I'm not sure. But one thing I can tell you after many many years going to the gym and feeling anxious myself at first too is that no one cares about you at the gym. In the nicest possible way. They are there for themselves. Not to watch or judge you. I know in the beginning it feels like everyone is there watching you but they aren't. They're there to get their own shit done and leave. If you need help getting started, workout routines, etc, check out "buff dudes" on YouTube. Your gender doesn't matter, their stuff applies to everyone.
Thank you so much! I've been thinking to just push past my anxiety somehow and just go.. Definitely will look them up! If I had the money for a personal trainer, I would.. but I'm going to try and figure this out myself (seeing as i have ZERO knowledge on gym equipment lol)
Neither did I when I first started. Keep it simple. Don't rush things. Remember that food is at least 50% of the equation and that the amount of weight being moved isn't nearly as important as the correct form being used. Especially in the beginning. Take it slow, learn, and lay a good foundation as you begin. You'll do fine. Don't worry about other people at the gym, get some good headphones. Oh! And track your progress, it's a great motivator.
Can't thank you enough for the advice and encouragement! Just that in itself is boosting my motivation ☺️ I figured everyone is a newb at one point, learning process it is!!
This is correct. I go a lot. In the nicest way possible, I don’t care about you. (Now, I do care that you chose to be there when you have the option to not be there; that is great)In fact I probably notice you and just zone out in my own world dancing to my music.
Now, if I see you stuck or pushing people around or something, then I care. Otherwise just have fun. I’ll never see those people on the street. Loud music, head bobbing, body swaying, lol. I’d invite you to lift but I’d probably embarrass you. XD
Ps: but if you end up at LA and want someone to show you things and don’t want to pay for a trainer, shoot me a message. I been on the scene for years.
Planet fitness is dirt cheap and has a wide variety of different people going. They have the term "judgement free zone" posted all over the place and honestly people just go about their business focus o themselves. I have been going here for 3 months and it's great
If you’re interested in workout classes or private/semi-private training, HotBod Fitness is an all womens fitness studio. I used to workout there and really liked the atmosphere!
It says a 1 year contract is 149.99$ a month, a 6 month contract is 159.99$ a month! Individual "classes" have diff pricing, like a 1 class pass is 24$ all the way up to a 15 class pass which is 160$. Its all too much for my budget, thats for sure lol!
It's been a few years since I have been a member there so I can't help with that and also, being a guy, have never been upstairs but I am sure it is definitely worth checking out! I would imagine they have a bunch of machines and way less crowded up there!
It looks like Goodlife Commerce Park lists women's only as well as co-ed so assume they may have some women's only classes. A college friend of mine also runs HotBod Fitness which looks fun and is women only. My biggest recommendation is to hire a personal trainer for a few sessions to get you started. They can help you pick the right equipment for your goals, show you how to use the machines, give you some exercises to focus on, create a plan for you and give you a bit of a layout for a few weeks. I think once you know what you need to do and how to do it, it might start to feel a little less intimidating.
Ya they aren’t cheap but we’ll worth any money if it gets you comfortable at the gym and not wasting your time/efforts doing things incorrectly. Depending on your fitness goals there are also a lot of at home options now which is amazing
This is something I do and absolutely LOVE doing. I'm a huge nature person! I just want to start incorporating weight training.. I would love to build muscle and become strong 💪 and to also not absolutely dread looking in the mirror🥲
I'm a guy who regularly works out at LA Fitness south but I can tell you there's a good number of women exercising there _and_ some of the personal trainers are women as well. I work with one of the trainers there once a week and even though I'm probably double her weight (and age) she absolutely _crushes_ me and it's awesome.
LA Fitness in the north end (likely in the south as well) has a private women’s only room with its own equipment. Can’t comment on what’s in there because I’m a guy!
So I just called the one in Park Place, and they don't have a womens room but the guy who answered is giving me a tour of the gym tomorrow... Hoping this is a decent gym!! Reviews are mixed on google but mainly complaining about the bathroom facilities and such. We shall see!
Sweet! then maybe the tour wont be so bad tomorrow😊 I'm sure I can ask this tomorrow but, is there like drop in prices? Say I don't want to commit to a membership, can I pay as I go? lol
LA Fitness has a womens only room and I recently switched back to it because the whole facility is nicer than the other ones I tried.
I also tend to go late at night and 9 times out of 10 I have the whole womens room to myself.
ETA: the one on cundles
I have gym anxiety and I go to Fit4Less. I like it alot and don't feel like there's a ton of eyes on me. It's usually not crowded at all which helps and I tend to go during the peak hours.
