Quote:
Originally Posted by MiddayNap
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.
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I've always felt that people judge in general (not just at the gym) and whether they actually do or not (both of which are equally likely), I'm learning that I need to not worry about it.
I go to a gym that has many many different types so I've actually stopped worrying about fitting in as I've gotten more comfortable there - there is nothing to "fit" into. I used to be terrified to try new exercises or a new piece of equipment because people might judge me - I'm still a bit apprehensive about it but I'm more likely to try something new on a day when no one is really around- you just have to go at the right time. I'm more self-conscious when doing the "serious" lifts like deadlift, squats, and bench because form is so important with those.
The other thing that I realize from doing my own workouts is that I'm focused on my workout and I would think that everyone else is as well and largely don't really care about what I'm doing. I'm probably aware enough - as are other people - that if they saw someone doing something unsafe or getting into trouble, they'd step in and maybe say something. There's not a lot of advice offering going on at my gym but it happen and my opinion is that you listen and evaluate - believe me, if someone takes the time to say something to you about something, they;re either a known busybody who gives unwanted advice to everyone or they see something that seriously needs your attention or they just want to help someone who might not be that familiar and its noticeable. Remember also that not all advice is good advice.
My problem is a bit different because I'm starting to become a recognized regular and that means I might start making connections and people start talking to me and that just scares me so I just pull into my shell even more.
When I catch myself doing that - either in the gym or just out and about, walking in the park or just doing whatever - I remind myself to open myself up, get out of my head, expand my awareness and experience and be open to what the universe has to present to me. I actually say that to myself and with that I try to physically relax and open my mind and senses to what's around me because I realize that I've jammed myself into a tight little box so no one sees me. It makes me feel better when I remember to open up.