Do you feel like everyone in the gym is judging you for not being ripped like them? or do you feel the stare of others driving you into anxiety? Well, it’s normal to get intimidated by other people who are attending the gym, which is why gym anxiety is a very real thing that needs proper attention.
What is gym anxiety?
Head of Fitness at Fitness First, Michael Cunico, explains that “Gym anxiety is a type of social anxiety marked as a fear of social or performance situations in which a negative evaluation may occur,” The Gym anxiety is also extremely common, it does not discriminate between gender, strength, size, or fitness level. It’s also seen as a major hindrance for many people who are looking for achieving their fitness goals.
Why do people have gym anxiety?
1. Being Unsure about what to do in the gym or with the equipment present there.
2. Comparing oneself to the other people present in the gym.
3. Feeling like people are constantly judging you in the gym.
4. Feeling like you don’t belong in the gym because “you’re not ripped enough” or “you don’t visit the gym regularly”.
It is normal to have body image insecurities. And gym anxiety occurs when one starts to compare themselves with the others that are present in the gym.
How can one overcome gym anxiety?
Overcoming gym anxiety is the basic step towards getting the feeling that you are not judged and helps one to properly work towards their health goals. So how can one do it in the easiest way possible?
1. Avoid rush hours
After the morning rush & also after the lunch break not a lot of people go to the gym so are the best times for the gym.
2. Bring music
Bringing your own music is always one of the best ways to zone out other gym members. Helps one to concentrate and motivate to go harder.
3. Do your research beforehand
Roaming around the gym and being clueless about where you are going to is only going to increase your anxiety. Look around and map out what you are going to do in the gym.
4. Get a PT
If you have the budget for it, get a personal trainer. Even for the first few weeks/months is an amazing way to make you feel relaxed and comfortable about exercising and the gym in general.
