Learn to enjoy your sweat without the stress
Does this sound familiar? You put on your workout clothes and make your way to the gym feeling proud that you’re prioritizing your health. You burst through the doors with full intention of having an amazing workout (yay!), then BAM — your mind goes:
Uh oh, someone is on the machine I wanted! What should I do?
I don’t know where else to start…
Ugh, everyone here knows what they’re doing. I’m so in the way!
Ok, maybe I can find a workout on Instagram. *scrolls through phone for 10 minutes*
I guess I can try this… but I feel like people are looking at me. Am I even doing this right?
This is awkward. I look awkward. Let’s just leave and try another day.
Enter: gym insecurity. It’s when a situation at the gym feels new and uncomfortable so your mind races through self-doubt and completely hijacks your experience. Your confidence plummets, you lose patience and ultimately, you abandon your plans.
Well dear friend, let us tell you… you are not alone. One recent study that surveyed 2,000 Americans found that 50% of people feel intimidated by the gym, or as they coined it, “gymtimidation”. Frankly, we believe that number is closer to 100% as we, a community of fitness experts, have all experienced gymtimidation at some point or another.
So how do you overcome it? Here are seven ways to say goodbye to gym insecurity so you can finally start loving your workouts:
1. Find a gym buddy
Tap into your network of friends, family and colleagues! You are bound to find someone else wanting to workout. It’s often best to find someone who has already overcome their own gym insecurities, so you can learn from them. Need a hand finding buddies? We can help – check out Team Training to get the support you need from our trainers and small member group. Or refer a friend or family member that joins and you not only get a gym buddy but you also earn a FREE Month and a Chance to Win a Trip to Mexico.
2. Write down your workout before you go
Knowing exactly what exercises you’re going to do helps take away self-doubt. You might have to shuffle the order of your workout around according to what’s available, but you will be at ease knowing you have a plan to refer back to.
3. Remember that everyone is there to work on themselves, not to judge you
While our minds might lead us to believe everyone is staring at us, the reality is everyone who’s at the gym is really only paying attention to themselves.
4. Listen to music that makes you feel like a rockstar
From big beats to fun throwbacks, plug in a playlist that brings out your energy (and your confidence). Apple Music and Spotify both offer preset ‘workout playlists’!
5. Workout during off-peak hours
Less people and more space to yourself can really help you focus on your workout rather than the environment around you. Mid-Morning, late afternoon or evenings after 8pm may have a little less traffic.
6. Ask any FITNESS PROJECT team member for help
Lean on us! Our associates are friendly, knowledgeable and happy to show you how to use the machines or answer any questions you may have. You can also request your first 3D Body Scan and Fitness Assessment for FREE or even try one of our Fitness Clinics to learn the basics. We’re here to help!
7. Commit to consistency
Ultimately, the more you show up, the quicker you will overcome gym insecurity. We recommend adding your workouts to your calendar as a repeating event!
Ready to put these tips into action? Tackle one (or all) of this list as you prepare for your next workout. Be patient with your progress and know that every bit of effort is helping you ditch gym insecurity and build gym confidence.
Remember, you get what you put into it. This is your experience, your health and your life. We believe in you, and you should too.
Need an extra push? Book a free consultation at your nearest FITNESS PROJECT.
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