Gym anxiety

It can be daunting to enter a gym or a workout class for the first time, especially if you’re new to exercise. Gym anxiety is a real thing, and it can be a barrier for some to achieving health goals. Overcoming gym anxiety can be challenging, but the good news is that it can be done. This blog post will look at the causes of gym anxiety and provide some practical tips for dealing with it.

Gym anxiety is a common issue that many people experience when they think about going to the gym. It is a feeling of fear or unease that can be triggered by various factors, such as the fear of being judged by others or feeling self-conscious about one’s appearance. A report by PureGym showed that 50% of non-gym goers would find going to the gym scary and one in four people would rather choose to have an injection with a needle. Understanding gym anxiety is the first step towards overcoming it and finding ways to make the gym a more comfortable and welcoming space for yourself.

If you’re experiencing gym anxiety, you may notice several physical symptoms. These can include an increased heart rate, sweating, shallow breathing, or feeling a sense of dread. You may also have thoughts around feeling self-conscious or worrying about being judged by others. Remember, you’re not alone, and there are strategies and professionals available to help you overcome these challenges and feel more comfortable working out in public.

There can be several causes of gym anxiety, and these may be different for everyone. One common cause is the fear of being judged by others. It’s understandable that we may feel self-conscious when we see others who seem more experienced or fit than us when we’re stepping into a new environment, but exploring this further and looking at ways to manage this can prevent it from being a barrier. Another
cause may be a lack of confidence in your own abilities or knowledge about how to use the equipment properly. Additionally, past negative experiences or body image issues can contribute to gym anxiety.
Understanding these causes can help you address them and find ways to overcome your anxiety in the gym.

If you’re struggling with gym anxiety, there are some actions you can take to help ease your discomfort. Firstly, start by taking small steps. Begin with exercises or equipment that you feel comfortable with, and gradually build up to more challenging ones. Or alternatively, start to build up your confidence in your ability by working out at home first. Another tip is to bring a workout buddy along. Having a friend or support system with you can make the gym feel less intimidating. If you can it might also be worth shopping around to see if which gym is right for you. The gym can be a particularly intimidating space for women and therefore looking for women’s only gyms or gyms with women’s only spaces can be a good starting place in helping you to feel more at ease. Also, look out for gyms or fitness classes that prioritise inclusivity and make you feel welcomed. Remember, the gym should be a place where you feel safe and supported on your fitness journey. If you’re a gym owner or fitness professional it may be worth asking
yourself, is this a welcoming environment? How can I make it a more inclusive space?

If you find that your gym anxiety is overwhelming and you don’t know where to begin, seeking help from an Exercise Psychologist can be a great place to start. They can help you to explore the root causes of
your gym anxiety and develop skills and techniques to manage it, so that you can engage in movement that is meaningful to you.