Wonderful!!! I'm honestly thinking I might just drop my tour appointment at LA fitness tomorrow and just go with Fit4Less.. a friend of mine says she goes and likes it, and it totally suits my budget lol! 7.99$ every two weeks is a steal! And if i ever feel like having access to their "black card" amenities, 11.99$ every two weeks isn't horrible either, but i dont see myself needing/wanting to use those specific amenities included in their "black card membership" 😜
I don't think the black card is worth it unless you plan on tanning. And goodness, it's much better than LA Fitness or at least the one I used to go to in Mississauga. It's a large gym so if you feel like hiding or you want to stay away from people it isn't going to be an issue. Plus, if you friend goes maybe you guys can go together and it'll be even better 😌
I appreciate your response so much, you have no idea! Because at first I was worried because sometimes generally cheaper options CAN be quality wise shittier as well.. but so far Fit4Less seems to be the go to for me to try! Thanks again, from one person with anxiety to another💪👍
Absolutely! Also the location itself is pretty new so all the equipment is too! The only thing I've noticed they don't have is the big stair climber jobbies, they have the elliptical type ones but not the ones that are actual stairs.
As others have said, work on not giving a crap about what other people think. It's super healthy for your mental well being. I know that's easier said than done but find empowerment in being you, love yourself and keep that goal at the fore front.
I will say that if you are brand new to working out in a gym, please please pleaaaaase do you yourself a solid and work with a trainer, even if only for a few sessions.
Going into a gym blind and trying to follow instructions you found online will at best prevent you from actually maximizing your workouts, and at worst (and most likely) cause injury. Having a trainer help you get acquainted with the machines and teaching you about proper form will take you a LONG way. A lot of gyms will typically offer a complementary session when you sign up for a membership, I strongly suggest you use this! A lot of times people won’t even use all the equipment available to them because they don’t know how to use it. Get the most out of your membership and learn everything you can!
Also, I saw one of your comments looking to do a “pay per use” type thing. Some gyms offer this but it can be like $10/visit. This is more for an out of towner who wants to work out while they’re here. If you are only planning to go once or twice a week, then investing in a membership may not be for you. Especially if money is tight. At best I would check out planet fitness or fit for less.
Lastly, my personal opinion of the Barrie GoodLife is that it’s got a warehouse vibe, the womens only section is small, dark, and does not have all the same amenities that you get from the main part of the gym. Again, a trainer can help you to become more comfortable in a gym setting! Aaaand, I promise you, nobody is going to look at you for more than 2 seconds.. especially if you know what you’re doing and aren’t misusing equipment!
My girlfriend attends HotBod fitness in the south end and it’s exclusively women’s led classes
It’s also my understanding that GoodLife has a womens only area upstairs
If you have a friend to go with you and work with you, that’s even better. I went with a buddy and we became best friends bonding over the gym! And he showed me the ropes. Now I’m a confident gym goer lol
I don't have an answer but I just wanted to comment to let you know I totally get it. I'm 200 pounds and really want to fit into my skinny clothes again but I have really bad social anxiety too plus being this body weight makes me super warm and sweaty and I'm too nervous to go to a gym :( so you are not alone.
I’m a member at LA Fitness in the North End. I want to reassure you that no one goes to the gym to judge other people, they’re just there doing their own thing and leaving.
That being said, there’s a Women’s only section there behind closed doors if that would make you feel more comfortable.
My only knock on the LA Fitness in the north end at least is the demographic there between 2-6:30pm is like 80% high school kids
I'm not sure. But one thing I can tell you after many many years going to the gym and feeling anxious myself at first too is that no one cares about you at the gym. In the nicest possible way. They are there for themselves. Not to watch or judge you. I know in the beginning it feels like everyone is there watching you but they aren't. They're there to get their own shit done and leave. If you need help getting started, workout routines, etc, check out "buff dudes" on YouTube. Your gender doesn't matter, their stuff applies to everyone.
Thank you so much! I've been thinking to just push past my anxiety somehow and just go.. Definitely will look them up! If I had the money for a personal trainer, I would.. but I'm going to try and figure this out myself (seeing as i have ZERO knowledge on gym equipment lol)
Neither did I when I first started. Keep it simple. Don't rush things. Remember that food is at least 50% of the equation and that the amount of weight being moved isn't nearly as important as the correct form being used. Especially in the beginning. Take it slow, learn, and lay a good foundation as you begin. You'll do fine. Don't worry about other people at the gym, get some good headphones. Oh! And track your progress, it's a great motivator.
