Gym Anxiety? Try Theses Tips!
If the thought of stepping foot into a gym makes you feel anxious or uncertain, keep reading for our top 5 tips to overcome gym anxiety and step into the gym with confidence.
Whether you’re new to the gym or more experienced, gym anxiety can impact anyone at any time. Sometimes, this can be tied to a specific area, like the weights room, or even using a machine you might not be 100% confident with.
The good news is that you are not alone, and we have strategies you can implement to help you feel more confident in the gym.
1. Find a Quiet Corner
If you start to feel anxious the moment you step into the gym, take a deep breath and find a quiet corner. This could be away from the main sections of the gym to give you space to get in your zone and ease into your session. Use this space to stretch, warm up, or simply take a moment to gather your thoughts before diving into your workout.
2. Take Your Time Warming Up
We all know the importance of warming up, but putting a little extra time into your warm-up when feeling anxious can make all the difference. In your quiet corner, take time to stretch and calm your stress levels. Try some breathing exercises too—like box breathing: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts, and repeat. This can help you get in the right mindset for your workout, especially on days when you’re feeling a little extra anxious.
3. Headphones + Your Hype Playlist
It’s no secret that your favorite tunes can make or break a workout. Whether it’s going for that extra rep or hitting your PB, there’s nothing a killer playlist can’t do for your confidence in the gym. Have a few different playlists saved and see what mood you’re in when you get there. And if you’re looking for inspiration, check out Move With Us on Spotify for our favorite playlists!
4. Plan Your Workout
Ever walked into a gym and spent 30 minutes walking on the treadmill trying to decide what to train, only to move from one random machine to the next, and an hour later, you’re not quite sure what you’ve achieved? Trust us—we’ve all been there!
Often, feelings of anxiousness arise in times of uncertainty. Having a planned workout ready to go, like one from the MWU App, can be extremely beneficial in increasing your confidence and certainty at the gym. The app offers guided workouts that you can follow step-by-step, removing the uncertainty that often leads to gym anxiety. There are also a range of home workouts that utilize dumbbells and other small equipment, which you can do in a quiet corner of the gym if you’re not feeling up to moving around and using machines.
If you’re unsure about your form, the MWU App provides clear exercise descriptions and form tips to keep you on track.
5. Focus on Your Exercise at Hand, Not Others Around You
The most important tip of all: remember that everyone at the gym is focusing on themselves, not you! Keep your mind on the one exercise at hand, rather than what others are doing around you. This will help keep you grounded in the moment and remove negative thoughts like “What if people are watching me?” or “What if I’m doing this wrong?”
Visualize your goals and focus on each rep—this not only keeps you grounded but also boosts your concentration and performance. Everyone at the gym is focused on their own fitness goals, so stay focused on yours!
Gym anxiety is a completely normal response, particularly if you are new on your fitness journey. If you’ve recently joined a new gym, chat with the staff about booking a PT session where you can become acquainted with the machines and learn how to use them, as each one can be a little different.
At Move With Us, we’re committed to supporting you at every step. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to hit new milestones, we’ll provide the guidance, support, and tools you need to succeed in your journey. Ready to take the first step? Click below to start your free trial and let’s crush those fitness goals together!
