Okay, today’s the day. You got all of your ducks in a row. Scheduled your day perfectly to make sure you have time to hit the gym today. And then here you go.. Walk in with your favorite athletic attire and the GYM INTIMIDATION hits as hard as the pre-workout should (if that’s your thing).
Hello, gym-induced anxiety – NOT nice to see you. It often entails the fear of being judged based on one’s athletic abilities, fitness level, or uncertainty on how to navigate all those machines that looks more like contraptions. You see people on the treadmill whose speed makes them seem like a cheetah or someone in the middle of the floor grunting like a tennis player as they deadlift.Gym intimidation and anxiety do not discriminate against gender, fitness level, strength, experiences, etc. It’s real. So, first and foremost, recognize that how you feel has been felt across the board by other gym-goers.
Here are some tips on how to reduce that anxiety level and make sure that you get to spend the time working on yourself that you deserve.
WRITE YOUR WORKOUT DOWN BEFOREHAND.
This helps with accountability and can help you navigate where you need to be in the gym beforehand. The more you know and the more you control you perceive yourself to have, the levels of anxiety can lower.
GET IN THE ZONE.
When you’re REALLY in the zone, you won’t have the energy or time to focus on the potential thought that someone may be focusing on you. Get that music going, podcast series flowing, and VIBE away. This time is for you.
TALK TO INSTRUCTOR / COACH / TRAINER:
Challenge yourself to stray away from the back row of a class. Stick around before or after to talk to the instructor about your nerves, what you’re wanting to work on, and how they can help you. That’s what they are there for!
FIND THE HOURS THAT MAKE YOU MOST COMFORTABLE.
Just like we suggest challenging yourself to stray away from the back row of a class, we suggest that you stray away from going out of your way to work out during off hours. Being around the gym during the busy times may help you push you out of your comfort zone and find your groove in the gym. We get it, easier said than done. It will take time but give it a shot.
TALK WITH A FITNESS-ENTHUSIAST FRIEND OR MENTOR.
Let them sprinkle you with all the knowledge and magic of fitness. The more you are informed, the more you can add that to your arsenal. Anxiety stems from the world of unknowns. Your world doesn’t need to be clouded with unknowns about the gym.
TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT EACH TIME.
Change and new things are scary. No further explanation is necessary. We’re pulling a Nike here, just do it!
Work out with the best at The BXNG Club
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, into martial arts, yoga or gym training, we’d love to see you at one of our gyms in San Diego. Our personal trainers are at the top of their game. And newcomers are welcome to a complimentary personal training session with us.
