Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 32

Thread: Gym Jitters

  1. #1
    Darcy Foxx
    Guest

    Default Gym Jitters

    so i finally went and got me a gym membership at this kick ass new gym that's just opened up.

    this is the second day in a row that i've packed up my work-out clothes, gotten all ready to go... and then absolutely freaked out about going. i know it's entirely stupid but i don't feel like i'm fit enough to be at the gym and i'm terrified that people will think i'm stupid because i don't know how to use the machines and i don't know what to do when i'm there. i'm too damn self-concious to go to the gym.

    gaaaaah this sucks. i need to learn to stop stressing and just do it. did anyone else get absolutely terrified like this when they first started going to a gym?

  2. #2
    Featured Member Hello_Kitty27's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Chicago
    Posts
    1,818
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: Gym Jitters

    Yeah, and I ended up never going. Luckily I was able to get out of my contract. I went and bought a treadmill and an exercise bike. I really want to go to a gym, but I can't bring myself to go through it b/c of the jitters. I think I'd be OK if I had a gym-buddy to go with, but my friends either have opposite work schedules, not enough money or we live too far from each other. So I just stick to my treadmill. (I'm a complete pansy, I know)






    (just click to donate FREE food to those in need...REALLY!)

  3. #3
    Darcy Foxx
    Guest

    Default Re: Gym Jitters

    yeah i'm exactly the same. glad i'm not the only one. if i had a friend to go with then i'd be fine, but i have a real anxiety about being alone in unknown public places. it's a very silly fear i have of being judged and laughed at by complete strangers.

    it's just so... intimidating. and it makes me really really upset, because i want to go so badly, and more than anything i just want to be able to go there and work out and enjoy it and do it often, but i just CAN'T.

  4. #4
    God/dess Emily's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Las Vegas
    Posts
    11,302
    Thanks
    4
    Thanked 143 Times in 72 Posts

    Default Re: Gym Jitters

    can you afford a personal trainer? That way you don't look/feel like a dumbass. You have a buffer between you and them.

    I've been there myself, especially with the weight machines and free weights. Cardio I can do without looking like a retard, but I worry that everyone is thinking, "oh, look at that frumpy girl lift weights all wrong. How cute!"

    But now that I feel like I look okay enough to be there, I'm realizing that nobody is really looking at what I'm doing or how I'm doing it, just my tits and ass.

  5. #5
    Featured Member Hello_Kitty27's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Chicago
    Posts
    1,818
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: Gym Jitters

    Ya know, now that I think about it ....I just have issues exercising in front of people and looking like a fool. I don't even like to use my treadmill in front of my boyfriend. On second thought, maybe I wouldn't even be OK with a gym-buddy. I don't know now.

    I know in general, I get bad anxiety with certain public situations, usually it flares up right before my period. But I have a fear of looking foolish exercising in front of people. Esp cuz I'd feel so 'amatuer-ish' about it.






    (just click to donate FREE food to those in need...REALLY!)

  6. #6
    Darcy Foxx
    Guest

    Default Re: Gym Jitters

    i've got my first session with a personal trainer booked next week. i'm thinking maybe i should just book him twice a week... and once i get coordinated and start feeling more comfortable being there on my own, i might be able to go.

  7. #7
    God/dess Emily's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Las Vegas
    Posts
    11,302
    Thanks
    4
    Thanked 143 Times in 72 Posts

    Default Re: Gym Jitters

    yeah, twice is good, but one is better than nothing. At least you'll go!

  8. #8
    God/dess
    Joined
    May 2004
    Posts
    6,336
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 11 Times in 7 Posts

    Default Re: Gym Jitters

    I used to do the same thing, even get as far as the parking lot and still chicken out. You get over it soon enough though. Just plug in your headphones and ignore the world around you.

    Personal trainers freak me out even more. Then I know they are paying attention to what I'm doing! At least I can psych myself out by thinking that logically, no one on the treadmill cares about how much I can bench press.

  9. #9
    God/dess
    Joined
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Temporary Lurkmode...
    Posts
    12,609
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 79 Times in 35 Posts

    Default Re: Gym Jitters

    I felt the same too when I first started working out. I felt like everyone is staring at my fat ass! EEKKK! But then as I kept going I started to think I have to start somewhere and being here is gonna get me away from this body.

    Btw, I have a personal trainer still. It makes you feel alot more confident as you walk over to the free weights side and start lifting good sized weight with ease.
    you live like an ivy vine
    you can only survive by clinging onto trees
    that's your flaw
    put down some roots so you can stand on your own
    -Kenpachi



  10. #10
    Featured Member Katherine's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2004
    Location
    NYC Baby
    Posts
    1,359
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 8 Times in 8 Posts

    Default Re: Gym Jitters

    My gym offers a free session with a personal trainer when you sign up. They take you around the gym and teach you how to use all the machines. Then they show you what exercises are good for whatever you want to work on. And the gym always a few pt on schedule so you have someone to show you how to use this maching or how to do a free weight exercise correctly when you need it. It's great.

