Would you say you feel as though they are judging you? I would assume a person to feel quite self-conscious if they garnered the attention of strangers whilst attempting something they've not really much experience in.
I can sort of relate to your plight. I enjoy going to the gym, as exercising helps to control one of my most prominent tics due to the fact that I have to focus on breathing. However, I always feel out-of-place there. Everyone else at the gym either looks as though they've been going for years, or like their doctor has ordered them to start lest they suffer a myocardial infarction. (Actually, wouldn't exercise exacerbate an already weak heart? Perhaps the doctor gave them a specific regimen to follow. Let's get off this little tangent before I get lost.)
I look like someone let their kid run about the equipment. And this feeling is only magnified when strangers approach unasked and begin explaining the equipment to me. I am perfectly capable of reading the instructions provided, thank you and please be off.