Comments on: Fear of Fitness Clubs: Study Says Intimidation Is Real

By: Tricia

Tricia — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:29:53 +0000

I have to tell you I have a bit of gym-phobia. Well, maybe just the weight room

By: Crabby McSlacker

Crabby McSlacker — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:35:51 +0000

We travel a lot cross country, and often end up stopping in gyms on a day pass. So I get lots of practice being the “newby”. Every gym is just a little different in terms of equipment, rituals, etc. It really has helped me get over the self-consciousness part, because it did finally click that no one cares if I’m wandering around clueless but me!

By: Tracey

Tracey — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 22:39:27 +0000

It’s so true. Only once I started regularly attending the gym did I realize that no one really cares what you’re doing or whether you’re taking time to read the how-to instructions on the machine.

By: Struggler

Struggler — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 19:27:50 +0000

Yep, totally agree, gyms are not easy places. I’m in reasonable shape but still feel very awkward, especially when the one I can use for free at work is inhabited by a bunch of super-fit 19 year olds (university facility).
I got over it by realizing that I look so average that nobody really is looking at me – if I was hideously out of weight, they might, and if I was sexily hot, they might, but I’m safely in the middle ground.

By: FoodFitnessFreshair

FoodFitnessFreshair — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 16:10:13 +0000

Hm this is interesting. I’m always reading the directions on machines to make sure I’m doing them properly. Maybe it’s because of yoga and always wanting to make sure I’m aligning myself right that I don’t get anxious about reading the machines. But I do think it’s important because I often see people using the machines incorrectly, and this can lead to injury very easily.

By: Joy Manning

Joy Manning — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 03:34:56 +0000

I love the gym. And even though I generally have a lot of anxiety, especially social anxiety, I have never felt that way about the gym. My husband on the other hand could not be more intimidated. I don’t know why or what would make it better. I will check back later for other readers’ suggestions.