5 Ways To Avoid Gym Intimidation

Joining a gym for the first time can be a pretty surreal and intimidating experience no matter your age or your fitness ability. Even the fittest individual can succumb to anxious feelings when trying out a new venue or activity.

So are there ways that we can eliminate gym intimidation. The good news there is and these five tips will help you get started on your journey to a fitter and healthier lifestyle. 

5 Ways to avoid gym intimidation

1. Never compare your the start of your journey to someone who a seasoned gym junkie!

No matter how fit or strong the people filling the gym look, remember that everyone started somewhere and more often than not they felt exactly like you when they commenced their journey. The thing is we just don’t know what a person’s story is so don't let your confidence be affected by other people. Getting over the gym intimidation is your first step along your fitness journey.

2. Nobody is looking at you

Most people at the gym rarely pay attention to what's going on around them because they're too involved in what they're doing themselves. For most, working out is some of the only "me time" they get in a day, so you can guarantee that nobody will be judging or watching you - they are probably so in the zone they haven't even noticed that you're there! 

Concentrate on your training program. Count the reps, monitor your tempo, don't lose track of time in your rests - you'll soon realise that staring at other people wondering if they are staring at you becomes a futile pursuit as you just don’t have the time.

3. Remind yourself why you're there

We can't stress this enough - exercise makes you feel great. It increases serotonin levels enhances our mood and the awesome endorphins will hit you immediately afterwards! Don't let a thing like gym intimidation hold you back from chasing your goals. Remember it’s all about you and your journey.

4. Ask for help

A big factor that contributes to gym intimidation is being unsure of what actually you should be doing. Yes, there are contraptions that look super complicated but never be afraid to ask for help.

Ask someone who works at the gym, a personal trainer/coach for help... or even the person who was just using it! You never know you might even find a gym buddy. And once you know that a piece of equipment can actually help you will feel far more comfortable in your new habitat.

5. Remember that exercise doesn't have to take place in a gym!

If the above the tips still can't convince you to try a gym out, then there are plenty of ways to fit exercise into your life without joining a gym especially in this current pandemic vacuum we find ourselves in. 

And yeah, gyms aren't for everyone. Barriers can include lack of time, distance from your nearest gym or the type of gym near you might focus on elements not aligned to your goals and vision.

Never fear as there is always a solution, from group workouts to home workouts you can commence your exercise without stepping foot in a gym…EVER!!!

In summary don't let gyms intimidate you - focus on WHY you're there and WHAT it's doing for you. Don't let anyone stop you and keep moving along your fitness journey.

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