[medicalfox]

I have social anxiety so I won't go during the day, but I am contemplating on going in the evenings. I don't know how to muster up the courage to go by myself and to be able to handle my anxiety by myself. My gym partner hasn't been going with me as of lately so I'm not sure what to do. There is only one bike I like to go on and there are only two of them at the gym I go to. It's not guaranteed that I can get that bike and if I do I have to sit next to a stranger. I could go at 1am or so, but then I get paranoid about other people since I'm not very strong. Any suggestions?

[lifelies]

Unfortunately, I don't know what to suggest you.
Perhaps try to work out at your house? I always wanted to go to a gym but I really can't... I'm afraid of other people.
So I just work out home, when I'm alone. Lately I'm never alone and I won't work out if my mother's home because she's paranoid and if I do something that I didn't use to do, she will think I'm on drugs.
Hugs,
Tom

[manwithnofriends]

Or, just go out for a bike ride (if you're not also lifting weights or stretching at the gym)

I have the same problem. I lived in a complex with a 24 hour gym, so I would go during ungodly hours (2-3 am), when no one was around. It made all the difference for me.

[Pierro]

I think it might be good for you to go to the gym alone. If you feel uncomfortable come out again, no harm done at least you tried and I think we have to push ourselves a little because if we dont we will just let the anxiety get so bad that we will never want to go out. I feel your anxiety and wish you all the best.

[A Red Panda]

I'm terrified of going to the gym. But that's because I don't know my way around or how to use the equipment - amongst other things. I sorta need a buddy at least for a little while. If I can get someone in to doing that with me long enough, then I think I'd be good to try on my own.

Sounds like you already know your way around in the gym, and you know what you like and don't like. Do you take an ipod or something there with you so that you can listen to music?

And look at it this way - if there's only 2 bikes, and you're on one of them... then it means that the other person is ALSO alone and may be wondering what you're thinking about them.

It's worth trying to go. The more you go inside on your own, the sooner you'll feel comfortable there. If you go in and just can't hack it -you can leave. No one else is going to notice if you were only there for 5 minutes!

[TheCircle]

Originally Posted by medicalfox

I have social anxiety so I won't go during the day, but I am contemplating on going in the evenings. I don't know how to muster up the courage to go by myself and to be able to handle my anxiety by myself. My gym partner hasn't been going with me as of lately so I'm not sure what to do. There is only one bike I like to go on and there are only two of them at the gym I go to. It's not guaranteed that I can get that bike and if I do I have to sit next to a stranger. I could go at 1am or so, but then I get paranoid about other people since I'm not very strong. Any suggestions?

While it won't help your anxiety, you could try working out at home. I suggest (and highly recommend) Fitness Blender. They're on Youtube and have posted hundreds of free workout tutorials.

As for your anxiety, I suppose it's easy for me to tell you "Just go for it" and go there during the day. Chances are it won't be as bad as you think. Th decision's yours, but I know I would try it. After all, you're there for a reason, no?

[medicalfox]

I also lift weights and use the weight machines. I'm self conscious of my strength so I like to use them that when no one is around.

I talk to my significant other about this problem and he said there is rarely people at our gym after 10pm, so maybe I can go to the gym at 10 pm when I'm not working. On the days I work, I'm thinking about going between 7-8pm and my significant other said there are people at that time, but not many (he said about 5 or so). Thank you everyone for your input and I hope I get the courage to get out of the house and do this. I feel so silly for having this anxiety, but I can't help it.