Gym Anxiety
Gym anxiety is a common feeling for many of us, particularly when we’re starting out. In an ideal world, the hardest part of going to the gym would be the workout itself, but in reality one of the hardest factors of a workout for many people is getting through the doors in the first place. Just know that if the thought of knowing what to do with the equipment or being watched and judged by others on the gym floor cause you anxiety, you are definitely not alone in this.
Many things can be a trigger for causing us anxiety in the gym, most commonly being a beginner, or changing to a new gym. If you’re a female, it can also be very daunting heading into the weights section which is often a male-dominated area. This can be intimidating even if you’re not a newbie! It can also be caused when the gym is really busy, or if you’re having trouble figuring out how to use one of the machines.
So how then, do we overcome this gym anxiety to crack on and have a fantastic workout?
Do your research before you begin
Have a look at the gym online and familiarise yourself with it by looking at pictures so you know the rough layout of where things are. Then book yourself in for an induction session, where a member of staff will give you a tour of the building and show you some of the equipment.
Start off slowly
Set yourself small goals to begin with. Maybe on day one you will go in and use the treadmill for 15 minutes, followed by some stretching to get you used to being in the gym environment. Then on your next session, you build on that and perhaps add in some free weight exercises.
Get yourself a personal trainer or an online coach
Working with a professional will help your confidence in the gym to no end - they will provide you with a plan of action, and ensure that you are performing exercises correctly.
Try going with a friend
They will provide you with comfort and support, and potentially guidance too. Going with a friendly face too will help to remove the unfamiliarity from the situation, and things are much less scary when we’re not alone, right?
Try going to a fitness class
Exercising in a group can help alleviate that anxiety of not knowing what to do, and you never know you might make some new friends to go to the gym with at other times!
Plan your time and your workouts in advance
There’s nothing worse than getting in the gym and not having a plan of what you’re going to do - the uncertainty can induce that anxiety. Whereas, if you know exactly what you’re going to do when you get in there, you have something clear to focus on and it helps to eliminate that anxious feeling.
Keep going!
The more you do something, the easier it gets. Even after just a couple of sessions, you will already feel better about going as you get more familiar with the environment and what you’re doing.
Wear your favourite outfit!
Treat yourself to a new gym set and watch your confidence soar!
If you would like my help to get you started in the gym, then get in touch today to book in your free consultation. On top of my online coaching, I also have a private gym located in Dargate, near Faversham, for 1:1 sessions, which is perfect for anyone new to the gym! The fear of being watched or judged is completely eliminated as there will be no one there but you & I during our sessions.