Overcoming your gym anxiety

So, if you like many others are just starting your journey and have recently signed up to the gym, it’s important for you to know that you will not be the only one who is new to a gym environment. Overcoming your anxiety or worries about starting is something that will gradually get better over time. You just have to trust the process and understand that it is completely ok to feel nervous. One thing you have to remember is that even signing up to the gym is a big step to make and you have already started to take control and make a difference to your life! So that in itself is a positive step forward when you are just starting out. So, let me go through a few tips and give you advice on how to overcome any worries or concerns you may have when you first start the gym.

Asking for help

To begin with, you have to accept that you will not know everything and you may not be capable of performing every exercise or know how to use every machine known to mankind. This is something that you have to accept in the early days. Instead, focus on what you can do now and work on building up your confidence and knowledge from there. Remember, every single person you see in the gym started from the beginning at some point so you are not alone.

Asking for help on exercises and how to use the equipment is one of the best things you can do when you first begin. The gym staff and personal trainers are there for a reason so don’t be afraid of approaching them for help! It is important that you use the gym safely and effectively so asking for help on any queries you have will certainly help overcome your fears. Not only that, it gives you the opportunity to learn something new and when it comes to building up your confidence and gaining results, knowledge is vital.

Have a plan

As previously mentioned in my other tips on how to get started using SMART goals, it is important that not only do you have your goals set in place, but you need to have a plan on what you are going to do when you arrive at the gym. If you have no idea where to begin or what to do, then booking sessions with a personal trainer is a great way to get you started and give you that confidence boost and will certainly get you on the right path. If financially you are not able to have sessions with a PT, then it is important you do your own research and look online for workout tips and training plans that will accommodate you and your capabilities. Do not go for the most advance training programme you can find; you have to start from the foundations first and build up from there.

Using the free weights area

Now, this is going to be something that most beginners, including me at one time, have had insecurities about before. You look over at the free weights area of the gym and it can be mostly dominated by men using the largest weights you’ve ever seen. Please note, that I am not in any way trying to generalise or give a stereotypical view on this. This is just something that is very common to see when you go to the gym. The best way to get over your fears on this is to realise that everyone in that area of the gym is wanting to better themselves and get stronger, fitter and achieve results, the same as you! Just because you may not start at the heaviest weight on the shelf doesn’t mean you are not entitled to use the equipment and floor space! The gym is for everyone so focus on what you need to do the time you are there and give 100% effort and focus into it.

Another important tip on getting over the worry of using the free weights area is to know what exercises you need to do and understand how to execute them correctly. Not knowing how to perform single arm dumbbell rows for example is ok, but in order for you to feel confident when using the free weights and entering that space is knowing how and what you are going to do.