One of the big reasons that people avoid going to the gym is out of anxiety, fear, or inexperience. Often, the biggest roadblock that prevents people from achieving their goals happens outside of the gym. If you find yourself dreading going to the gym or feel too intimidated to even try exercising in a gym, keep reading.
Today we are going to be discussing how you can push through gym anxiety and get comfortable working out in public. Luckily, there are a lot of techniques you can use to overcome the fear often associated with entering the gym. Whether it’s working with a personal trainer in Pittsburgh to build your confidence or bringing a friend along with you, the best strategy for overcoming anxiety is the one that works for you.
Gym anxiety is very common for people just beginning their fitness journey. But, why is it so common? We’re going to be taking a look at some of the causes of gym anxiety so you can get a better idea of the specific stressors that might discourage you from visiting your local gym:
1. Inexperience
If this is your first time packing your workout clothes and heading out to the gym, it is normal to feel a little bit nervous. Trying anything new for the first time encourages a healthy amount of nervousness. The problem becomes when you get overwhelmed to enter through the front door.
2. You’re Starting at a New Gym
Just like visiting the gym for the first time, starting a new gym means encountering the unknown. It is possible you feel like your new gym might be judgemental or uncomfortable.
3. Anxiety Around Others
This is usually the most common form of gym related anxiety. People most often feel they are being judged by other gym goers or may feel uncomfortable when the gym gets too busy.
Now that we’ve discussed the root problems, it is time to move on to solutions.
Sometimes all it takes to overcome your gym-related anxiety is having a guide. If you are brand new to the gym and are having difficulty using the machines, we recommend starting with a personal trainer in Pittsburgh. When you work out with the help of a personal trainer, you can ask questions, get advice, and build your confidence until you feel ready to tackle the gym on your own.
This is a very common issue for people just starting back at the gym. It can seem like the more pressure you put on yourself in the gym, the more likely you are to succeed. However, this is not the case for most beginners. When you train with a personal trainer in Pittsburgh, you can work through your feelings and your fitness goals.
It’s pretty likely that you know someone else who is ready to hit the gym, but isn’t quite sure how to start. If you’re both a bit unsure or anxious about getting in a gym space, then team up! Doing things alone often creates more anxiety than when you decide to train with a workout buddy. So, bring a friend and allow yourselves to lift each other up — emotionally, not physically.
When you’re working with a personal trainer, often times you’ll have supplementary workouts in between your sessions. When it comes time to work out on your own, you may not feel as motivated to complete your workout. To combat this, try writing out your workout plan on a calendar. By planning your workouts ahead of time, you’ll enter the gym knowing exactly what you want to accomplish. This not only helps with managing your time both inside and outside of the gym, but it also helps with the overall effectiveness of your workout.
If you’re still nervous about going to the gym, contact X Shadyside to schedule an appointment with one of our personal trainers in Pittsburgh. As one of the top gyms in Pittsburgh, PA, X Shadyside offers a variety of training options that can help you push through a rut in your fitness journey. Whether you are interested in free weights, cardio equipment, or TRX suspension training, X Shadyside has you covered. Learn how to become a member at one of the best boutique gyms in the city today!