GYM ANXIETY : WHAT IS IT AND HOW CAN YOU OVERCOME IT?

Gym anxiety is a term that's getting more and more attention these days. A lot of people deal with it, and we think raising awareness and advice on the topic can be really beneficial for many! Going to the gym should be a fun, exciting, and self-focused time ; after all, we all workout to better ourselves and to feel good!

What is gym anxiety?

Gym anxiety can happen to anyone. It's more common in gym newbies, but it's also present in some people who have been to the gym for years!

Gym anxiety can be described as feeling stressed or anxious about going to the gym for many different reasons, such as : 

• Being in a new gym for the first time ;
• Feeling like you don't belong in the gym ;
• Being afraid to look dumb because of a lack of knowledge or because you're a beginner ;
• Not feeling like you deserve to take up space in the gym (believe us, you DO!) ;
• Being intimidated by a group or by a specific person's appearance
• Not knowing where every piece of equipment is located ;
• And more.

People who experience social anxiety are also very likely to feel gym anxiety, especially during crowded hours. 

How can you overcome gym anxiety?

There are many things you can do to help reduce gym anxiety. Here are our best tips to make the gym feel good, and not stressful : 

• Have a plan : having a solid plan is one of the best things you can do to overcome the stress of going to the gym. If you know what you're doing and where you're going, you're way less likely to feel anxious and to worry about your next exercise during your whole session.
• Get comfortable with your environment : If this is your first time in the gym or in a new gym, don't be afraid to walk around and to get to know the place. If the treadmills are stragetically placed for you to have a view of the gym, try starting with inclined walk ; that will allow you to get to know your surroundings better, to analyse the location of equipments, and to prepare yourself for your session.
• Create an exciting pre-gym routine : make a playlist you enjoy with songs that make you feel confident, use some tasty supplements you can't wait to use, and get yourself hyped up on the way there, wether you're walking, biking or riding to the gym!
• Wear something that makes you feel confident : wearing comfortable clothes that you feel good in are such a huge part of feeling good in the gym! You shouldn't have to worry about your outfit or your looks while you're training.
• Find out at what time the gym is less crowdy : if you struggle with social anxiety, going to the gym when it's full of people isn't the best idea. Sometimes this is the only time available, but if possible, try to find ways to workout when there's less people or simply try to find a part of the gym that's more calm.
• Try going at the same time everyday : not only will this will create a habit, it will also allow you to get used to seeing the same people each time you go, making it less intimidating.
• Keep showing up : by showing up day after day, the intimidating feeling about the gym will slowly start to fade as you get used to your surroundings, to the people there, and to your routine. Don't let one stressful workout stop you from building that confidence!
• Get in the zone : take some time to warm up, and listen to some music, a podcast, or an audio book. Realize there's no need to rush things, and create your own little bubble.

Helpful reminders

People are not looking at you ; everyone is focused on themselves.

You deserve to take up space and to use the equipment you want, just like everyone else in the gym. 

Failing is a part of the process ; if you're not failing, you're not trying.

The only opinion that matters is yours!

You're your only competition. Don't compare your chapter 1 to someone else's chapter 15.

Everyone was once a beginner.

It's okay to ask for help, and most people will be happy to help you. Wether you need a spot or some clarifications on how to use equipment, don't be afraid to ask for support!

Overview

Gym anxiety is a challenge lots of people face, and we're here to help. The gym is a place for bettering yourself, for having fun, and for feeling AMAZING! 

We hope this article was helpful. :)