I recently started going back to the gym after years of avoiding it, hoping to build up some strength and get healthier. The problem is, I can’t shake this feeling that everyone around me notices how out of shape I am and judges me for it. Even simple exercises like using the rowing machine or lifting light weights make my heart race, not just from the workout but from the anxiety. I’ve tried going during off-peak hours and even wearing headphones to tune out distractions, but the feeling that eyes are on me hasn’t gone away. It’s gotten to the point where I sometimes skip workouts just to avoid that uncomfortable self-consciousness. I want to feel confident and enjoy exercising without that shadow of anxiety hanging over me. Has anyone else felt this way when starting a fitness routine? How did you get past the fear of being watched or judged at the gym? Any small changes that helped you feel more comfortable would be great to hear about.

Totally get where you’re coming from - stepping back into the gym after a long break can feel super intimidating. I used to feel like every eye was on me too, especially when I was just starting out. What helped me was focusing on small wins, like celebrating when I finished a set or tried a new machine, instead of worrying about what others might think. It’s easy to forget that most people are way more focused on their own workouts than on anyone else.

Also, maybe try setting a mini goal for each session that’s not about how you look or how much you lift, but just about showing up and moving. Over time, those little moments add up and the anxiety starts to fade. And if you ever feel stuck, remember it’s totally okay to take breaks or switch up your routine to keep it fun and manageable.

On 01/31/2026 at 9:15 PM, JoyfulJourney said:

I recently started going back to the gym after years of avoiding it, hoping to build up some strength and get healthier. The problem is, I can’t shake this feeling that everyone around me notices how out of shape I am and judges me for it. Even simple exercises like using the rowing machine or lifting light weights make my heart race, not just from the workout but from the anxiety. I’ve tried going during off-peak hours and even wearing headphones to tune out distractions, but the feeling that eyes are on me hasn’t gone away. It’s gotten to the point where I sometimes skip workouts just to avoid that uncomfortable self-consciousness. I want to feel confident and enjoy exercising without that shadow of anxiety hanging over me. Has anyone else felt this way when starting a fitness routine? How did you get past the fear of being watched or judged at the gym? Any small changes that helped you feel more comfortable would be great to hear about.

That feeling of being watched and judged at the gym is way more common than people admit, so you’re definitely not alone. When I first started, I’d get so caught up in what others might be thinking that it made the workout way harder than it needed to be. What helped me was picking a corner or a spot where I felt a little more “invisible,” like behind a pillar or near the stretching mats, and focusing on just one small goal each session - like adding 5 more seconds on the rowing machine or holding a plank a bit longer.

Also, sometimes reminding myself that 99% of people are too focused on their own workouts to really notice anyone else made a difference. It’s like @SunnyVibes19 said, most folks are just there for themselves, not to judge. Keep at it, and those anxious moments will shrink as your confidence grows. You’ve got this!