‘Hey, let’s hit the gym!’ A friendly invite that can get someone’s heart to start racing and their ears start ringing; not from excitement, but rather anxiety. If you’ve dealt with this before, you probably wondered what’s wrong. It was a harmless invite but why did it make you feel nervous?
Well, a lot of us have been there.
Doing sweaty workouts surrounded by strangers in a room that isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. The mere thought can bring discomfort that hinders you from stepping inside a gym. But don’t worry — your feelings are valid because gym anxiety is a real deal.
The fear of judgment, the struggle with self-confidence, and the overwhelming feeling of an unfamiliar environment are the common reasons why people have anxiety about going to the gym. Gym anxiety could discourage them from having a healthier, more active lifestyle which could also lead to feelings of frustration and lower self-esteem.
The good news is — anyone can overcome gym anxiety! While it may not happen overnight, it can be made possible with the right coping strategies and support to feel more comfortable and fully confident in a gym environment.
What is Gym Anxiety?
Gym anxiety, also known as ‘gymtimidation’, is a feeling of worry, intimidation, or embarrassment provoked by triggers about working out at the gym. This is common and can happen to anyone, especially women.
These are the common concerns that may trigger gym anxiety.
- Lack of experience - If it’s your first time, seeing people lifting heavy weights and massive equipment you can’t put a name on is usually intimidating.
- Fear of judgment - You’re afraid of what others will think of your appearance, knowledge, ability, or current fitness level. This includes being too shy to ask for assistance on new equipment and getting embarrassed if you’ve incorrectly used a machine.
- Self-esteem issues - You’re afraid that everyone is in great shape but you; the constant comparison of your physique to others might add to your insecurities.
- Unfamiliar environment - Going to a new gym with new faces, gym area, locker rooms, and restrooms can make you uneasy. A public locker room where anyone can freely change might make you feel uncomfortable.
- Crowded gym area - A crowded indoor gym at full capacity can be uncomfortable and the large number of strangers you’d have to deal with can be overwhelming.
Gym anxiety significantly affects women. It can lead to a lack of motivation and engagement in physical exercise. Consequently, their overall physical activity decreases, their risk of having a sedentary lifestyle increases, and their mental health declines. This could lead to avoiding the gym altogether, missing out on the physical and mental health benefits of regular exercise.
What does it feel like?
Gym anxiety can manifest in several ways including feelings of self-doubt, fear of being judged, or physical symptoms such as sweating, shaking, muscle tension or rapid heartbeat. These feelings can be overwhelming and make it difficult to focus on the workout routine, leading to a less enjoyable and effective exercise experience.
Can you actually get over Gym Anxiety?
Yes, it is possible to overcome gym anxiety, though it may take time and effort. It takes a great amount of self-awareness to recognise gym anxiety is a prevailing issue and accept it for what it is. Knowing that you're not alone in this can help reduce the sense of isolation and shame. Dealing with anxiety is complex and individualized. Identifying triggers that provoke those feelings can help you develop targeted strategies to address them.
Remember, it's unrealistic to expect your anxiety about going to the gym to disappear overnight. Instead, set achievable goals at your capability. Start small, gradually build up, and be patient with yourself.
Does this affect women more than men?
Yes, women have higher chances of experiencing gym anxiety than men. This can stem from various factors women face when it comes to working out in a gym.
- Societal Pressure and Expectations - Women face greater societal pressure to conform to certain body image ideals and unrealistic beauty standards.
- Lack of Representation and Inclusivity - With male domination in the fitness industry, many gyms and workout spaces cater more to the needs and preferences of men. This can make women feel like outsiders or less welcome in the gym.
- Safety concerns - Women may feel more vulnerable in certain gym environments, especially if they are the minority gender present. This can heighten their anxiety and reluctance to fully engage in their workouts.
5 Tips on how to get over gym Anxiety
Step 1 (Prepare yourself)
- Take time to mentally prepare yourself before heading to the gym. Remind yourself of your fitness goals and the reasons why you want to work out. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation can help calm your nerves.
Step 2 (Look good = Feel Good)
- Wearing activewear that makes you feel confident and comfortable can go a long way in boosting your self-esteem at the gym. Invest in high-quality activewear like Kate Galliano Activewear, that fits well and makes you feel good about yourself. When you look good, you're more likely to feel good and confident as you exercise.
Step 3 (Bring A friend)
- A workout buddy can provide much-needed support and encouragement when easing gym anxiety. Having a friend can make the experience more enjoyable, and less intimidating, and provide motivation to stick with your fitness routine.
Step 4 (Plan your Workouts)
- Following a specific workout program or simply having a general idea of the exercises you want to do will give you a sense of direction and purpose when you're at the gym.
Step 5 (Educate yourself)
- Remember, knowledge is power. Take the time to educate yourself about different types of workouts, proper form, and how to use gym equipment. You can also consider working with a personal trainer who can provide guidance and support as you navigate the gym environment. The more you know about fitness and exercise, the more confident you'll feel in the gym.
Check out our activewear today!
Ultimately, the goal is to have a safe and supportive gym environment where everyone feels empowered and motivated to pursue their fitness goals. If you're looking for activewear that can make you push through your workouts with confidence and style, check out our collection from Kate Galliano! Don't let gym anxiety hold you back – take that first step towards feeling your best while working out.