  11. #11
    God/dess Andygirl's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2006
    Location
    The VIP room
    Posts
    3,621
    Thanks
    47
    Thanked 187 Times in 58 Posts

    Default Re: Gym Jitters

    This is one reason why I go to the YMCA. You don't have to feel self-conscious about working out there because it is all types and ages of people. And it's nice there because it's not a fashion show and men are not typically there to try to pick up the women. I have never been harassed there and I've been going 3-4 times a week for two years.
    Check out my new eBay auctions.......

  12. #12
    God/dess Emily's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Las Vegas
    Posts
    11,302
    Thanks
    4
    Thanked 143 Times in 72 Posts

    Default Re: Gym Jitters

    oh, and don't think going to one of those all-female gyms makes it better (not curves, but jsut a gym for women only.)

    I went in to one once and got the most hateful looks from out of shape older women during my tour.

  13. #13
    Banned rozz's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Taxachusetts
    Posts
    2,369
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Gym Jitters

    Quote Originally Posted by Emily View Post
    Cardio I can do without looking like a retard, but I worry that everyone is thinking, "oh, look at that frumpy girl lift weights all wrong. How cute!"

    But now that I feel like I look okay enough to be there, I'm realizing that nobody is really looking at what I'm doing or how I'm doing it, just my tits and ass.
    Okay, maybe I'm not as good a person as I should be, but the (usually female) asshats throwing weights around, hogging the smith machine and overall having shitty form just bother the everlovin crap out of me. If you don't know how to do something properly, or are interested in my exercises, ask me (after my set!!!). For some reason, the majority of women don't see free weights as something they should take seriously. I see them playing at lifting and giggling the whole time while I'm busting my ass lifting. Distracting!!

    I'm all for people getting a personal trainer when they're starting out. It teaches you good form above all, which is the hardest part of starting out. And good form means you won't hurt yourself (and I won't have to glare at you for breaking the machines I need to use).

  14. #14
    God/dess kitty260's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Winterpeg, Manitoba
    Posts
    2,042
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts

    Default Re: Gym Jitters

    I used to be TERRIFIED of the gym. I'd get all the way into the building at the university then keep walking right past the locker rooms and hide in the library for my panic attack.

    The day I actually worked up the courage to ENTER the gym I hit the treadmill right away for half an hour to relax and size the place up...then I decided I loved the gym and went almost every day. Then my pass expired...and...yeah. Haven't been back.

    My point is that you need to do what you know first so you can get comfy. Half an hour on the treadmill will do wonders for your nerves, believe me.

    To make you feel better, you know what I'm scared of? The tanning salon.
    \

  15. #15
    Featured Member tampadancer's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2004
    Location
    tampa
    Posts
    1,582
    Thanks
    178
    Thanked 394 Times in 179 Posts

    Default Re: Gym Jitters

    The personal trainer thing is a great idea. Until then, why don't you go in and just do cardio? You've got to get over this body image thing, doll. You're going to have the boys (and some girls!) drooling.

    If you're really uncomfortable, wear a t-shirt and some track pants - or some non-body baring clothing. Don't spend time in front of the mirror before you go because you will just psych yourself out. If you weren't like, in another country, I'd go with you

  16. #16
    Veteran Member xxambyrrxx's Avatar
    Joined
    Mar 2006
    Location
    St John's NL
    Posts
    255
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post

    Default Re: Gym Jitters

    I started going to the gym this semester when I started school. The first day I went I was all set and then when I saw like 7 people in a row running perfectly in synch on treadmills I just turned around and left. But I went in after supper and the plae was packed. Now I go mid-morning when I have a free period but most people are in class and it is much better! So I would say try to avoid the times when 'regular people' flock to the gym (early morning, lunch hour, right after work) and then there won't be as many people to worry about and you can focus on your own workout.

  17. #17
    Yekhefah
    Guest

    Default Re: Gym Jitters

    Wait until you see how many big fat people are there in spandex. You'll realize how beautiful you are by comparison. And get an iPod! I used to be self-conscious at the gym, but now I just plug into my iPod and the hell with everybody else.

    I also go in the middle of the day, like 2 p.m. or so, when there's hardly anybody there. I don't like crowds or waiting.

  18. #18
    Chicagoeditor
    Guest

    Default Re: Gym Jitters

    I've got an ellyptical in my basement, along with an 80lb punching bag and a Chuck Norris TotalGym, as well as a big mirror and an exercise matt. The best thing I did with this home gym was put a TV in a corner, at eye level. Makes me think I'm in a hotel gym or something.

    But I haven't used this equipment in months because, as I've mentioned a few times, I joined LA Fitness, and have been going about 4 days a week (plus 2x a week to Bikram yoga). I adore the LA Fitness showers! Brand new, sparkling clean (unlike my own).

