Paranoid while working out.?

Question

Working out in public was never a problem for me, until I fell into a depression and gained 40lbs last year. Now, that I am eating right and trying to work-out, I have this dumb feeling that while I am working out or walking my 5 mile walk, that everyone is staring at me. Once, I start though, I go back to my normal self, it's only before I start that I feel everyone is staring at me. I know their not and I know nobody cares, but any idea's on handling this issue? Anyone ever feel this way too? My family thinks it's an excuse but it seriously terrifies me for the first couple of minutes. How can I concur this?

Answer 1

I think you get into the more you're on the machine so try working out a little, like a warm-up, before you go into the gym. Make yourself sweat then go.  

Answer 2

It's normal...that's why many people that need to work out don't.  People working out in the gym are totally focused on themselves, they are too busy to look at you.  Just continue doing what you're doing and after a while you won't have the feelings anymore.  Try working out when the gym is less crowded.  Good luck to you!!!  (psychologist)