Managing Gym Anxiety
I Want To Go to The Gym But I’m Scared People Are Looking At Me
Gym anxiety is a real thing. When starting out, it’s not unusual to be constantly thinking if others are watching us exercise or watching us do things wrong or judging us for being out of shape.
These strong internal monologues or thoughts can negatively affect our motivation to attend the gym. But the good news? Coming from someone who goes to the gym regularly, people only really see themselves in the gym. Most people are too concerned with their own fitness agendas that they don’t notice anyone else in the gym.
And even if people notice you, or come to give you advice (even if not asking for it), likelihood is they’re not judging you, they’ve just been in your situation before and are trying to help you be safer or better in the exercise you’re doing.
How Do We Overcome Gym Anxiety?
Here are some tips for overcoming your fears of the gym:
Find a buddy: either with a friend who’s a seasoned veteran or another novice like yourself, tackling the gym with someone else can make things far easier and more comfortable.
Study up: Watch short technique videos on youtube or other sites to get some tips on technique before going to the gym or on your phone before doing an exercise.
Complete classes: If you don’t like doing things alone, some gyms run group classes, which are a great way to get involved and learn exercises with others to help motivate you.
Listen to music: Listening to some of your favourite music through your earphones can help you focus a bit more on what you are doing rather than what is going on around you.
Set realistic goals: keep track of things you want to achieve and try not to compare yourself too much with other people in the gym. There’s always someone stronger than you, and everyone progresses at their own pace.
Get a personal trainer: While there is cost involved with this option, they are very useful in teaching the basics and can give you great training advice on progressing in the gym.
Final Thoughts
Gym anxiety is normal, but most of the fear is in ourselves. Managing this with some solid strategies can help you overcome this fear and get you exercising sooner rather than later.
Even though you may be doing things in the gym as a novice, you’re doing them better than the person who isn’t in the gym trying to be a better version of themselves. So go out there and attack those gym goals you’ve been planning on doing for a little bit too long!
