lol I did something similar once. My friend and I went to the gym on the Air Force Academy, and all the Cadets and Air Force football players work out there. My friend and I turned to go into the weights room and I swear it was only huge guys and all of them stared at us. I turned around and ran...literally...and to make it worse my friend stood there and laughed at me. I went there a few times after that with her and also my boyfriend, but it was always so crowded and intimidating...we joined 24HourFitness.

We eventually cancelled our membership because we weren't going. My boyfriend injured himself and couldn't go for a while, and I hated going alone. I started working out at home (Jillian Michaels DVDs!) instead. There were all these bulky guys and personal trainers everywhere, I always felt like they were watching me. I never pushed myself very hard because I felt so silly doing anything. I find I am getting better results at home for the time being. I think if I join a gym again I'll probably join a smaller one in town. Having someone to workout with also helps because it distracts you from everyone else, and they help you focus on what you are doing. Maybe you can find a workout buddy at school?

It's funny, when I was in high school and college I felt exactly the same way. I was incredibly shy and self-conscious and was always afraid people would watch me or talk about me. I hardly left my dorm room, much less worked out in public places.

It's been 20 years since college, and when I look back I wish I had known one important thing: people just don't care :) Now that sounds a bit harsh, but it's actually comforting when you think about it.

For example, when we do or say something embarrassing, we tend to think it's the end of the world and that everyone's watching us and talking about us. The truth is, maybe they notice for a little while, but they forget about it in minutes, even if we take hours or days to forget about it.

So my advice to you is to not do what I did when I was young. Don't stay locked up for fear that people will talk about you. Force yourself out of your comfort zone and get out there. You are doing a great thing--something a lot of people don't do--by committing to go to a gym and get yourself in shape. You have as much right to be there (in fact, more so) than anyone else...your money (whether you pay it to the gym directly or through your tuition) is just as good as anyone else's.

Yes, there's a tiny change there be some guys who never grew up who might immaturely judge you. But you know what? Who cares about them? They're going to be jerks to anyone whether they're in a gym or outside of one. And somewhere down the road, they're going to pay the price for being a jerk. In the meantime, you are going to get yourself in amazing shape, you'll look great, you'll feel great, and you'll live a long, healthy life. Don't let anyone steal that away from you.

Good luck!