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What is the best way to get over the fear of "every one is laughing at me" when exercising?
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Asked
1y ago
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3.8k times
Updated
1y ago
18
i am an overweight women,i have this fear of everyone is laughing and staring at me when i am exercising. i go about 20 min then i get all anxious and leave. how do i overcome this to do what i need to do?
76 Answers
33
As someone who weighs 287 lbs, I understand how you're feeling. I have dealt with the this experience of going to the gym and feeling like everyone is watching the "fat girl". But what you must understand is that after the initial look over, which everyone does regardless of how you look or weigh, people are there to focus on themselves.
You should continue to follow the ideas people have suggested to help ease your anxiety while working out; possibly finding a workout buddy to support you through your workouts.
Do understand that what you're doing is amazing. The fact that you can workout for even 20 min is powerful. Don't think of it as a set back if you have to stop.
31
I truly believe the hardest piece of equipment that any health club facility owns is THE DOOR! You have done the hardest part just walking in that door. It is a horrible anxiety to feel like you don't fit. Look at all you have already accomplished! You HAVE quit making excuses. You are making time for you and your health! That is amazing! I wish I could make it easier or better but you are the only one who can take a deep breath and shoot for 21 min today instead of 20! The truth is you are on your way to being a healthier you! I don't know you but I am proud of you! (By the way 20 min is still WAY better than nothing! breathe, relax and learn to have fun with it!)
14
I have a similar problem except I am new to weight lifting and I am not the strongest person. But I am there for ME not anyone else. The way I see it we are all in there for the same reasons whether it be gain weight, gain muscle, get in shape, or lose weight.
14
I get REALLY good headphones for my mp3 player. It makes it seems like there isn't another soul in the place. 
More importantly, having worked in a gym before, I can assure you that people aren't paying attention for the most part. They're really not. They're focused on what they came there to do: work on themselves. And the ones who ARE thinking about other people...they're thinking "I wonder if people are watching me." And so many of us are cheering for you. When I'm at the gym and I see people working to make themselves better, it's truly inspiring to me, and I know I'm not the only one.
11
Been there done that. I once went to the gym and walked right out. It was something i had to fight through. I was at the gym for my health and my well being and no one else. I went in, did my workout program and then left. Now i'm down from 250 pounds to 180 (a size 20 to size 10) and am glad i fought the urge to leave. You can do it!
8
I have to agree with what some others have implied. The great majority of us are CHEERING for you, albeit silently!! End of story...
Congrats on making the commitment to improve your health. 
Brian
8
thank you all for all of the great responses. its amazing how a little encourgment from a online community helps so much!!!! i am at 220 now and my goal is 150 i will keep an update to all you good people.
if anyone wants to be online buddys please let me know.
thank you all so much,
crystal
7
I think everyone feels this way to a certain degree. I know I do. These feelings are a big reason people don't go to the gym or stop going.
When I see someone who is a little larger at the gym, I think of the member success stories on Anytime Fitness and wonder if that person is going to be the next one.
Just know that everyone at the gym is there to do something positive for themselves. The longer you go, the more comfortable you will get.
4
I'm not the smallest person, and feel the same way. That why I go late at night, instead of "peak" hours. If other people are there, I try to focus on the tv's or on music, instead. If that doesn't work, I go to a more isolated part of the gym, or on equipment that's behind everyone. (ex, the stair climbers and elliptical machines are in front, and are popular, so I'll go on the furthest back treat mill that's out of their view, or weight machines that are towards the back.) I'm not sure how your gym is set up, but try doing that. It's what keeps me there doing the things I need to do to get healthy.
4
Dear Exercising Friend! MOST people are glad for you....whether they show it or not. Only a FEW are jerks, but there'll always be jerks. I said it before, I'm overweight, and I'm older than most everyone at the gym. But every advancement I do, I do for MYSELF! When I could only lift 10 pounds, I did that until I could lift more weight and more reps, and then more sets. I even learned a new vocabulary at my age! Here's to your success every day! Shalom, my friend.
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