Walking into a gym for the first time can be an embarrassing experience.
But it’s important to get through the paranoia and start exercising.
This post originally appeared onPsychology Today.
Some people find exercise boring and lose theirmotivation.
But there’s an overlooked reason people may avoid exercising, and that’sembarrassment.
Embarrassment related to exercise is something I know too well.
I remember in my grade school physicaleducationclasses howteamswere selected.
Invariably, I was the last to be picked.
Anyone can feel a little nervous about exercising in public if they haven’t done it in a while.
You might have thoughts such as:
I don’t know what kind of clothes to wear.
I don’t like the way I look.
I’m too fat to exercise in public.
I’m so awkward.
I’m afraid I’ll trip, or not know how to use a machine.
What if I break a machine?
I don’t know how to deal with the whole locker room scene.
What if it’s crowded and I have to stand around waiting to use the equipment?
I’ll feel so uncomfortable.
I don’t want to have to talk to anybody.
My husband and I joined a gym that was associated with a hospital.
We were some of the younger ones there and I never had too much trouble with embarrassment.
When some people are using walkers to get from machine to machine, it helps put things in perspective.
However, not too long ago, my husband wanted to switch gyms.
I changed with him, but I experienced quite a shock.
At the new gym, we were the “old” people.
Young, physically fit bodies dressed in tight-fitting, trendy exercise clothes were doing things that seemed humanly impossible.
I hated the new place!
I felt out of place and had many of the thoughts listed above.
With some concerted effort, though, I learned a few things.
I hope these tips will help you shed some self-consciousness.
If you’re starting from scratch, look around.
Give yourself time.Give yourself time to adjust.
Any new situation can be stressful.
Guys in tank tops and girls in tight leggingswell, not exactly my idea of a relaxedenvironment.
While some people adapt quickly, it took me a long time.
Don’t give up too soon.
Dress for success.Considerbuying yourself one or two outfitsfor the gym that you feel good in.
For me, it’s basic exercise pants and a matching top from Target.
Nothing fancy, but it feels good and fits well.
They’re off in their own little world listening to music or watching a TV while they exercise.
or “I used to be there, too.”
Most people won’t notice you at all, and those who do are quietly rooting for you!
Gradually my jealousy transformed into admiration.
These young bodies are beautiful, and how wonderful these people are taking care of themselves.
This is especially important as you’re starting an exercise program.
Give yourself credit.Finally, give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back.
It can be nerve-wracking to take the plunge, but you’ll thank yourself later.
Dr. Markway’s recent interests include self-compassion and she writes about her own experiences atThe Self-Compassion Project.
Photo byHammett79(Shutterstock) with illustration by Tina Mailhot-R0berge.
Additional photo byKeebosr(Flickr).
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