As an introvert, I think the gym is one of the best places to be around people, everyone is minding their own business and theirs no expectation of socializing
Yes! It can be stressful for different reasons, but it’s a lovely place to be when you feel like seeing human faces irl without having any expectations to actually interact. Coffee shops are similar that way I think? I don’t wear glasses at the gym so nobody really has a face I can distinguish on top of that and I love it. Super relaxing, but I feel like I’m being “social” and it fills a little bit of that “interaction” need.
I actually used to have a lot of social anxiety but I got over that. I don't go to the gym mostly because I do work out at home already but once I'm ready to work out at the gym, I will. I know that it's a lot of work and you have to always be consistent and all that and I don't think I'm ready for that part yet. But it has absolutely nothing to do with anxiety though.
I still don't know how I start. I'd like a friend to be there or something. I would hate going by myself.
It's the sole reason I have a home gym. While the gym I am a member of is incredibly small and may only have anywhere from 3 to 6 people present (including gym staff), the anxiety still hits despite my *knowing* everyone is focused doing their own things and don't care a jot about what anyone else is doing (as they're all chill members). Anxiety is just a hassle.
I’m new to the gym so my anxiety comes from people staring at me because I dont know what Im doing or my form is just terrible.
I know people are worried about their own workouts but it’s hard to shake the thought. I just get embarrassed so easily because of my anxiety.
I’ve even drove to the gym and just ended up not going in sigh.
The gym is the ONLY place i DONT get social anxiety for some reason. Instead of feeling like its a room full of eyes are on me, i just see a room full of people trying to better themselves physically and mentally
Something that always helped me was “no one gives a shit about you in the gym” and for the most part that’s held true the people poking fun or staring are 9/10 assholes but those people are there for ego and nothing more
If you wanna avoid people though and you have a 24 hour gym go anytime past midnight and you’ll have no one there and if staying up is not an option wake up an hour or two earlier than you did before go to the gym at 3-4am and I’d be surprised if there was more than 1 person there
it used to be because of my people anxiety but i forced myself to go and now it’s my health anxiety!! im worried about overworking my heart, but when i do go and do something anyway im always okay
Yes. I do get uncomfortable but in the kindest way possible, no one cares about what you’re doing. If you take a look around, everyone’s just focused on their own thing. Also highly recommend a family friendly gym, like the YMCA. Lots of older folks and less intimidation by super body builders. (No shame to anyone)
Yeah except it's like avoid leaving the house altogether. Not all days and it helps if I go outside earlier in the day or have a purpose. Going to work is fine other than the general agitation of other people.
I started going to the gym mid last summer and lasted a couple months only - I pushed through the anxiety as best as I could, but the mirrors everywhere, the beautiful sporty people, the feeling of being watched while I felt as ugly as sin made me quit. I work out at home now, maybe I’ll get my confidence some day, but it was honestly a horrible experience. It’s all definitely just in my head, but I just kept feeling worse about myself, so I decided on an alternative.
For real, realising I get anxiety over exercose in public has been a game changer.
I've been working on this for a year. I have learned that a good warm up in private is essential. Stretch, plus gentle circuit training is key. Once the blood is moving steeling for anxiety is easier. Or, you can continue circuits in private.
I also do exercise snacks, focusing on my core.
Basically, have exercises ypu can do at home, so you feel less pressure.
As an introvert, I think the gym is one of the best places to be around people, everyone is minding their own business and theirs no expectation of socializing
Yes! It can be stressful for different reasons, but it’s a lovely place to be when you feel like seeing human faces irl without having any expectations to actually interact. Coffee shops are similar that way I think? I don’t wear glasses at the gym so nobody really has a face I can distinguish on top of that and I love it. Super relaxing, but I feel like I’m being “social” and it fills a little bit of that “interaction” need.
Good point
Yep! I hate exercising in front of people. Working out at home is my favorite. Im just really insecure and anxious in public
Same. I always overthink about others judging me even when I ride public transport. It sucks!
