“I can’t go to the gym until I get in better shape….”

“I need to lose weight before I get a Gym membership…”

“I’m not flexible enough for a yoga class…”

There are so many excuses to not go to the gym, a fitness class, or even exercise at home despite all the enormous health benefits. You don’t have Time, Money, Motivation and etc. However; an excuse I even found myself using was that I wasn’t “ready”, “in-shape”, or “organized” enough to make it to the gym multiple times in a week. I recently even got dressed to go to the gym, had ample amount of time, motivation, and never made it out of the parking lot since there were “Too Many” people at the gym. 😦 “But what it really came down to was that I didn’t feel good enough for the gym.”

I’m too Skinny..

I felt I looked to frail, too skinny, and too much of an amatur to exercise in front of a group of strangers. I’m no stranger to gyms or working out for that matter; but I thought what if people think I’m too weak for weight lifting, too slow for cardio, and too “out of shape” to stick with a gym membership? I was self conscious, and overwhelmed with this idea that others would be judging my body, my “Gym Skills,” and they would see my lack of confidence. Therefore; I solved the problem before if begun by not going to the gym despite my active gym membership and monthly bill.

There’s too Many People..

Large amounts of people also kept me from using my gym membership for far too long. Gym populations can be high given the time of day and year, which gave me anxiety knowing that more people may judge me and they may be using the very few machines that I use since my gym routine was very basic. Despite the fact that there are many pieces of equipment and sometimes gym populations are low–I allowed this fear to always keep me from going to the gym and improve my fitness level.

My Solution

“Just do it” -Nike

Once I started going to the gym and I tuned out my anxiety, fears, and negative thoughts, I realized that no one was worried about what I was doing, and I wasn’t focused on others. I was able to get in and out of the gym without comparing myself to others, or wondering if my treadmill neighbor thinks that I’m “fit enough” to be in the gym. I realized a few things in the process of going to the gym continuously that are helpful if you are currently dealing with Gym Anxiety that are listed Below.

10 Tips to Get Over Your Gym Anxiety

1. Self Acceptance – This is probably the most important tip I could provide, because this trumps all others. Accepting where you all within your fitness journey and the body that you are lucky to have (Yes I said Lucky) despite your outlook on your body will help diminish gym anxiety. You are lucky enough to be mobile enough to attend a gym, and get the opportunity to improve your body by getting stronger, faster, and overall healthier! Exercising is a gift so practice gratitude and be happy with your body, and know that things can only go up when you embrace yourself and love yourself enough to take care of yourself–Despite the anxiety that a gym may bring you! ❤
2. You’re Not Alone – Other Woman and Men feel anxious thoughts about the gym as well. Both women & men can feel too skinny, Fat, Weak, Inflexible, slow & etc. The gym is a placed to improve your fitness, It’s not a Sports Illustrated photo shoot!
3. Go Early – Most people know that going early to the gym is best if you don’t prefer to be around a lot of people. Joining the 5am or 6am club will definitely allow you to work out with less people and distractions, but know that this may not always be the case. Especially during the week; attending the gym at 5am or 6am can be very busy since people are exercising before they go to work. However; I have found that people are very focused on themselves at these hours, since they are most likely on a time crunch and need to workout and then head to work! Arriving before 9am may also reap the same benefits depending on your gym, but regardless gym populations shouldn’t cause you to totally deviate from your fitness goals.
4. Music Helps – High energy music may help you focus by tuning other noises out. Therefore; You stay focused on your current workout and not your neighbors. Making a playlist of your favorite high energy songs can certainly take your focus off others, and on to a nice beat.
5. New Workout Clothes Also Helps – Whether you have new shoes, new tights, joggers, jacket and etc., clean, new & comfortable, work out clothes can make exercising easier. Clothes specifically made to exercise in can be stretchy, soft, and sweat proof which enhances comfort when partaking in tuff exercise activities. Clothes can also help aid in comfort by concealing insecure areas of your body. Some people may want clingy exercise wear while others may like their clothes a bit more baggy, but either way, find what works for you.
6. Have a Plan – Have a planned workout routine in mind to execute at the gym before arriving. When gym populations are high, some equipment may be temporarily unavailable. Ensure that you have multiple options of equipment, machines, and workout space to utilize in advanced in case others are occupying your next exercise equipment or space. This way you will know exactly what you need to have and where you need to go, which can lessen potential gym anxiety. Having a plan in the gym also decreases waisted time, gets you in and out of the gym quicker which makes your gym experience much more convenient.
7. Don’t Compare – This can be unavoidable at times, but staying focused on you and your current goals for your gym session will help keep your eyes from roaming and comparing your fitness level 1 to a fitness level 10! In my opinion practicing tunnel vision at the gym is a great idea! 😀
8. Remember Everyone’s Unique – For the off chance that you do compare yourself to others in the gym who appear to be “fit”, remember that not everyone has the same fitness goals. Some people are in the gym every day lifting weights, doing cardio and etc, and though this can be healthy–that lifestyle is not for everyone. Some people want to lift light weights to tighten & tone, and some lift heavy to build and lose weight. Some people run and ride bikes to gain endurance, and others care about speed and agility. Going to the gym a few times a week or everyday is not a bad thing. Doing more or less at the gym doesn’t make you better or worse then the next gym attendee. Everyone’s goals are different and that’s okay. Just don’t forget your goals and maintaining a healthy state of mind with your fitness experience.
9. Don’t Forget Why You Started – Distractions such as physical insecurities, lack of experience and multiple people around can discourage you from exercising at a public gym, but don’t forget why you started. Stay focused on the fact that you are probably working out to become more, healthier, & happier and not to impress your gym neighbor on the stair stepper.
10. Gyms May Not be for You – Oddly enough this blog post is centered around “Gym Anxieties,” but some people may not thrive in a gym environment for many reasons. However; this shouldn’t mean that you don’t stay active or exercise. Taking fitness classes, working out at home, Playing sports, and being active throughout daily duties can also be a good workout just like the gym. And that’s okay! 🙂 Some may also prefer less intimidating gym environments like Curves for Women, or Planet Fitness Gyms (which are popping up everywhere!)

After practicing these tips (with an emphasis on self acceptance!) I was able to move past my over-thinking and anxious mind to complete and enjoy consistent workouts at my local gym. And now I hope you can too! 😉

Until Next Time,

Cheers! 😀

-Steebree Otey ❤