Can't exercise in public because of SA

[yanksandjets]

First off, just a hello to everyone, as this is my first post. I'm looking forward to learning something from everyone, and hopefully making progress to overcoming SA.

I feel like I could make major progress in defeating SA by getting into better physical shape. In fact, I know this from past experience. I'm overweight and I could definitely stand to lose 20-30 pounds. Last summer, my parents got a treadmill and a weight set (I live at home during the summer as I am a college student), and I took it upon myself to take advantage and exercise as much as possible. By the end of the summer I had lost about 15 pounds and was feeling great about myself. Then school started up again, and I just could not get myself to continue because of my intense fear of exercising in public.

I have numerous fears associated with going to the gym. First is the fear of the unknown, as I don't real know what is considered to be appropriate and normal gym etiquette/behavior. I'm afraid of running on the treadmills because I get self conscious around the girls that frequent them. I'm afraid of lifting weights because I'm self conscious about my strength, and I'm afraid of looking like a beginner.

So summer is rapidly approaching and I'm already planning a new workout routine that I'll do at home... but I'd really like to get started now if I could just overcome my fears. I'm attending law school next year, and I'm actually seriously considering commuting because I'd be able to exercise year round (although there are many other factors involved). The pro is that if I do this and do get in shape, I feel like I could defeat a large part of my SA. The con is that I'm in part giving into my SA by living at home. So I have a decision to make.

Stories/Advice from anyone with similar experiences would be much appreciated. I like to exercise, it makes me feel good, gets me in shape and feeling better about my appearance, and keeps me healthy, so if I could overcome this fear that stems from my SA, it would be huge.

 

[Richey]

I can relate to you, ive been to the gym a number of times and found it quite daunting, all those fitness freaks who look amazing!
its not easy, especially if your not in the best shape yourself, being too skinny or too large, im a little on the skinny side and walking in seeing these people with chiseled bodies, literally looking like supermodels, you automatically compare yourself to them, i dont care what anyone says or any positive affirmation you take in with you, its just what happens.

I know their are confident, fit people with SA, if you look at the photos thread there are people who look superfit, so it effects different people for certain reasons.

So I exercise around sun set at night, i run for a few kilometres, and lift weights a few times a week if i have time.

SA aside its too important not to exercise, because its too vital to keep healthy, you need to go for walks everyday if you want to stay healthy.

Dont think that they Gym is the only way to keep fit, because its not, it just has the facilities and the personal trainers to help you if your up to it.

But yeah, Gyms to me can be like walking into a very intimidating environment, you need to try and focus on your goal instead of watching everyone else, and also it depends on the gym, there are local places that are quiet then a commercial gym.

I dont go often enough to really know

 

[yanksandjets]

It's not that I'm inactive. I enjoy playing sports with friends, in particular tennis and basketball. But it's just not the same as regimented exercise, you know?