Gym Phobia & Self Esteem?

Question

I'm 5'7" and currently at 270lbs. At my heaviest about 2 years ago i was around 350... I'm a mother of two and have finally hit rock bottom and realize i need to make changes in my life and take charge of my emotions and change my food/eating habits and lifestyle. However because of my weight i am very low self confidence- especially when going to the gym comes up. Don't get me wrong- i love to exercise now and realize how great i feel after (it beats comfort from food anyday) however i want to start going to the gym (probably like the YMCA here) but i am SCARED TO DEATH to even go. It would be my worst fear come true. I wouldn't even know what to do when I walked in. Any advice and encrougement? happy new year and thanks!

Also- how often should I start out going to the gym and for how long? And what are some good exercises/things to do when just starting out (i cant even walk up the stairs at home without getting out of breath- so i know i cant start out running on the treadmill;.... although someday soon i will hope to be doing that! )

Answer 1

Have you ever considered Curves? Its an only female gym, everyone is so friendly and kind there. Plus, you get cardio and strength. You have to go 3x a week for 30 minutes, I think. Its a little expensive, though. Hope this helps =)

Answer 2

im 5'2 ans 220 lbs. Id like to go to the gym to bu its the trainers i cant stand, ive been to lots of Gyms nd the trainers are mean judgemental condasending assholes. i mean im tho overweight person and yet they think i dont know how to eat healtht. it just make me so mad.

just go to the ym , spent time on the bike and treadmill and do some crunches. you should spend about 1 hour at the gym too. you should also swim to, that uses up alot of energy and its good exercise

Answer 3

I know how you feel. I am pretty in shape now, but this has not always been the case for me.

I still have weird feelings when I go to the gym. Its like when I walk in I feel like everybody is doing so much better than me, and I feel like I must stand out like a sore thumb to everybody else- like an outsider i guess.

However, I have found that most people feel this way. I cope with the feeling by just charging into the gym and ignoring all the inhibitions. I usually wear my iPod and try my best not to pay anyone else any attention. Also, you must realize that YOU have to go take care of YOU. If you get intimidated you just further yourself from your goal. If you can gain confidence while being out of shape, it only fuels your fire to do so much more on you journey to being more healthy!

I love you. And I hope this has helped you out some. Go in, sweat, and ignore everybody else cause they probably have wayyyy more issues than you ever could.......

Answer 4

Good for you!! Your fear is totally understandable, but try not to let it rule your life.

You might consider starting an exercise program on your own, such as walking or a DVD that you could do at home.

If you need the support of a group, the YMCA has some excellent programs or you might try a facility that is "women only" if that would make you feel more comfortable. Do you have a friend who would like to start a program with you - an "exercise buddy" can help keep you motivated.

I infer from what you've said that you're an "emotional eater". It's great that you're aware of this - that's the first step in overcoming it. Please explore some other coping mechanisms for your feelings - exercise is a great way, meditation, deep breathing, etc. If you have an ongoing problem with a relationship, facing the problem directly and dealing with it constructively can also help.

Another thing to remember: when I see beginners exercising, I give them a lot of credit for getting out there and doing it, as do a lot of people I know. You'll undoubtedly have times when you veer off course, but don't beat yourself up over it; just get back on track as quickly as you can.

Please feel free to e-mail me anytime if you'd like to discuss further. Take care!

Answer 5

Try going to Curves, if there's one near you. Curves works specifically with women, and of all shapes and sizes. One of their distinguishing characteristics is that they don't have showers and dressing rooms on the premises, which struck me as a nice touch for someone who's self-conscious about how they look. Not feeling obligated to change in front of everybody removes one potential stumbling block toward going to a gym.

In case you're wondering how a man knows about Curves, my girlfriend and her mom both go to Curves three times a week and they love it. From what I hear from them, it's more than just an exercise and/or weight loss program; it's a place where you can get some genuine support. So if they have a facility near you, check them out. Good luck!

Answer 6

First of all, great job on losing 80 pounds in 2 years! You have done so great, that can be motivation for you to overcome your fear of the gym. I have a condition called gynecomastia, which basically means I have man-boobs. That's a huge self-esteem issue, especially when I'm running on a treadmill. So I know your pain. What I've done now is joined a couple of sports leagues, so that I'm getting my exercise, but I'm too distracted about the score to pay any attention to what might be jiggling. I also have started working out in my friend's basement - he has a treadmill, and some free weights, and we can make a difference in our bodies without being self-conscious.

Answer 7

Well I think you just need to get your thinking strait. People see you everday right? Do they freak out? Just because your not pared down to swets does not mean people don't think your over weight. Trust me I know. You carry it (the weight) around everyday how does the threat of a room full of fit people scare you? You don't think with lack of excersise and poor diet they could be fat?
As far as lack of knowlege what to do the online world is an amazing resouce. You can find out that machines the Y has and actualy figure out how to use them ahead of time. Also I am sure thier staff is willing to help. The first gym I went to after SMSU had a trainer that I found out was like 400 something and now is like mr universe. It's not about getting results like his it's about know ing that most people who work in a gym, or hell even work out do it because they need to. You need to as well. You go to the bank when you need to deposit your check and to repair shop when your car has a problem, it's just another service and something you need to do.

Answer 8

I know exactly how you feel! I'm 5'5" and weighed 330 at one time..... when I got down to 258 I joined, with much apprehension, Lady of America, a fitness center just for women. They have locations all over- you can find out on their web site if there's a center near you. It costs 29.99/month here in Florida. They aren't deluxe by any means but have classes of all kinds, machines of all kinds, and only women, which is what helped me decide, pronto! Young ladies, old ladies, thin tatooed to chubby ladies- basically anyone and everyone! You can do it!!! Good luck on your road to success.
PS- I go 4 times a week, 45 minutes at a time and do mostly the treadmill and stationary bike. I was exhausted at first after 1/4 mile walking, at a speed of 2.5, but can now go much faster for longer, and even on an incline. I bring a CD player and some music- as long as it's "peppy" it keeps me moving.

Answer 9

**** them. walk in and don't look at anyone. turn ur i-pod on and tune everyone out. sweat

Answer 10

Well have you heard about the National Body Challenge? It's a program on discoveryhealth.com It might help with your fear of going to the gym. There you can talk to people about problems you're having, get info about health and exercise. I just joined today so i'm still exploring the site.

And it might help if you went to an all womens gym. It might not be so scary. You'd be surround by women just like you who want to loose weight. And the first time you're there just go in and tell the staff this is your first time and ask if they can show you how to use some of the equipment.

And if you could get a friend to go with you, you might not feel so scared. Or try to meet new women who are the gym and try to get into their 'group' or be their fitness partner if they don't have one. It's easier to do it when you have a buddy.

Hope I could help =]