Struggling with Gym Anxiety? Here’s How to Deal with Gymtimidation!
Find out how to deal with gymtimidation
With any practice that involves bettering yourself, there comes a whirlwind of counter-intuitive anxieties that can create stumbling blocks.
If you’re new to the gym world, the gym can feel like the most intimidating place on earth.
When this is your first time exercising in public, the equipment and crowds of experienced people might completely deter you. But don’t let them!
Here’s how you can deal with your gymtimidation.
Choosing Your Gym
The place where you work out is as important as the workout itself.
Do thorough research into how convenient the gym is, what services and benefits are available, what precautions and hygiene practices are followed if they cater to both genders and what the capacity is like.
Don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions. You can also ask for a trial day to see what the gym is like at your ideal workout time.
Usually, gyms will be more than happy to give you a full tour and answer any questions you may have.
A gym membership can be a big commitment, so it's important to know everything about the space you will frequent- and it can help when dealing with gymtimidation.
Usually, you’ll be able to instantly pick up whether a gym suits you and your lifestyle.
For example, if you’re looking for a space that’s more meditative and private for doing yoga, you won’t want a gym that plays loud pumping music and has a large section with noisy lifting equipment.
Set A Goal
Once you’ve chosen your desired workout environment, it's time to develop a strategy to ensure you get the most out of your gym experience and get over your gymtimidation.
If you’re a beginner, ask one of the trained professionals to help you with your first circuit. This is an order of machinery to use for a designated amount of time, tailored to your fitness goals and level. For example, if you only have 40 minutes a day to work out, one of the staff members will allocate the right amount of time to each piece of equipment.
Time is based on weight resistance training and cardio. If you’re looking to tone, weight resistance machines are the way to go. If you’re looking to burn calories, you’ll spend more time on cardio machines such as the treadmill.
The more consistent you are, the easier your time on the machines will be. Once you feel comfortable levelling up, you’ll have the opportunity to try more intense workout equipment.
The great thing about a circuit is that you don’t have to follow a particular order. If the machine you want to use is occupied, you can simply skip it and come back.
This reduces gymtimidation because it helps you look occupied and authoritative, keeping the imposter syndrome or anxiety at bay.
Buddy Up
The best way to stay motivated and feel confident while exercising is to go with a gym buddy. You could decide to join the same gym as your friends or convince them to join the gym at the same time as you.
This is a fantastic way to ease the stress of keeping yourself motivated, and it makes working out more fun.
Once you’ve gone a few times with a buddy, you won’t feel so intimidated going alone because you’ll have familiarised yourself with the space.
It’s also a good idea to make friends with people who are more experienced at the gym. This way, they can “spot” you if you’re trying something new.
Always consult the guidance of the professionals on the floor when trying something intense. They are more than happy to help and cheer you on while you reach new goals, and this is also key for safety.
Get The Right Gear
One of the best ways to feel confident in the gym is to invest in good quality workout clothes that make you feel good.
New gym clothes don’t have to be expensive and there are plenty of affordable options available. It might feel silly buying clothes that you’re just going to sweat in, but having designated gym clothes is a more hygienic option as they’re designed for workouts- and it will help with gymtimidation.
Some gym clothes are also necessary for protection. For example, it is advised that women wear a decent and comfortable sports bra when working out to avoid unnecessary pain in the chest area.
Wearing clothes that are slightly form-fitting is a good idea too, because loose clothes and strings can get caught in the machinery.
Stay Body Positive
It can be very daunting to go somewhere to “work” on your body in front of people who may be more experienced than you. But everyone has to start somewhere!
Even professional body builders and experienced gym-goers will get self-conscious from time to time.
Remember, if people are judging you for your attempts to live a healthier life, they are the problem. The feeling that someone is looking at you is usually in your head, and it is a key symptom of imposter syndrome and gym anxiety.
It’s more than likely true that everyone is too busy focusing on themselves and their own insecurities to notice you.
Add Music To The Mix
Music can be an excellent tool to block out the sound of anxious thoughts rushing through your head.
Before heading to the gym, make a playlist filled with all the songs that put you in the best mood possible.
You’ll be completely transported to your own world where you barely notice anyone else, and an upbeat tempo has the added bonus of motivating you to move more, too.
Pick Your Timing
If you’re still dealing with gymtimidation, try going to the gym when it's quieter. After work can be the peak time for gym attendees.
Try going during a lunch break or early in the morning. Most gyms are also open on the weekend and are usually quieter on Sundays.
And if all else fails
Workout at home! There are myriad home workouts on YouTube and programmes like Get Healthy UTV and guys like the body coach creating good home workout programmes.
If you have a kettlebell or some dumbbells you can accomplish more than you think working out at home.
Gymtimidation is completely normal, but in time you should feel confident when you workout. After all, you’re working towards a better—you just like everyone else there.