    But, ummm, the point I was going to make: The eye candy of working out with other people is not to be discounted. Whenever I feel like quitting, I merely look around the gym for a morbidly obese person or a young hot woman, and, presto, motivation!

  19. #19
    Member
    Joined
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Norway
    Posts
    18
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Gym Jitters

    yeah i'm exactly the same. glad i'm not the only one. if i had a friend to go with then i'd be fine, but i have a real anxiety about being alone in unknown public places. it's a very silly fear i have of being judged and laughed at by complete strangers.

    it's just so... intimidating. and it makes me really really upset, because i want to go so badly, and more than anything i just want to be able to go there and work out and enjoy it and do it often, but i just CAN'T.
    Oh my god thats how i feel exactly! I'll be following this thread for more advice on how to deal with this I really want to work out at a gym, rather than just doing it at home like I am now with limited equipment, but its just...scary, for the very reasons you mentioned.

    Its ironic...getting naked at a club filled with strangers is OK, working out at a gym with other people working out is not

  20. #20
    God/dess ExoticEngineer's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Arizona
    Posts
    3,335
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 59 Times in 29 Posts

    Default Re: Gym Jitters

    I used to feel the same way....and sometimes it creeps up on me, but just tune it out. The girls have great ideas...go during slow times, bring music with you and do only what your comfortable doing until you feel brave enough to venture out.

    Also, getting a trainer to help and show you exercises is a great idea!

    But honestly sweety, you can do this....and once you start doing it you're going to feel so good! And hopefully some of that negative body image stuff you have going on will go away soon, you truly are a striking woman...Good luck!

    ~B




  21. #21
    Lola Rose
    Guest

    Default Re: Gym Jitters

    I feel like this too I think learning how to do things/ a planned exercise would help a ton, so once this semester is over, I'm going to go sign up and get a trainer for a while till I have a routine. Then I won't feel so stupid/confused/out of shape!!!

  22. #22
    Featured Member sunnie's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2006
    Location
    The strip club...duh!
    Posts
    868
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 69 Times in 9 Posts

    Default Re: Gym Jitters

    Here are some websites that may help:

    http://www.exrx.net/
    --Has animation to show you how to use machines too.

    www.bodybuilding.com
    --has message boards and articles for girls

    www.runnersworld.com
    --has newbie articles

    www.active.com
    --almost every sport under the sun and training tips

    Training with a trainer is great, try classes too because you will get a general feel of sequence of events. i.e. when weight training, train big muscle groups before specific ones, usually it is best to do weight training then cardio, how to stretch etc. Classes usually have a core group of people who go, so you will probably make friends and be motivated to go to the gym and see them. You'll be a redline drinking gym rat in no time, LOL!

    Congrats on joining the gym! Everyone has to start somewhere, so don't worry about it. Try yoga too...it is soooo great for dancing, balance, strength, etc.

    If you have any questions, pm me, I used to study exercise physiology and know quite a bit on the topic.

  23. #23
    Featured Member sunnie's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2006
    Location
    The strip club...duh!
    Posts
    868
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 69 Times in 9 Posts

    Default Re: Gym Jitters

    BTW, my new year's resolution is going to be to take a pole dancing class as I am terrified of trying tricks at the club and making a total ass out of myself...

  24. #24
    Banned Katrine's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2003
    Posts
    13,855
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Gym Jitters

    Curves is not meant for young women who aren't overweight. My friend owns two. But do they even have that in OZ?

    Get a trainer! I need to get one myself. Jeff Bagwell and I had the same trainer back in the day. He would spot him while I was doing multiple of reps of my baby weights. I need to call a trainer myself!

    "Have you ever been to American wedding? Where is the vodka, where's marinated herring?" - GB
    "And do the cats give a shit? No, they do not. Why? Because they're cats."-from The Onion

    Quote Originally Posted by Mia M
    If a cupcake was tossed at me... well, I'd only be upset if it missed my mouth

  25. #25
    Darcy Foxx
    Guest

    Default Re: Gym Jitters

    they do, i only recently noticed them popping up all over the place. there's a Curves 2 mins down the road from my house. i'd been wondering what it actually is??

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. New Club Jitters?
    By cinammonkisses in forum Stripping (was Stripping General)
    Replies: 19
    Last Post: 04-02-2008, 02:40 PM
  2. Pre BA jitters?
    By sc0101 in forum Body Business
    Replies: 20
    Last Post: 04-01-2008, 10:02 AM
  3. Pre-BA jitters!
    By Bridgette in forum Body Business
    Replies: 21
    Last Post: 04-01-2008, 05:42 AM
  4. through with first night jitters?
    By thickween in forum Newbie Board
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 03-10-2008, 08:20 PM
  5. Jitters
    By LilyLove in forum Stripping (was Stripping General)
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 12-13-2006, 08:18 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •