I’ve never really done sports or worked out my whole life because I am considered to be in good shape as I have a nice figure and I always have been skinny and never gain weight no matter how much or what I eat. I’ve been feeling sick, lonely, and depressed lately so I want to put myself out there and join a workout class hoping to find something that I like.
However, I have always been made fun of for being skinny and short. I’m tiny compared to my peers and I’ve been laughed at for trying things like soccer/boxing etc. This made me very anxious to do anything physically.
I’m so scared of being judged and given the feeling of I don’t belong here. I’m 22 and am planning on doing a pilates class and soon a hiphop beginners class.
pls give me peptalks/advice
4 comments
this is a great question, i know so many people sort of struggle with this and it’s 1000% understandable.
i look somewhat like a stereotypical gym meathead pretty big, fully tattooed, big beard etc. i do a group workout class a few times a week. when a new person comes in who is not super fit, the last thing i would do is negatively judge them. i am psyched for them that they are there. we’re all focused on doing our work, not thinking about random things about other people in the class.
i think most people who have been working out for a long time, like maybe the regulars in this class, none of them are gonna be judging you.
reality is 1) people do not think about you as much as you think they do and 2) the only people who even think about others in the gym are people who are really self conscious, and it’s just their anxiety. guaranteed they aren’t the fittest person there either.
walk in relaxed with your head held high taking calm deep breaths and have fun!
So long as you’re not getting in people’s way repeatedly (which should be hard in Pilates anyway) everyone else will be too focused on what they’re doing to waste any brain power judging you.
For the hip hop class, just put yourself in one of the back corners of the group so you only have two people to be aware of. It’ll also be easier to step aside for a moment when if you need that way.
Let the instructor know it’s your first time (they might ask anyway since they want new people to be comfortable)
Watch yourself in the mirror, this will help you build body awareness and confidence more quickly.
Nobody’s going to judge you, they’ll be focused on their own workouts. But if you stay near the back while you are learning, you’ll feel less visible and that could help.
Good luck and have fun! I started going to group classes a few weeks ago and love it. The energy in the room helps me push myself harder than I otherwise would.
Nothing to be nervous about, I am also in a similar situation, but I am a bit older (30). In my case, I practice swimming so the only person that could judge you is your instructor but only regarding your technique not your physique .
After a bad experience in a gym (guy to gather all the dumbbells for him and he was not having any consideration for others), I decided to join a place with less people.
I met good people at the gym and also jerks. Don’t be discouraged.