The first time I ever stepped foot in a gym, I was at least 100 lbs overweight, and to say I was "intimidated" would have been a VERY generous way of putting it! I felt like EVERYONE was fitter than me, everyone was staring at me, and everyone was secretly laughing at me behind my back. I was so out of place, I didn't even feel comfortable looking at my reflection in any of the many mirrors. I was afraid to try anything new, to gravitate from any of the "easy" machines, or to ask for help.
The thing is, none of these feelings had to do with anything that was actually going on, and had everything to do with what was going on in my head. Even though I may have gotten a couple condescending glances here and there, no one was opposing me and my workouts more than the voice in my own head!
I had heard before "we wouldn't worry so much about what others think of us, if we realized how rarely they did," but it was difficult to put in practice in my own life. The first step for me to overcome my gym anxiety was to remember how little attention anyone was probably giving me. It helped to remember that the illusion of "all eyes on me" was simply an illusion, and at the end of the day, nobody was watching me, everyone was focused on their own stuff, and I should be too. If you are worried about being judged by strangers, try to remember the last time that you really, truly concerned yourself with what another person was doing. If those instances are few and far between for you, they probably are for others too.
Next, don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I know that may sound daunting, but if you're trying to figure out how to work a new piece of equipment, but the person using the one next to you looks like they've got it figured out - ask! I have found that most people will help if asked. And, if they don't, then there's an entire gym staff of people that are literally paid to be available to help those who need it. Be willing to help yourself by asking for help. Ask a friend, a stranger, an employee, just ask. When I first started going to the gym, the first machine I attempted to use (after the treadmill) was an elliptical. I got on but could not for the LOVE of all things holy get it to turn on. One nice person next to me said "just start peddling!" and they were right! I didn't know I had to start moving before I turned the thing on. But that gave me enough clarity to try an elliptical for the first time. Then I moved on to trying weight machines. Then I moved on to trying the stair master, and found that it was one of my favorite cardio machines ever! Now, I know how to operate 90% of the equipment in any given gym, but only because I started and someone offered me some help. Eventually, you will get more comfortable, you will figure out what you're doing, and you'll be able to offer friendly tips to the newcomers. For now, don't be afraid to ask for tips.
Bring/make friends! My current gym membership (and most of the ones I've had in the past) allowed me to bring a friend on a guest pass. Sometimes, the best way for me to learn new machines was to bring my husband on his lunch break and make him walk me through certain things. He was my security blanket for a while and we still like to work out together when we have the chance! Sometimes it helps make the experience more fun and less awkward if you can work out with a friend. And if you can't do that, make friends! I see a lot of the same people every time I work out. It never hurts to be friendly, strike up a conversation and make a new gym buddy. Sometimes it can help you feel comfortable with your environment by being familiar with the people in it.
Lastly, believe that you deserve to be there.You are a beginner, but so was EVERY OTHER PERSON in that building at some point in their life! Nobody started out a bodybuilder. Nobody woke up one morning and morphed into a runner. Everybody had to take the leap and START, even if it meant not knowing what they were doing for a while. It's OK! You are a human and you don't know everything! But it is OK. You will learn. You are doing your best, and you are worthy of investing in. Do not let any critical voices, especially the one in between your ears, tell you otherwise.
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