Gym
I went to the gym Monday and again today. A while back someone (I think it may have been Collette, Swizzle, or Barbie) mentioned a Couch-to-5k running program. The idea is that it utilizes intervals to build up to being able to run 5k. So, I thought i’d give it a try, only going to the gym instead of the 3 mile walking path that’s here in the town. Mainly because when I’m on the walking path is that there’s no turning back. It just makes a big loop, around a lake, so once you get so far you’re really stuck. I’m always afraid to push it too hard because in the back of my mind there’s the, “If you get too tired, you’re stuck, you’re still going to have to finish”. So, I’ve gone to the gym and it’s been a bit dismal. The program gives you the option of going for time or distance, and I’ve been aiming for time. So, for the first 5 minutes I do a warm-up walk, then do 5 minutes of stretching, amd then alternate 60 seconds of jogging with 90 seconds of walking for 20 minutes. Well, the first day I ended up walking the last 5 minutes of the 20 and was about ready to fall dead. Today, after ten minutes, I went to alternating 2 minutes of walking with a minute of running, and while I made it the full 20 minutes, I wasn’t sure if I had the energy to walk out to my car (which of course, I did.)
There were a lot of people there today, which made me remember why I hate going to the gym. All the people there are FIT. It makes me feel so self-conscious and like I shouldn’t be there. Or if I’m there, I should be at the same level as everyone else. The entire time there was this underlying embarrassment about the way I look, the way I ran, and how much. But I suppose I’ll get over it.
I used to think just like you do!! But then…I noticed that nobody pays any attention to me at the gym. The reason I know this is….I used to go and walk on the treadmill and look around at everyone in the cute little workout outfits and I would think…I don’t belong here!! But I still went because I NEED it to get healthy. Then not to long ago when I was running on the treadmill and VERY large woman came in and got on the treadmill in front of me…she barely fit between the rails…but she got on, hooked up her headphones and started to walk….and not a single person even noticed she was there….and she seemed perfectly content to do her workout. The staff knew her so they stopped by once to ask how she was…she gave them a huge smile and said she was Great…and going faster than last week!! OMG….why do I have such issues in my own head…she doesn’t. Anyway I weigh 222 pounds…I put my headphones on and turn the treadmill up to get my heart pumping and the sweat going….because it make me healthy and strong….and I am all that matters
Have no fear…and enjoy your workout!!!
Good for you–heading to the gym, working out. It is hard to overcome the thoughts that others are looking at you…I know. But keep persevering. You are worth it.
I know how you feel about not wanting people to see you workout. When I walk and run outside i go down a road that there are no houses. If a car does come by I stop running as soon as I see the car. Someday I too hope to get over my fear.
WOW - great job!!! Keep it up and don’t you dare give in to that awful voice that tells you that you don’t belong in a gym. You should see me - all flapping and flopping…….don’t care though cause I know that I’m doing what is good for my body and I’m getting rid of this last 10 pounds! Don’t quit…..everyone starts somewhere and trust me it does get easier!
good for you for getting to the gym..I also am uncomfortable going to the gym so I really think its great you could push yourself to do that. keep it up!