If you're an introvert, you definitely overthink way too much at the gym. You let your imagination take over instead of focusing on reality.
1. "Am I sweating too much?"
Reality: You're not sweating more than the average person. Just keep yourself hydrated and you'll be fine.
2. "Is everyone judging me?"
Reality: Most people at the gym are there to better themselves. They don't go to judge every new person who walks in.
3. "Am I even using this machine correctly?"
Reality: Most machines aren't that complicated, but if you aren't sure, ask someone who works at the gym. Or bring someone with you to the gym who knows how to work the machines.
4. "Why are people staring at me?"
Reality: They're not. You're actually staring at them.
5. "How long do I stay on this machine?"
Reality: For as long as your body can handle it. There's no pressure to use a machine longer than you can manage.
6. "Do people think I'm not running fast enough on the treadmill?"
Reality: If someone is running on the treadmill, they are more focused on themselves and their speed and distance. They aren't even paying attention to you.
7. "Okay, I'll just find a machine that isn't near anyone."
Reality: Good luck with that. You can't hide from being in contact with other members of the gym. The gym isn't that big.
8. "Am I not sweating enough?"
Reality: Stop worrying about your sweat. Some sweat more than others. Everyone is different.
9. "Am I supposed to lift as much weight as that girl over there?"
Reality: You mean that girl that has gone to the gym every day for the past 2 years? NO, please do not lift as much weight as her. You need to build up your muscles.
10. "Why am I so weak?"
Reality: Girl, because this is the first day you've gone to the gym in a year. What, did you think this would be easy on your first day?
11. "Yeah, I can't lift that."
Reality: No one is asking you to lift as much weight as that bodybuilder over there. Do what you can.
12. "How long do I have to stay at the gym? Is there like a minimum time requirement that is universally known by frequent gym members?"
Reality: No one is paying attention to when you arrive and when you leave. If someone is paying that close attention to you, then that just means they are a stalker. If that's the case, I would just choose another gym.
13. "Should I check on my bag? I hope no one stole my bag. Let me check anyway."
Reality: You locked your bag up in the locker room. Your bag is fine; stop stalling and making excuses and get back out in the gym!
14. "Why are there so many mirrors? The last thing I want to see is myself."
Reality: Then don't look at yourself in the mirror. Many people like looking at themselves and watching their form. Don't let the mirrors intimidate you.
15. "Oh no, someone is using the treadmill next to mine. Why am I panicking? For some reason, I feel 100% more self-conscious now that there is someone working out next to me."
Reality: You're at the gym! Don't be surprised when there are other people who are also trying to work out just like you. Get over it.
16. "The person next to me is sprinting while I'm walking. Do they think I'm not trying hard enough?"
Reality: Honey, they are not worried about you. You could be sitting on the treadmill eating a Big Mac and they wouldn't care.
17. "Everyone is grunting. Should I be making noises, too? Will people judge me if I make grunting noises out loud? That seems so embarrassing."
Reality: They're only grunting because they're putting a lot of effort into their workout. Maybe you should focus more on the working out aspect and less of the noises that other people produce.
So, if you're an introvert, next time you go to the gym, do a little less overthinking and a little more working out. Don't worry about anyone else at the gym. Worry about improving yourself and feeling good about the work you put in. Don't let your imagination ruin your reality.
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