A common excuse for skipping the gym is the concern of feeling or looking stupid working out.

While it's normal to feel self conscious doing something new, it's no reason to let yourself gain weight. Forgoing the Rec day in and day out may give you the immediate comfort of not feeling like people are judging you, but long term your self confidence will dwindle away as the pounds and pant sizes increase exponentially.

There is no better time than now to stop letting fear hold you back from your perfect physique. With some schedule adjustments and pre-planning your gym experience will be void of gawkers, and in reality there are few (if any) workout watchers at all.

TIMING IS KEY

To ensure you feel comfortable working out, one simple way is to avoid the Rec's rush hours. These usually are between noon and 8 p.m. Most students like to go to the Rec in between or right after their day's classes.

The solution to avoid this rush and get in a good work out? Get up a few hours earlier or end your night a few hours later. By going before the rush hours, you not only avoid being the subject of people watching, but you almost always have your first choice of fitness machinery or equipment to use.

HIDDEN WORKOUTS

The third floor of the RecPlex may have the best fitness equipment on campus, but for those weary of a public workout this may not be the best place for you. Luckily, this doesn't mean your fitness future is ruined.

As springtime weather rolls around, get outside for a run or walk. Once you get off campus grounds, it is highly unlikely anyone will see you, and if so it will only be for a second. Running up Schantz into Oakwood provides an aesthetically pleasing route to keep you motivated to keep going.

If running isn't your thing, go back to your childhood days and hit up the pool. Getting into a swimsuit may seem intimidating, but you're only fearing yourself. The pool is far away from the public eye, so no one will can watch you while swimming unless they come to the Rec equipped with a pair of binoculars.

So let go of your excuses and exercise without feeling like the main event at a carnival freak show. And if you do catch someone staring at you while trekking on the treadmill, you shouldn't feel embarrassed, they should- because that's just plain creepy.