Public workout awkwardness?

Back when I was in my dorm's gym last semester, I was trying to work out because yeah, I'm a little out of shape but I need work out somewhere, right?

Coming from a high school with only females, and working out only with them, I felt a little awkward using a gym for everyone (but hey, I'm all for it).
There were always the usual "buff guys" working out there everyday... not really monopolizing the equipment or being rude, but giving off a sort of territorial vibe.
Not only am I concerned that I sweat quite a bit and am out of shape, but I also feel a little uncomfortable just being there: to work out, one usually wears more athletic-style clothing. I cover up pretty well (lawl, not walking around in hot pants) but it's upsetting to have so many guys/sometimes girls around when I am looking so vulnerable...

Needless to say, I didn't end up using the gym too much that semester...

TL;DR version:
So in terms of working out, do you find it distracting or awkward to be around others? Do you get really self-conscious, or get looked at/look at others?
How do you cope with or get over it? :s

I couldn't be around people when I work out. There are such things as creepy/awkward women in gyms. So yea, its pretty uncomfortable for me.

I just workout at home. I'm pretty fit as it is, so I usually just jumprope for a few hours

i agree with you....to a certain extent. but i prefer to workout alone, or with a battle. im fit as fit can get.

I'm on of those buff guys, it's just a feeling because most guys at gyms are pretty nice and helpful and don't mind helping new people coming in.

I remember gyms like that. Some our like as cruz describes some aren't.

I would make two list of muscle groups to work on. If, the buff guys are at one area; I would use the machine farther away.

The best bet is research gyms too review their atmosphere. I picked the new YMCA in my hood. The staff makes sure everybody in the work out is working out; if not, they are not hogging the area. I can go in on my circuit training days and used the 6 machines needed. The other days, I swim my laps.

You're just intimidated by them, and that's normal. I was always intimidated by them when I first started. But as time passes, it goes away. Working out in the gym in front of those work out pros and doing it consistently gave me a lot of confidence in myself.

It really helps if you work out with a friend or friends. Trust me. And don't be ashamed. The whole point of going to the gym is to better oneself. Just keep that in mind, focus, have fun and you should be fine.

^That, your just intimidated. Dude, your there for yourself who cares if they do so and so weights and you can barely lift 20lbs. Your there for the facility to get better, not there to feel self conscience about yourself and shy away.

I mean I remember when I couldn't bench 60kg, and some buffed ass dude was giving me advice on how to improve my bench and spotting for me. Don't be intimidated, they are just normal ass people with really big bodies lol.

They were at that point sometime in their life, just keep working out, use the facilities, and if they offer you help take it. Some of the guys I know from the gym are awesome people, but most keep to themselves. Others use steroids and are quite odd people :| I swear I had a chat with this guy and he was talking to me about some sort of steroid when I was drinking my whey protein powder and creatine. Awkward moments...

Well anyways, thing is everyone in there is working out for themselves and are probably too into their workout to worry about your fat ass :P I kid I kid.

I'm one of the regulars at my college gym, and I have to say during my workout I don't really look at others- I'm focusing on my own workout. The same goes for most others, no need to get embarrassed when they glace your way- we see 'another person working out' rather than 'another fitness wannabe'.

Just keep at it and you'll get used to the atmosphere. Don't be afraid to ask for a helping hand if you need to, we won't bite or anything.

Take a friend to workout with. That might ease you into becoming more comfortable around so many people. Plus, you can use weights that need spotters.

I pretty much always workout at the gym so I'm never feeling awkward. Though I never feel awkward in any situation for the most part anyways. In any case, sweating a lot would mean you're working hard.

I like working out in public. Kinda gives you more of an extra boost to out do the next guy.

I do have my own stuff in my garage though and work out there most of the times.

I just ignore anyone else, unless I brought a buddy along.

Does you no good to worry about them.

good thing I don't work out at gyms...all I do is just jog and help my mom shoping(carrying many stuff is a pain..but really good)...sometime lift some weights at home...

Definitely this.

Back when I was still pumping iron, I always needed someone else - it's also a great motivator.

You just don't pay attention. Most people are too busy actually working out or worrying about other people looking at them to actually care about what you're doing or how you look at all.

And yes, always try to go with a friend.

Back in high school and college I went to the gym everyday. I would see chubby people or people that didn't know what they were doing and I didn't really care, I mean don't even know them, I could care less how they look or what they did. I just focus on myself, that's it. You do the same, and working out will be less awkward.