So the registration period for the fitness classes at my gym is here. There are tons of fitness classes I am interested in taking, but I am nervous to sign up. I feel like I will be the only out of shape person in them! Has anyone experienced this type of anxiety? What classes did you start with to get over it?
I think many of us have shared the same feelings! I was so nervous before entering the studio for my first Zumba Class, I could literally have yarfed because I wasn't sure if I'd look stupid or if people would make fun of me. My worst fear was people would talk behind my back but I knew Zumba was something I'd always wanted to try so I sucked it up and said, 'Kim, it's now or never. Who cares if you look silly, just have fun!" Surprisingly I wasn't the only one who messed up, half the class was out of step too which made me feel better! I also met some really good friends and I absolutely look forward to seeing them every week.
After a year of Zumba I wanted to add another class in and once again I experienced the same anxiety because I had NEVER done spin and I knew the intensity level was high. I thought I would be the only one who had to go slower or would fall behind BUT I hoped on my bike with confidence and once again found I really enjoyed this class! Don't worry if you can't keep up, eventually you'll be able to and I can guarantee you're going to meet a LOT of people you will end up being great friends with =D
I think the anxiety is normal, with anything new. I rejoined our local gym after several years of absence, even though I'd been there before, I was nervous the first day, just going to use the treadmill. I'm over it now.
I'd love to be a gym rat, and feel totally at home there, but I just don't think it's ever going to happen. But - I go anyway.
I joined a gym in 2008 at my highest weight ever, because I wanted to take a spin class. But I certainly didn't want anyone to see/notice me. I dressed in black, and took the last bike in the last row as far away from the front of the class, instructor, mirrors etc as possible. And you know what? Maybe because it was January, and there were a lot of women in the same boat, that row in the back was the most popular one! We were positively fighting for those bikes in the back. I went to spin classes mostly; I tried other stuff, but I'm not so coordinated so the Zumba-type things weren't for me.
Fast forward to today... I rejoined the gym yesterday, after a long absence. I still want the bike in the back, but it's not so urgent anymore.
Pick a class (or two) and go! Find something you like to do. The more you go, the less anxious you'll feel. And don't forget that you're not the only one who is nervous/uncomfortable. There will be other out of shape people there too
I STILL get anxiety about classes, and I live at the gym.
My advice would be just go, sit in the back, and have fun! After a while, the anxiety will melt away, especially if you find a group of people that are regulars and you make friends. My experiences with fitness classes have always been positive, just remember, at some point, everyone in the class was where you are now!
I too am at a new gym after leaving my "comfy" gym of 10 years I have yet to take a class, i really want to but feel as you mentioned, the out of shape one! But i remember when i used to spin 4X's a week, once i was in there it was the most comfortable setting for me we'll get there, just need to take the plunge! As my mother says, sometimes you have to do things that are uncomfortable!!
I know how you feel, as I recently joined the local YMCA and just started attending classes. I absolutely LOVE the variety that classes offer. Just going to do the cardio equipment and strength training machines each day gets old quickly. I love mixing it up with step aerobics, zumba, and water classes. Turn that nervousness into pride. You are doing something amazing for yourself and that is something you should be proud of. I walk into the gym with my head held high. You can too!
Last edited by TransformingToni; 02-01-2011 at 10:15 AM.
Just remember that everyone there is focused on their own workout and won't be paying much attention to you. Stay in the back of the classes. Spin is a good one to start with because you control your intensity and it's not weight bearing. I love seeing people of all fitness levels in class.
Yes and it's important to work out at your own level. In your first few spinning classes when everyone is up and out of the saddle with the resistance WAY up pedaling like crazy, it's ok if you can't do that. I usually stand up and pedal when I can but feel fine about sitting back down for awhile when I need to.
Yes, that anxiety is normal but please, please, don't let it stop you from going to fitness classes!
I started trying classes when I was 300+ pounds - and yes, I was invariably the heaviest person in the room, no matter what class it was - and sometimes I still am. I pushed past that anxiety, knowing that by not going, I was only hurting myself. Going to classes is a way of finding exercises that you enjoy, avoiding boredom by mixing up your routine, getting an extra push in your workout from being led by the instructor, and yes, even meeting new people! I have tried all kinds of classes - some I liked and still attend, some I didn't like and never went back - and continue to try new ones. Just this past weekend I braved my fear of being too inflexible and went to my first ever yoga class. And I loved it!
So please, please, do yourself a favor and let go of those fears. Exercise doesn't need to be drudgery, you can actually have fun and enjoy yourself while you do it!
definitely go!!! and yeah this time of year will have alot of new people in all shapes and sizes there probably. going to classes is how i learned that i love weight training. you may find you love something else. most people are looking at their own form in the mirror instead of looking at you. i've been the biggest person in the room before. but the past few years when i went back to the gym, i guess i didn't care what most people thought of me, because i was so focused on my own health goals. it was kind of intimidating to be the biggest person in a hotyoga class recently. and i cant do all the moves in just about any kind of class, but i still just kind of ignore what other people may be staring at then. i've become an 'i dont care what you think' kind of person alot, i guess, lol.
Anxiety about joining fitness classes
I have yet to take a class, i really want to but feel as you mentioned, the out of shape one! But i remember when i used to spin 4X's a week, once i was in there it was the most comfortable setting for me 
