Overcoming Gym Anxiety
Many people want to exercise, but it creates a sense of fear of the gym as people only imagine great big bodybuilders, scary-looking machines and the possibility of falling off the treadmill! But it does not have to be like this. If you are afraid of what is inside the four walls of a gym, it is important to understand that you are not alone. Here are some tips for overcoming gym anxiety:
- Take a group fitness class
One of the easiest ways to overcome the fear of the gym is by enrolling in group fitness classes there. The beauty of these classes is that you do not need to know what you are doing as the class instructor will show you, and in the classroom, you can be sure of a welcome environment in which most people are trying a new exercise and aren’t expected to be an expert. Moreover, as long as you tell a fitness class instructor that you’re a beginner, they usually will be more than willing to help you out and give extra attention if you need it. For a friendly Gym Dublin, visit https://southsidegym.ie/
- Avoid Peak Hours, Bring Music
If you feel intimidated by the hoards of fitness addicts you imagine you’ll experience at the gym, be kind to yourself initially and intentionally avoid rush hour, as many would agree that a quieter gym is much less stress-inducing than one that’s crowded. There are certain times of the day when the most amount of people make their way to the gym – and it is usually in the morning before work, and straight after work in the evening. Gyms can often be ghost towns after 08:00, so if your schedule and your energy level allows it, try to either visit mid-day or later in the evening. By doing so, you can navigate your own routines and you can focus solely on yourself.
Additionally, when you go, take your favourite music. Putting in your ear plugs and zoning out to music can silence the gym goers around you and provide the boost you need to keep going.
- Map Out What You Do Before You Get There
Make sure you head to the gym ready with a game plan. Wandering aimlessly will only create more stress, and you might convince yourself that everyone is watching you amble around looking lost. Therefore, you should plan what you want to do in the gym even before you get there so you can make a beeline to your machine once you arrive. If you want to focus on cardio, head to one of the machines or maybe you are intent on lifting some weights, so have a routine that’s already mapped out.
- Research online
Another thing you can do to prepare for your workout is by doing some internet research so you have a better understanding of what you should be doing, how to operate the machines and how to prevent injury. The weight room is a scary place for many people, but to understand how to use the machine and what muscles they are designed to work out, will make them much less intimidating. There are many helpful tutorials on YouTube that tell you how to use the machines and how to enhance your exercise.
