Not everyone at Team Worx in Alexandria, VA, had gym anxiety. Those with anxiety overcame the problem and started on the road to good health and fitness. There are as many ways to defeat anxiety as there are reasons it exists. Some people are perfectionists, so facing something new can be intimidating since they know they won’t be able to do it perfectly. Hiring a personal trainer and doing one-to-one training can ease your mind. The trainer will show you the proper form first, so there’s no need to worry.
Get all your information first.
Are you worried you won’t know what to do or where to go? Before you start, ask questions. Before you sign up, ask a lot of questions. Ask for a tour of the facility and learn where everything is and the typical workout session. Check out the gym’s site online. The more information you have, the more comfortable you’ll feel on your first day.
Start slowly and work your way to a more strenuous routine.
Everyone is a beginner at some time in their life. Some people start exercise programs very young, so they don’t remember how scary it was. If you’ve never exercised before and worry you’ll look foolish or won’t be able to keep up with others, know that it will be true. Doesn’t that make you feel more anxious? Not if you realize there are always fitter people, regardless of how good you are. Most people are too focused on how to get fit or too self-conscious about what others think, to worry about you. If someone is focusing on you, aren’t they procrastinating and scared too?
Workout with a friend.
Going to a gym alone can be intimidating if you’re a beginner. However, if you go with a friend who is also a beginner, it’s more fun and less scary. If you go with a friend who already works out at that gym, they can guide you through the process and ease your fears. Joining a beginner’s group fitness class can also help ease your anxiety. Everyone in the class will be a beginner, just like you. It eases you into exercise until you feel comfortable working out alone.
- Going to the gym after an injury or illness can be intimidating. Talk to your healthcare professional first to get an okay. Use a personal trainer to modify your workout to match your fitness level.
- Find a time when the gym is less crowded. Ask the staff for help using the machines. If you have problems changing in front of others in the locker room, it’s also a time that it’s less likely to happen.
- Don’t force yourself to stay for an entire session. Do as many as you comfortably can on the first day and build on that, increasing how long you stay each time.
- Overcome the worry that you’re too out of shape. It’s why you’re going to the gym. Set a starting date and increase your activity daily to prepare for the gym.
For more information, contact us today at Team Worx Fitness
