Dear Jitters,

Do what I did: Get yourself an MP3 player or portable CD player (preferably a newer one with less inclination to skip) — pop in your favorite tunes (something that really pumps you up and gets you going!), PUT ON THOSE EARPHONES FOR YOUR ENTIRE WORKOUT and TUNE OUT the rest of the world, including those you perceive to be criticizing you. Tune into yourself and your workout, and before you know it, you will see results. Remember, it's your workout; it's YOUR life! Good luck! :)

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Dear Alice,

Another thing to try: do your workout at the gym's slowest hours at first, until you feel comfortable there and get into your routine. Go early and avoid lunchtime and any time after 5, when most people get off work. The less people that are there, the less intimidated you will feel. Good Luck!

Michele

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Dear Alice,

I am skinny and a YOGA TEACHER... but I still felt intimidated going into my gym the first time two years ago, just cuz I'd never done it. Trust me, even if it's all in your head, just keep on keepin' on. Everyone kinda feels self conscious at the gym. :)