

[Blue_mist]

I avoid people at the gym due to social anxiety, i put earbuds on and ignore any interactions and small talks with members, yes they think am an ass but i don't care i despise people anyway. maybe this would help you if you do the same.

 

[manta]

Hey,
When I first started going I had trouble with this too. I started out with going at night to easy my anxiety. After a while I got comfortable with the environment and now I look forward to going. Everyone there is mostly focused on their workouts and don't really bother with paying much attention to others. Everyone there is working to better themselves just as you are. I've generally found it to be a pretty positive atmosphere.
Good luck

 

[young Werther]

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

Good advice here, In fact I adopt the not looking at anyone all the time, fix my stare above or below, blur my eyes etc.

With headphones I can't hear their comments (I'm quite overweight) and by avoiding eye contact I'm immune to their disgust/disapproval.

Some times I even find myself smiling at how easy it can be.