How To Overcome Gym Anxiety
If you tend to feel fearful or nervous about working out at the gym, you might have gym anxiety. Gym anxiety is a type of social anxiety that involves feelings of embarrassment and intimidation about going to the gym. Also known as "gymtimidation," gym anxiety often stems from a fear of being judged. According to Healthline, gym anxiety is actually quite common and can be triggered by a number of different factors.
For instance, if you're a beginner or have recently changed gyms, you might feel intimidated by the other gym-goers around you, especially if the gym is crowded or you don't know how to use the equipment. The prospect of changing in front of other people in a public locker room may also make you feel judged and uncomfortable. It's also not uncommon for women to feel intimidated when using the gym's weight room, since it tends to be a pretty male-dominated space.
Coping mechanisms for gym anxiety
Fortunately, there are a few helpful coping mechanisms you can use to help manage your gym anxiety. One important way to cope with gym anxiety is to build up your confidence. According to Verywell Mind, you can do this by going to the gym on a regular basis so you can get used to the environment and the equipment. It might also help to wear clothes you're the most comfortable in. This can make it easier for you to exercise and focus on the task at hand. In addition, researching the gym ahead of time might make you feel more at ease.
Another way to cope with your gym anxiety is to manage your thoughts. As it turns out, managing your negative thought process can actually help impact your behavior. You can do this by replacing your anxious thoughts with more rational ones. For instance, you might feel like everyone at the gym is watching you. If this is the case, it might be helpful for you to recognize that in reality, everyone is focused on themselves.