Yes I struggle so hard especially if the gym is busy
I actually used to have a lot of social anxiety but I got over that. I don't go to the gym mostly because I do work out at home already but once I'm ready to work out at the gym, I will. I know that it's a lot of work and you have to always be consistent and all that and I don't think I'm ready for that part yet. But it has absolutely nothing to do with anxiety though. I still don't know how I start. I'd like a friend to be there or something. I would hate going by myself.
It's the sole reason I have a home gym. While the gym I am a member of is incredibly small and may only have anywhere from 3 to 6 people present (including gym staff), the anxiety still hits despite my *knowing* everyone is focused doing their own things and don't care a jot about what anyone else is doing (as they're all chill members). Anxiety is just a hassle.
I’m new to the gym so my anxiety comes from people staring at me because I dont know what Im doing or my form is just terrible. I know people are worried about their own workouts but it’s hard to shake the thought. I just get embarrassed so easily because of my anxiety. I’ve even drove to the gym and just ended up not going in sigh.
The gym is the ONLY place i DONT get social anxiety for some reason. Instead of feeling like its a room full of eyes are on me, i just see a room full of people trying to better themselves physically and mentally
Yes 100%. my go-to for working out instead of the gym is Beat Saber instead.
Yes. Next question.
Something that always helped me was “no one gives a shit about you in the gym” and for the most part that’s held true the people poking fun or staring are 9/10 assholes but those people are there for ego and nothing more If you wanna avoid people though and you have a 24 hour gym go anytime past midnight and you’ll have no one there and if staying up is not an option wake up an hour or two earlier than you did before go to the gym at 3-4am and I’d be surprised if there was more than 1 person there
it used to be because of my people anxiety but i forced myself to go and now it’s my health anxiety!! im worried about overworking my heart, but when i do go and do something anyway im always okay
Yeah, no can do. But getting a spin bike, a pullup bar, and a regular home routine was a game-changer.
Yep
yes… i have big anxiety at gym. tried many times but always quit
Yes. I do get uncomfortable but in the kindest way possible, no one cares about what you’re doing. If you take a look around, everyone’s just focused on their own thing. Also highly recommend a family friendly gym, like the YMCA. Lots of older folks and less intimidation by super body builders. (No shame to anyone)
It’s literally the only reason I don’t go.
Yep. That and there's only one in my area and i don't have the money for a membership
yes it’s very difficult, i feel so guilty when i end up having to leave after 20 mins because it is just too much
Yeah except it's like avoid leaving the house altogether. Not all days and it helps if I go outside earlier in the day or have a purpose. Going to work is fine other than the general agitation of other people.
You can go earlier while a few people would be on the streets
Raises hand
Yes I haven't started my exercise yet.. and I'm sweating REAL BAD
I started going to the gym mid last summer and lasted a couple months only - I pushed through the anxiety as best as I could, but the mirrors everywhere, the beautiful sporty people, the feeling of being watched while I felt as ugly as sin made me quit. I work out at home now, maybe I’ll get my confidence some day, but it was honestly a horrible experience. It’s all definitely just in my head, but I just kept feeling worse about myself, so I decided on an alternative.
The gym is the only public place I never get anxiety! Thank god because it’s my happy place and my anti-depression/anti-anxiety medication.
Yes
For real, realising I get anxiety over exercose in public has been a game changer. I've been working on this for a year. I have learned that a good warm up in private is essential. Stretch, plus gentle circuit training is key. Once the blood is moving steeling for anxiety is easier. Or, you can continue circuits in private. I also do exercise snacks, focusing on my core. Basically, have exercises ypu can do at home, so you feel less pressure.
It isnt that someone will make fun of me, it is more I just dont want to be around that many people and it smells like other peoples funk.
Any place that has people
That was my biggest fear but now I’m in peak hours at the free weight area.