how to overcome your gym anxiety
Recently, working out has become more and more of a priority for me, and going to the gym has started to feel like an escape rather than a chore. I love the way I feel in my workout clothes, love blasting my newest playlist, and the feeling in my legs after I finish a solid set. I have noticed though, just because I’ve been going to the gym more doesn’t mean I have any less gym anxiety. And the anxiety doesn’t get me when I’m on the treadmill or the stair master. This anxiety hits the minute I step foot into the back of the gym, where the weights are.
I think everyone has experienced this at some point in time. It’s feeling like every single person is watching you walk through the gym. It’s the feeling of being judged when racking weights, or the doubting yourself when you start to do a new exercise or use a new machine. It’s comparing myself to the girl next to me, who can bicep curl 25 pounds, while I’m next to her, barely able to get 10 up.
While I know that none of this is true, and no one cares how much I can bicep curl, it can still be very intimidating to walk into a certain section of the gym, or into the gym at all.
So, I’ve come up with some of my best tips and tricks to combat that gym anxiety, things that have helped me get the courage to take up space at a bench, or not be embarrassed to walk through a crowded gym.
The first and most important thing is to have a plan. I don’t feel nearly as overwhelmed when I walk into the gym, and I know what I’m doing. I feel better when I know what exercises I’m doing, what machines I need, and how long my workout is going to take me.
Second, do your research: if you know exactly what workouts you’re doing, you’ll know exactly what muscle you should be hitting and exactly how to use that machine. Nothing is worse than doing an exercise and second guessing if you’re doing it right, or, doing an exercise and hitting a completely different muscle than you’re meant to. Tik Tok has become my best friend at the gym. If I ever feel like my form is off, or if I need to actually see someone else do the exercise I am attempting, a quick search on Tik Tok usually does the job.
My third piece of advice is if you can, go with a friend: walking into a gym is 1000% less intimidating if you’re walking in with someone next to you. They kind of act as a security blanket for you, and it’s nice to walk around a big scary gym with a friend. Also, having someone with you is great for technique, and accountability. Having someone else watch my form can help me correct it if I need too, and I have noticed I’m usually able to do a little bit more weight or an extra set when I have someone cheering me on (or pressuring me, whatever you want to call it.)
Probably my most favorite tip: dress the part. I’ve noticed if I put on a banging gym fit, I feel more confident, and then feel less intimidated. If you look like you know what you’re doing, you may actually feel like you do.
Lastly, ask around: if you’re unsure of what you’re doing or if you’re doing something wrong, it never hurts to ask someone. Asking your local gym-rat for some help is never a bad idea.
The gym is a place of encouragement, where everyone going has the common goal of bettering themselves. When you remember that, the ideas of judgement and self-doubt should hopefully lessen. Everyone has to start somewhere. Everyone had to learn how to use the machines, and what the proper forms for certain exercises are. The gym is as intimidating as you let it be. You’re there to better yourself, and that’s all that matters.