5 Practical Tips for Gym Anxiety
Most people feel a little nervous about the gym at first. It's normal to be nervous about something new and unfamiliar, especially if you're not used to it or haven't ever been athletic before. But if you're feeling so anxious that you can't even step foot in the door? That's different. We know how frustrating it can be when you want to get fit but don't know where to start or how to get past your nerves long enough for it all to become second nature. So let us share our best advice for beating gym anxiety once and for all:
Get a workout buddy.
The first step to overcoming your gym anxiety is finding a workout buddy. If you're new to the gym, this may seem like an impossible task--but it doesn't have to be! There are plenty of ways that you can find someone with whom to share your workout experience:
- Find a friend who already goes to the gym or who has expressed interest in getting into shape and going with them. If you don't know anyone who fits this description, then...
- Try joining a group class at your local gym. Group classes offer both physical benefits (social support) and mental benefits (a sense of accountability). They also provide an opportunity for social interaction without putting too much pressure on yourself as an individual because everyone else is there for similar reasons and understands what it's like not knowing what exactly they're doing!
Plan your workout
Planning your workout is a great way to minimize the risk of gym anxiety.
- Plan for what you want to achieve:
If you have a goal in mind, such as "I want to lose 10 pounds," or "I want to gain muscle," then it will be easier for you when it comes time for your first workout. Having an end goal in sight will help motivate and guide your workouts so that they are more productive and fun!
- Plan for how long each session will last:
If someone has never been to a gym before, they may think that they need two hours at once just because they're going somewhere new (or maybe even because they're worried about being judged). But this isn't always true--in fact, sometimes less time than usual can actually work better than spending too much time there! You might find out after trying something out that 15 minutes of cardio was enough or even 10 minutes would've been plenty; either way though don't feel like this means there's no point in going back again because there definitely still will be next time around (and probably many more times after).
Take a class.
If you're feeling anxious about going to the gym, try taking a class. Gym classes are usually more fun than working out alone and they're a great way to meet people who share your interests. Plus, if you take an intense class like CrossFit or spin, it can be an extra source of motivation: knowing that everyone else around you is pushing themselves just as hard can help keep up your own intensity!
Listen to music.
Listening to music can help you focus, keep your rhythm and stay motivated. It's also a great way to make sure you're staying positive. If you have an upbeat song that makes you feel good, turn it up!
Find a trainer.
Finding a trainer you like can make all the difference. If you're not interested in working with one of the gym's trainers, look for a personal trainer at a local fitness studio or online. Make sure that they have experience helping people with anxiety--this is especially important if your gym offers classes led by trainers who may or may not be familiar with anxiety disorders. Yalla Protein works with many ambassadors in the UAE who are personal trainers, so have a look at our instagram page to find the right trainer for you.
If you do find someone who understands what it's like to struggle with anxiety and wants to help, then great! But keep in mind that even though they might be good at keeping you motivated, they might not always be able to explain things clearly enough for you (especially if they've never had any training regarding anxiety or have no experience with it themselves).
You can do it! Keep at it, even if you have to do something small every day.
It's not easy to overcome gym anxiety and get into the habit of working out regularly. But with some determination and commitment, you'll make progress toward your fitness goals--and feel better about yourself in the process. So don't give up! If you want to make a change in your life and overcome your fears, then do whatever it takes to stick with your new routine. You may be surprised by how quickly things start falling into place once those initial barriers begin breaking down--and before long, exercising will become second nature instead of an uncomfortable challenge every time you step foot inside a gym.
Conclusion
Good luck! Hopefully these tips will help you overcome your fear of the gym, and get you on your way to a healthier life. If you’re looking for supplements to help with your workout performance or recovery, have a look at the Yalla Protein product range.
Get a workout buddy.
The first step to overcoming your gym anxiety is finding a workout buddy. If you're new to the gym, this may seem like an impossible task--but it doesn't have to be! There are plenty of ways that you can find someone with whom to share your workout experience:
- Find a friend who already goes to the gym or who has expressed interest in getting into shape and going with them. If you don't know anyone who fits this description, then...
- Try joining a group class at your local gym. Group classes offer both physical benefits (social support) and mental benefits (a sense of accountability). They also provide an opportunity for social interaction without putting too much pressure on yourself as an individual because everyone else is there for similar reasons and understands what it's like not knowing what exactly they're doing!
Plan your workout
Planning your workout is a great way to minimize the risk of gym anxiety.
- Plan for what you want to achieve:
If you have a goal in mind, such as "I want to lose 10 pounds," or "I want to gain muscle," then it will be easier for you when it comes time for your first workout. Having an end goal in sight will help motivate and guide your workouts so that they are more productive and fun!
- Plan for how long each session will last:
If someone has never been to a gym before, they may think that they need two hours at once just because they're going somewhere new (or maybe even because they're worried about being judged). But this isn't always true--in fact, sometimes less time than usual can actually work better than spending too much time there! You might find out after trying something out that 15 minutes of cardio was enough or even 10 minutes would've been plenty; either way though don't feel like this means there's no point in going back again because there definitely still will be next time around (and probably many more times after).
Take a class.
If you're feeling anxious about going to the gym, try taking a class. Gym classes are usually more fun than working out alone and they're a great way to meet people who share your interests. Plus, if you take an intense class like CrossFit or spin, it can be an extra source of motivation: knowing that everyone else around you is pushing themselves just as hard can help keep up your own intensity!
Listen to music.
Listening to music can help you focus, keep your rhythm and stay motivated. It's also a great way to make sure you're staying positive. If you have an upbeat song that makes you feel good, turn it up!
Find a trainer.
Finding a trainer you like can make all the difference. If you're not interested in working with one of the gym's trainers, look for a personal trainer at a local fitness studio or online. Make sure that they have experience helping people with anxiety--this is especially important if your gym offers classes led by trainers who may or may not be familiar with anxiety disorders. Yalla Protein works with many ambassadors in the UAE who are personal trainers, so have a look at our instagram page to find the right trainer for you.
If you do find someone who understands what it's like to struggle with anxiety and wants to help, then great! But keep in mind that even though they might be good at keeping you motivated, they might not always be able to explain things clearly enough for you (especially if they've never had any training regarding anxiety or have no experience with it themselves).
You can do it! Keep at it, even if you have to do something small every day.
It's not easy to overcome gym anxiety and get into the habit of working out regularly. But with some determination and commitment, you'll make progress toward your fitness goals--and feel better about yourself in the process. So don't give up! If you want to make a change in your life and overcome your fears, then do whatever it takes to stick with your new routine. You may be surprised by how quickly things start falling into place once those initial barriers begin breaking down--and before long, exercising will become second nature instead of an uncomfortable challenge every time you step foot inside a gym.
Conclusion
Good luck! Hopefully these tips will help you overcome your fear of the gym, and get you on your way to a healthier life. If you’re looking for supplements to help with your workout performance or recovery, have a look at the Yalla Protein product range.
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