Whether you’re a total beginner at the gym or just somebody whose anxiety comes back to visit every once in a while, gym anxiety is a very real phenomenon that unfortunately keeps many people out of the gym. After all, it’s a pretty intimidating environment, with lots of fit, muscular people grunting and making noises, doing exercises that you’ve probably never heard of in a small, cold space.
But if you have the desire to work out, there’s no reason why gym anxiety should stop you from feeling comfortable going to a place specifically created to help you get a great workout. So in the spirit of pushing yourself past your comfort zone to grow and improve yourself, here are some tips for getting over your gym anxiety.
Recognize That Nobody Cares
We all go to the gym for one reason: to work out. That means that every person you see in the gym is focused on themselves, not on you. They could care less what your body looks like, what exercises you’re doing, or if you “make a fool of yourself”. The truth is that they’re just not looking. Period.
Remember You Can Get Used to Anything
When you first walk into the gym, it’s a new, intimidating environment. You don’t feel like you belong there. But the more you go, even just a week’s worth of sessions, the more you’ll feel like you do belong there. You’ll start to get your bearings, things will feel familiar, and you’ll build a sense of comfort. It’s just a matter of time until the gym feels like your safe space, too.
