13 Apr Suffering from Gymtimidation? Here Are the Best Ways to Beat It
If the idea of going to the gym fills you with dread, you’re not alone. The busiest months for gyms are usually January and February, as people try to get in shape after overindulging during the Christmas period. But if you’re worried about what you’ll do when you get there, don’t be – there are ways to beat gymtimidation and make your time at the gym work for you. Follow these tips and see the results for yourself!
7 Tips You Can Use to Overcome Gymtimidation
Are you anxious about going to the gym but desperately want to keep active and work out? If so, you are not alone in this regard.
There are several reasons why many people seem so intimidated by gyms. Whether it’s feeling overwhelmed by the various equipment in the gym or worried about other people’s judgement, gymtimidation is a real thing experienced by many. Gym intimidation statistics reveal that 1 in 4 people would prefer getting an injection or being in a room with a spider than going to the gym. Indeed, gymtimidation can get in the way of your fitness goals.
To help you feel confident in the gym and push you towards making progress on your fitness goals, here are 7 tips for overcoming gymtimidation.
· Plan for your trip to the gym
If it’s your first time going to a gym, it’s best to have a plan beforehand instead of deciding on a workout routine just when you’re in the gym itself. By doing so, you can avoid unexpected disruptions and situations where anxiety takes over.
You can turn to Google or YouTube to search for a list of exercises you can do. A list of exercises can help you feel more confident and prepared to tackle a day in the gym. It will also help you adapt if someone else is already using the equipment you want to use. You can even get an exercise plan tailored just for you by enlisting the services of a personal trainer.
With a clear workout plan and instructions about what you need to do, you can reduce a lot of stress. If you have a defined plan, it is easier to remain calm since there is no need to make snap decisions as you go along.
· Get familiarised with the exercises you’ll be doing
Some people may want to try out a new exercise, but they may not be able to do it in the gym due to fear or lack of confidence. A helpful solution to this is to get yourself familiarised with the exercise from the comfort of your home first. Watch videos on how to do the specific exercise and practice it. Running, Cycling, Weightlifting or Crossfit.
For visual assurance that you’re doing the exercise correctly, you can perform it in front of a mirror. Alternatively, you can also use your phone to record yourself while doing the exercise.
· Determine peak hours (so you can avoid them)
Going to the gym when it’s not as crowded can be much less intimidating. Generally speaking, the busiest months for gyms are January, May and June. You’ll find more people going to the gym in January because getting fit and setting regular workout routines are usual items in most people’s New Year’s resolution lists. May and June are when people may visit gyms more to prepare for summer.
The quietest times for gyms are when it’s late morning or midday on weekdays. Friday nights and the weekend also tend to be less busy times. Alternatively, you can also ask your gym directly to learn about their specific peak hours.
· Become familiar with the equipment you’ll be using
Part of why gyms are so intimidating is that we might not have prior knowledge about equipment or the machines in there or the layout of the gym itself. And the unknown can be scary.
So before joining a gym, request if you can have a trainer or staff show you around. This way, you can take a good look at the gym layout. To get yourself familiarised with the machines or equipment, you can watch YouTube videos for guidance.
· Go to the gym with a friend
The company of a friend can provide you with the motivation you need to stick to your workout schedule. If you’re scared to go to the gym alone, you may find that having a friend with you can reduce gymtimidation.
In terms of which friend to bring, an option is to go with someone who already goes to the gym regularly. If you have questions about the equipment or proper form, they can then give you some much-needed guidance. As an alternative, you can head to the gym with someone who’s also a beginner.
· Listen to some tunes while working out
Going with a friend to the gym is preferable for most people. But sometimes your schedules can clash, and they may not be able to accompany you all the time. So how to feel comfortable going to gym alone? Music is one solution.
Listening to tunes that get you pumped up doesn’t just serve to keep you motivated throughout your workout. It can also work as a distraction to help keep gymtimidation at bay.
So before going to the gym and working out, work on making yourself a playlist first. Listening to your favourite songs will greatly help build your self-confidence.
· Sign up for a personal trainer
Signing up for a personal trainer is a great way to become confident in your ability to perform exercises correctly. A personal trainer knows the human body and their gym inside out and will be a great guide for an introduction to the gym culture. Another benefit of a personal trainer is that they will introduce you to new exercises to build confidence, and to other users of the gym to build relationships. A great way to feel like you’re truly a part of the gym community.
Ultimately, beating gymtimidation is all about being comfortable at the gym and figuring out a routine that works best for your needs.
Take the first step to overcoming gymtimidation and visit us at VH&F.
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