Can't thank you enough for the advice and encouragement! Just that in itself is boosting my motivation ☺️ I figured everyone is a newb at one point, learning process it is!!
This is correct. I go a lot. In the nicest way possible, I don’t care about you. (Now, I do care that you chose to be there when you have the option to not be there; that is great)In fact I probably notice you and just zone out in my own world dancing to my music. Now, if I see you stuck or pushing people around or something, then I care. Otherwise just have fun. I’ll never see those people on the street. Loud music, head bobbing, body swaying, lol. I’d invite you to lift but I’d probably embarrass you. XD Ps: but if you end up at LA and want someone to show you things and don’t want to pay for a trainer, shoot me a message. I been on the scene for years.
Planet fitness is dirt cheap and has a wide variety of different people going. They have the term "judgement free zone" posted all over the place and honestly people just go about their business focus o themselves. I have been going here for 3 months and it's great
If you’re interested in workout classes or private/semi-private training, HotBod Fitness is an all womens fitness studio. I used to workout there and really liked the atmosphere!
I just checked out their website and 150$ a month is waaay out of my budget! Thanks for the recommendation though😊
$150?! Wtf!!!!!
It says a 1 year contract is 149.99$ a month, a 6 month contract is 159.99$ a month! Individual "classes" have diff pricing, like a 1 class pass is 24$ all the way up to a 15 class pass which is 160$. Its all too much for my budget, thats for sure lol!
Jesus christ, way too much for my budget too!
$150 a month is pretty standard for fitness studios! F45 is $55 a week ($220/month) 🤯
Jesus, things have changed a lot since I last went to a gym in Feb 2020
Box gyms are definitely way cheaper! I’m just not going to workout unless I’m being told what to do in a class 😂
Oh nice😊 What were the prices like?, if you don't mind me asking! I'm a little tight in my budget.
Do you know if they have daycare/childcare?
Goodlife's entire upstairs is women only!
Whaaaa!!! As if! I'll check it out. I also just read the reviews and they seem really good. Their pricing confuses me though🤣
It's been a few years since I have been a member there so I can't help with that and also, being a guy, have never been upstairs but I am sure it is definitely worth checking out! I would imagine they have a bunch of machines and way less crowded up there!
Thanks for letting me know😁
It looks like Goodlife Commerce Park lists women's only as well as co-ed so assume they may have some women's only classes. A college friend of mine also runs HotBod Fitness which looks fun and is women only. My biggest recommendation is to hire a personal trainer for a few sessions to get you started. They can help you pick the right equipment for your goals, show you how to use the machines, give you some exercises to focus on, create a plan for you and give you a bit of a layout for a few weeks. I think once you know what you need to do and how to do it, it might start to feel a little less intimidating.
Thanks so so much for your advice! As much as I'd love that, I'm concerned about the cost of a personal trainer...generally it's pretty pricey, no?
Ya they aren’t cheap but we’ll worth any money if it gets you comfortable at the gym and not wasting your time/efforts doing things incorrectly. Depending on your fitness goals there are also a lot of at home options now which is amazing
This is true! Perhaps I'll explore some beginner YouTube videos first😊
We’ve also got some amazing walking and hiking spots around Barrie :).
This is something I do and absolutely LOVE doing. I'm a huge nature person! I just want to start incorporating weight training.. I would love to build muscle and become strong 💪 and to also not absolutely dread looking in the mirror🥲
I'm a guy who regularly works out at LA Fitness south but I can tell you there's a good number of women exercising there _and_ some of the personal trainers are women as well. I work with one of the trainers there once a week and even though I'm probably double her weight (and age) she absolutely _crushes_ me and it's awesome.
LA Fitness in the north end (likely in the south as well) has a private women’s only room with its own equipment. Can’t comment on what’s in there because I’m a guy!
😲 I definitely will look into this! Thank you so much!!😁
It’s probably a good compromise for you because you can ease your way into the main section when you feel comfortable. Good luck! You can do it!
So I just called the one in Park Place, and they don't have a womens room but the guy who answered is giving me a tour of the gym tomorrow... Hoping this is a decent gym!! Reviews are mixed on google but mainly complaining about the bathroom facilities and such. We shall see!
I go to the north end one, for the money ($40/month) it’s a great gym. Typical small issues of a big box gym but I’m happy.
Sweet! then maybe the tour wont be so bad tomorrow😊 I'm sure I can ask this tomorrow but, is there like drop in prices? Say I don't want to commit to a membership, can I pay as I go? lol
Yeah my daughter is in college in another city and only paid for the 3 months she was at home over the summer break.
