How many times have we motivated ourselves to finally get to the gym and put some work in, but quickly lose our inspiration when we realize that the bike machines are being occupied by an advance spin class that you will most likely faint in; every strength machine is taken by dripping wet people you prefer to evade, and the only treadmill left is lodged between two runners who are sprinting on 13.5 as if to train for a marathon, while you were planning to push yourself at 3.5 without incline. Moments like these easily breed insecurities and anxieties that can keep us from accomplishing our original goal: that dreadful gym anxiety that causes us to be awkward, uncomfortable, embarrassed, and intimidated while in the gym. This anxiety can peak at the uncertainty of how to utilize specific equipment, the fear of the possibility of being judged by others, or the lack of confidence in taking a group class. We have all been there before at one point, and it is possible that we could be there again one day, if we are not prepared.
5 Ways to Overcome Gym Anxiety:
1 Pre-plan Your Workout
Decide what you want to work out and determine which classes, machines, or exercises you can do to accomplish that goal. If you want to be extra prepared and confident, research how to use those machines ahead of time, and which exercises will target that specific desired muscle group.
2 Concentration Only on Your Workout
Find a mirror and keep your eyes focused on correct posture and counting reps. Bring headphones to block out any distracting noise around you. If you focus only on yourself and on properly achieving your goals, then you won’t have time to judge or compare yourself to others.
3 Bring a Friend or a Trainer
A workout partner can be a healthy distraction from feeling the anxieties that can often arise from the gym. Having positive conversations, spotting one another while lifting, and encouraging each other through workouts are all great diversions from fears that can creep in while working out and will help you better achieve your fitness goals.
4 Know the Busiest and Emptiest Gym Times
Ask the staff at the gym when the gym is most full and most empty during the day. This can help you plan around your daily moods and intentions. Exercising during peak hours will allow you to watch and learn how others use machines properly and do certain exercises, which can help you be more confident in using those same machines and doing those same workouts. Arriving when the gym is the emptiest will allow you to comfortably avoid so many potential eyes on you and too many occupied machines.
5 Be Confident
The truth is that 99% of everyone at the gym is there with a common goal: to better his or her physical body and improve health. Comparing yourself to others in a negative way will not help you achieve your goal, but admiring others may motivate and inspire you to enhance your performance and build. Oftentimes when people are staring at you, they are not always judging you, but admiring you. Even if their body is more fit than yours, you are there and you are determined, and that in itself is admirable. Stay consistent! You will always progress in some form with consistency.