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.

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

GreenGoddess · F

I experienced this as well. I don't like going into the gym when anyone's there honestly but when attractive people who "belong" at the gym are there it's just extra stressful. I coped with this by going late at night (11pm-4am) when people usually weren't around. Once you get going with your music and focus on your workout you don't think about the other people as much, it's hard to forget that with SA though. Sometimes I'd sit in the parking lot for up to 45minutes waiting for people to leave.

Kae20 · 56-60, FVIP

@GreenGoddess yes ..going during the quiet times are what I would do as well.

While working from home I found mid morning you are rid of the ones who pile in before work.

Also 2 - 4pm there are parents who need to do a school run & be home for kids.

7 -9 on weekends is fairly quiet too 😉