Friday, March 25, 2011

lunch time workout

I started writing this post before Kar posted about her gym anxiety and laughed because it's exactly what I was going to write about! I went to the gym the other day during my lunch hour. I changed into my gym clothes before I left, so I could utilize my time at the gym working out instead of changing. As I drove up and parked, I felt butterflies in my stomach. It was weird. I mean, why should I be nervous about going to work out? There's hardly anyone there at noon, and even if it was packed, who cares, right?

(Please tell me I'm not the only one who gets a little nervous before stepping into the gym. Why do we do that?)

The thing is, when I was thin and I went to the gym, I never ever looked at the overweight people and thought, "OMG- what the heck are they doing here?! Isn't there a specific place for fat people to work out where they don't mingle with us thin people!?" I thought the exact opposite in fact. In my mind I was always thinking, "You go girl!" It's hard making yourself go to the gym no matter how big or small you are, and I always thought it was great that they had the confidence and will to be there!

So, why is it that I feel like people are judging me when I go? Obviously I have some confidence issues and need to stop assuming that the folks looking at me are judging! Because you know what they say when you assume...I makes an ass out of u and me!

Here are some tips for reducing anxiety at the gym that I got from Anxious No More

1. Take a friend with you. I think it is less nerve-wracking to go to the gym with a friend. You won’t be so focused on yourself and what everyone else thinks of you if you have a friend working out alongside you.

2. If you cannot bring a friend with you to the gym, bring some music to listen to while you workout. Bring an MP3, iPod, or Discman with you to the gym to listen to while you exercise. Listening to music while you exercise will energize you and help you keep focused during your workout.

3. Take a tour beforehand. When you sign up for a new gym, they will usually allow you to take a tour of the exercise room before you actually go in there to workout. Some gyms also give you a guide for your visit to show you how to work the machines and weights in the gym. If the gym you chose offers this service, I’d recommend taking advantage of it. It can be really helpful.

4. Wear something comfortable. Be sure to wear something you feel comfortable in to the gym. This will help you feel better about yourself.

5. Don’t look in the mirrors if you can help it. I was reading a study the other day that said people who go to gyms with mirrors in the workout room are less likely to keep going to the gym, so I don’t even know why they still put mirrors in there, but if you can help it, don’t look in the mirrors while you workout. Having some music might help you distract yourself from watching yourself workout in the mirror. Some gyms also have televisions you can watch while you workout.



3 comments:

Karlie said...

LOVE the tips. Every one of them is true. I never even thought about the mirror thing. Even the reflection of myself as I walk in the front door makes me more self conscious. I need to look past the door. Love the post.

Brittney said...

I feel you both, I have to take Andy. I get scared to death. Good thing he likes to go too.

Katie said...

I love this post. I hate the gym and all the skinny bitches in it. But, alas, I need to be there.