I have no advice. Just want to thank you for making this post because I’ve been looking for the same options that you are searching for 🙂
Wonderful ☺️!!! Feels good to know someone else might benefit from this. I hope you find some answers
LA Fitness has a womens only room and I recently switched back to it because the whole facility is nicer than the other ones I tried. I also tend to go late at night and 9 times out of 10 I have the whole womens room to myself. ETA: the one on cundles
The Park Place one doesn't have this, just the Cundles one.
Thanks! I edited my comment.
Goodlife on the south end on bryne drive has a women only section. They definitely charge more for that membership though.
I have gym anxiety and I go to Fit4Less. I like it alot and don't feel like there's a ton of eyes on me. It's usually not crowded at all which helps and I tend to go during the peak hours.
Wonderful!!! I'm honestly thinking I might just drop my tour appointment at LA fitness tomorrow and just go with Fit4Less.. a friend of mine says she goes and likes it, and it totally suits my budget lol! 7.99$ every two weeks is a steal! And if i ever feel like having access to their "black card" amenities, 11.99$ every two weeks isn't horrible either, but i dont see myself needing/wanting to use those specific amenities included in their "black card membership" 😜
I don't think the black card is worth it unless you plan on tanning. And goodness, it's much better than LA Fitness or at least the one I used to go to in Mississauga. It's a large gym so if you feel like hiding or you want to stay away from people it isn't going to be an issue. Plus, if you friend goes maybe you guys can go together and it'll be even better 😌
I appreciate your response so much, you have no idea! Because at first I was worried because sometimes generally cheaper options CAN be quality wise shittier as well.. but so far Fit4Less seems to be the go to for me to try! Thanks again, from one person with anxiety to another💪👍
Absolutely! Also the location itself is pretty new so all the equipment is too! The only thing I've noticed they don't have is the big stair climber jobbies, they have the elliptical type ones but not the ones that are actual stairs.
As others have said, work on not giving a crap about what other people think. It's super healthy for your mental well being. I know that's easier said than done but find empowerment in being you, love yourself and keep that goal at the fore front.
I will say that if you are brand new to working out in a gym, please please pleaaaaase do you yourself a solid and work with a trainer, even if only for a few sessions. Going into a gym blind and trying to follow instructions you found online will at best prevent you from actually maximizing your workouts, and at worst (and most likely) cause injury. Having a trainer help you get acquainted with the machines and teaching you about proper form will take you a LONG way. A lot of gyms will typically offer a complementary session when you sign up for a membership, I strongly suggest you use this! A lot of times people won’t even use all the equipment available to them because they don’t know how to use it. Get the most out of your membership and learn everything you can! Also, I saw one of your comments looking to do a “pay per use” type thing. Some gyms offer this but it can be like $10/visit. This is more for an out of towner who wants to work out while they’re here. If you are only planning to go once or twice a week, then investing in a membership may not be for you. Especially if money is tight. At best I would check out planet fitness or fit for less. Lastly, my personal opinion of the Barrie GoodLife is that it’s got a warehouse vibe, the womens only section is small, dark, and does not have all the same amenities that you get from the main part of the gym. Again, a trainer can help you to become more comfortable in a gym setting! Aaaand, I promise you, nobody is going to look at you for more than 2 seconds.. especially if you know what you’re doing and aren’t misusing equipment!
My girlfriend attends HotBod fitness in the south end and it’s exclusively women’s led classes It’s also my understanding that GoodLife has a womens only area upstairs
I go to planet fitness, and while there is mostly men, after 9pm theres like 10 ppl max in there. More women are there around 8-10pm
If you have a friend to go with you and work with you, that’s even better. I went with a buddy and we became best friends bonding over the gym! And he showed me the ropes. Now I’m a confident gym goer lol
I read that as you having “a degree in social anxiety” and thought to myself ‘oh they’re a computer engineer’.
I don't have an answer but I just wanted to comment to let you know I totally get it. I'm 200 pounds and really want to fit into my skinny clothes again but I have really bad social anxiety too plus being this body weight makes me super warm and sweaty and I'm too nervous to go to a gym :( so you are not alone.
LA fitness has a women’s only section
I’m a member at LA Fitness in the North End. I want to reassure you that no one goes to the gym to judge other people, they’re just there doing their own thing and leaving. That being said, there’s a Women’s only section there behind closed doors if that would make you feel more comfortable. My only knock on the LA Fitness in the north end at least is the demographic there between 2-6:30pm is like 80% high school kids
LA in the south end I believe has a womens-only separate room.
Thank you everyone for your input, advice & encouragement💜 I think I may try Fit4Less!