How to Overcome Your Gym Anxiety with 5 Simple Tips
We all know the hardest part of starting a new fitness routine is getting yourself off the couch and to the gym. The anxiety you feel when stepping into the unknown can be hard to ignore, but overcoming it is the first step to a happier and healthier you. Gyms can be quite intimidating with their fancy equipment and perfectly chiseled members, but once you’re past the first awkward workout, it will be so much easier to continue on your fitness journey. To help you charge forward in your pursuit of a new healthy lifestyle with confidence, here are our best tips for conquering gym anxiety.
1. Research the Gym Before You Go
The key to eliminating your gym apprehension is to take away as much of the uncertainty as you can beforehand, so you can focus on crushing your workout. If you are easily overwhelmed by a new environment, then don’t go into the situation blindly. Do some research on the gym you plan to visit beforehand, so you have a better idea of what to expect when you get there. This will help you feel more confident once you arrive, as you will have some general knowledge of what you’ll be doing.
Pro Tip: Use social media to see photos of inside the gym, members working out, and more! We have some great insightful content over on the 9Round Official Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube accounts if you’re curious about our kickboxing workouts.
2. Invite a Friend to Tag Along
When in doubt, trust the buddy system. Nothing makes trying a new activity more enjoyable than doing it with your best friend. Having a punch partner by your side during this new experience can be very reassuring. We always recommend first-timers bring a friend to try the workout with them. Not only does it take some of the edge off right from the get-go, but it can also help keep you accountable for your fitness goals in the future if they become your permanent workout partner.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
There’s a reason a trainer is always on duty at 9Round! Our trainers are there to answer your questions, and to guide you through the exercises and using all the different equipment inside our studios. Be sure to ask questions about the workout before and during your sweat sesh to ensure you know exactly what to do. This will help you maximize your time and get the most out of your time in the studio, and it will help you feel more in control of the situation to help ease your anxiety.
4. Think About Your Gym Potential
When you’re working through a difficult decision, like whether or not you should go to the gym, you may find yourself imagining all of the worst possible outcomes of the situation. This can scare you out of going in the first place, and ultimately, leads you to staying home and never making progress on your fitness goals. To avoid this, simply change your perspective. Instead of focusing on the negative possibilities of going to the gym, start thinking about the best possible outcomes. Keep those potential outcomes in your mind and you’ll be more excited than anxious to hit your reps.
5. Say Goodbye to Unhealthy Comparison
The gym is not a place for comparison. You are not there to worry about other people; you’re there to make progress on your fitness goals. Everyone is working through their own fitness journey, no matter how in shape they may appear. Even when you reach your initial goals, there will be more to follow, and the process continues. That’s why it’s called a healthy lifestyle, not a healthy few months. Ditch the comparison and focus on what you need to accomplish during your workout, so you can start making progress in your fitness journey now.
It’s time to take these tips and use them to your advantage, so you can start working on your fitness goals today. Our fun, fast-paced workouts are a great way to kick your anxiety to the curb, so you can get real results fast. Come experience how 9Round helps you get stronger in 30 minutes by claiming your FREE Introductory Workout at your nearest 9Round studio! Use the link below to take the first step!
