It’s so common for people to avoid the gym because of the anxiety they feel about going.
Whether it be the crowd of people, having to workout in public, feeling like you don’t know what you’re doing or just feeling too shy. All of these are valid feelings people may have when starting going to the gym.
It’s understandable, it’s a new place with a lot of people who seem like they know what they’re doing. That can be extremely intimidating especially for a beginner.
If you’re feeling like this, you’re not alone. Almost everyone starting in the gym will feel anxious about going.
The key is to start slow, push through it, and overtime your anxiety surrounding the gym will begin to go away completely. But, you might need a little help along the way.
Here’s how to tackle your anxiety and become comfortable and confident in the gym:
Realize that everyone starts somewhere
Everyone who has ever entered the gym will come in starting off at a different level. No matter how thin, overweight, athletic, or unathletic you think you are, everyone starts somewhere.
Don’t let yourself get in your head about how you look or you’re starting point. Most people won’t pay attention to what you look like or what you’re doing anyway, they’ll just appreciate that you’re there.
Everyone is welcome in the gym no matter their size or athleticism. The gym is a place for anyone and everyone to workout, not just professionals who know what they’re doing.
Remember, there will be people of all shapes, sizes and experience levels. So find comfort in knowing a lot of these people are just like you.
No one is paying as much attention to you as you think
No one goes to the gym to watch and judge other people and if they do, they really shouldn’t be there.
Think about it, how often do you judge other people in the gym? The answer is probably not often if at all, and if it’s different that’s something you need to change.
So, in the same way you aren’t judging other people, other people most likely aren’t judging you.
People who go to the gym to better themselves are the people who will support you. They will be proud of you for showing up and working on yourself because they know just how hard it can be. They love seeing other people sharing their passions and improving themselves.
On the flip side, in the case that someone does judge you, they make it clear that they aren’t there to better themselves. Since they’re preoccupied focusing their attention on bringing other people down.
So why should you care what these people think? The answer is, you shouldn’t. You’re working to improve yourself, meanwhile they’re not.
You don’t have to be a professional when you’re first starting out
Everyone starts somewhere and no one expects you to start out as a pro.
Even the people you see who look like they’ve been working out for years and years will have questions and be confused on some things. And, many of them, if not all of them, started out right where you are.
How could you expect yourself to be good at something you’ve never done before? You can’t and other people won’t either.
So, don’t feel bad if you don’t know how to use a machine or do an exercise. Keep in mind that many people don’t know most things when they’re first starting. And remember there’s no shame in asking.
You can always ask a staff member or just anyone who looks friendly, approachable, and willing to help. But remember, never interrupt someone during their set. No matter how friendly they may look, no one like you coming up to them mid set and ruining their set.
Find a friend to go with you
Taking a friend with you to the gym is one of the best things you can do for yourself, especially when you’re first starting out.
Having a friend with you will make you feel so much more confident in the gym. You guys can figure things out together, laugh with each other when one of you messes up, and you’ll feel less alone.
It’s much scarier to do things, especially new things, alone than it is to do together. And, you guys can motivate each other and hold each other accountable to stay consistent.
So, trust me when I say you should bring a friend along with you to the gym.
Feel confident; You’re there bettering yourself!
When you’re walking into the gym, you should feel good about yourself! You’re there, you want to improve yourself, you’re trying. That’s something not everyone can say and it’s something to feel proud of.
You’ve already taken the first step, one of the hardest parts. Now use that momentum to get going. Have confidence in knowing that you’re doing this for you, to make your life better.