Posted by Sharlee (203.45.206.21) on April 24, 2002 at 08:37:33:
In Reply to: Conquering your fears (specifically, avoidance behaviour) posted by Margaret (206.203.36.168) on April 23, 2002 at 16:25:14:
I don't want to be around all those people, because it just makes me feel self-conscious, but the reason why I want to join it is because the machines and equipment they have, I want to use. I am nervous and scared to go here, but I keep thinking I need to use these machines. I also don't like being the only female in the free weight room, : How do others overcome their avoidance phobia behaviour?
#### Margaret, perhaps there are bad vibes you feel there that are translating into your putting forward all of these reasons. I belong to a male and female health club. There are all types there from overweight men and women to underweight, from the trendily dressed to the T shirt and boxer short brigade, from the young to the old. I have found that noone is looking at anyone else (at least not at me, maybe the superfit may attract second glances)but I don't sense any judgement. I doubt that you would be the only woman in the weights room as these days it is really quite popular with women who attend gyms. Exercise will make you feel good so keep at it if you can; however do not be hard on yourself if you don't. You are having a lot of changes in your life at the moment and even small things such as going to the gym may be stressful. I have felt quite stressed myself the last 12 months and have found that when some regular things I used to do quite happily start to make me feel stressed, I slow down my pace and don't put any expectations on myself. I see this as a temporary thing until the current stressors in my life get relieved. Sharlee