SILVA: Trying not to be so afraid

When it comes to fitness, one of the biggest obstacles we face is fear.

Fear of failure. Fear of pain. Fear of of being embarrassed. Fear of injury.

Sometimes it's harder to overcome this fear than the actual difficulty of whatever you're doing.

My simple advice: Don't be scared.

If you are afraid to go to the gym or sign up for a race or event because you are overweight or out of shape, it's OK. Nobody goes to the gym or attends a race for the first time feeling super confident.

When I signed up to run my first 5K race three years ago, I was afraid of making a fool of myself. Surely, I thought, I would finish in last place. Or look stupid. And yes, I probably wasn't the coolest looking runner out there, and I certainly wasn't the fastest. But I held my own, and did my best. And there was nobody out there laughing at or making fun of me. There was nothing but positive vibes and encouragement.

Fitness people, it seems, are some of the most positive, encouraging, supportive people you will find. It's why when I catch somebody's eye out on the road or at the gym, I give them a nod or wave that says "Good job!"

I was also nervous when I first joined my local gym and saw that it had a class I was interested in. Would I be the only guy there? Would I look foolish? How would I know what to do? These thoughts went through my mind.

But I overcame my anxiety and went to the class. It was difficult at first, but the instructor and other class members were supportive and I was able to make it through. I gradually got better and used that class as part of my marathon training.

I've completed a marathon, but still find myself apprehensive at trying something different, like cycling, or joining a soccer team. I'm still conquering my fears … I believe it's a lifelong process.

But I'll keep trying. And I hope you will, too.

Whether you are just starting out or are considering doing something you've never done before, you need to overcome your fear.

We just have to believe in ourselves.

• • •

This week I'll be playing racquetball for the first time since I was in high school. According to www.fitnessforweightloss.com, I can burn 250 calories in 30 minutes of casual playing.

And it should be fun, which makes the time fly by.

Maybe I can use it as part of my cross-training for October's half-marathon. …

If you have any more ideas for my "workout of the month" cross-training, let me know.

Reach Jim Silva at jsilva@modbee.com. On Twitter: @Mission26point2.