Overcome Gymtimidation: Don't Let Fear Keep You out of the Gym ...

Don’t let distraction be an issue when you go to the gym. Yes, some people are going to have beautiful physiques and look very fit. But they had to work to get that way just like you are. You’re all striving toward the same goal. Some people may be a little further along but that’s okay. Don’t let the progress of others give you gymtimidation.

Your fitness or weight loss goals are personal to you. Everyone is on their own personal journey. Don’t let yourself get wrapped up in worrying what others are thinking about you when you’re at the gym. They may notice you but truthfully, they’re most likely so focused on their own fitness routines that they probably aren’t paying much attention to you. If anyone does notice you and that fact that you’re a beginner, they’re probably applauding your efforts.

You may feel overwhelmed by how far you have to go but you’re never going to get there if you don’t begin. Once you start going to the gym and getting into a fitness routine, you’ll pick up momentum. It’s easier to keep going than it is to start going. Getting started is the hardest part but you can do it. Even if you can only walk 15 minutes on the treadmill or use the elliptical for 10 minutes, you’re doing it.

Are you nervous about changing in the locker room at the gym? You don’t have to take that option. You can come dressed to work out instead of changing there. If you’re going to the gym right after school or work, change before you leave. If you’re headed to school or work after the gym, change in the bathroom once you get there. There are ways around this gymtimidation fear.

Don’t worry about bothering the instructors with your questions. They want to help you. They don’t want to see you injure yourself or use the equipment incorrectly. You may feel a little twinge of nervousness when you ask for help but it’s temporary. And after a bit of instruction, you’ll know what you’re doing and won’t have to ask for help again.

Maybe you don’t want to go to the gym to socialize. You want to just power into your workout without the distraction of idle chit-chat. That’s okay; there’s a simple solution. Pop in your ear buds and get your workout on. Even if you’re not listening to anything, you’re giving others the message that you don’t want to talk.

It could be fear of a crowded gym that’s keeping you from going. It’s true that the gym you choose could be crowded. But you can get around this. Find out what their peak hours are and avoid them. You might consider joining a gym with 24 hour access. If you’re a night owl or an early bird, 24 hour access could certainly help you beat the crowd.

These are 7 causes of gymtimidation. What fears have kept you out of the gym? Whatever it is, you can conquer it.