I have always worked out at home with workout DVDs, and will sometimes go for walks around the neighborhood. So far, it has worked well for me, but I am starting to get bored and I want to kick things up a notch. I know I am getting into better shape and I am starting to change my mindset, so I think I might be ready to start going to the gym. I don't want to just be within a healthy BMI, I want to be in shape -- I want to be an athlete -- fit and capable and strong.
There are two 24-hour gyms within three blocks of me, so I am very, very fortunate. But I am so afraid to walk in those doors!!
I have always thought of myself as a chubby, out-of-shape person. When I was young, we'd run the mile in school and I would always end up crying and walking half of it. I was the last to be picked for team sports. I always came in last in ski races. I'm fine as long as my exercising is private, but in my mind I am still awkward and out-of-shape compared to other people. In my mind, nobody should have to watch me exercise -- my fat will jiggle, my sweat will be smelly, or people will think I'm not working out hard enough. Which I know is ridiculous -- I'm sure everyone just focuses on their own workouts -- but I am so anxious!
How did you get over your gym anxieties? What do you wear to work out, and what do you bring with you? Does the gym staff come over to make sure you're doing okay, or do people basically leave you alone? Is it only super-fit people that frequent gyms, or are there people of all sizes? Sorry about having so many questions! Any input at all would be really helpful for me.