how do you maintain going to the gym with social anxiety

i'm a male in my 40s, i have to go to the gym to maintain my health, because i acquired type 2 diabetes years back.....but ive had a hard past and suffer shyness, low self confidence, low self esteem and have social anxiety...publically i'm usually very nervous, shy and come off as socially awkward...i pay 53 pounds every month to go to a private gym, which is just across the road from me....but it is a big ordeal to go there, i don't like being around younger lads but don't mind being around other men and elderly men....i see younger lads as a threat and they unnerve me.

how can i keep on going to the gym when i have these problems? i only go to the gym to swim in the pool, and i'm very nervous during the whole stay at the gym, i get scared someone might start trouble with me, as i've been bullied and harassed in my past.

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NickiHijab · F

Sign up online if you struggle to in person.
Go on their website, they usually have pics of the facilities and machines available.
Have a routine of the workout in mind before arriving so you know your aim. With this in mind all you have to do is find a spot that suits you. In the corner, the middle, to the side, anywhere. Pop your earphones or headphones in and soon enough your attention is less outwards and more inwards. Look around the gym too, they may have more areas hidden. More times than not, just like yourself people are so caught up in their own workouts or how they look that they don't care to judge anyone else's performance.