If you’re just getting started with your fitness routine, or even if you’ve been going to the gym for years, it can be easy to feel intimidated by others in the gym. One of the most common feelings of intimidation that people have at the gym is what’s commonly referred to as “gymtimidation” – being scared or nervous to go into a new environment and interact with other people. This can make exercising seem like an impossible task, but there are ways to overcome this!
Gymtimidation – What is it?
Gymtimidation is the fear of going to the gym. It can be caused by any number of things, including a bad experience at the gym or seeing other people working out. The most common cause is a lack of knowledge about how to start working out. But it doesn’t have to stay that way! Let’s take a look at some ways you can overcome your gymtimidation and get back in shape.
The causes of gymtimidation
There are many causes of gymtimidation. It can be caused by the fear of judgement, failure, getting in the way or embarrassment.
People who feel like they have to do everything perfectly will often experience this type of anxiety because their expectations are so high that they put themselves under a lot of pressure when they’re at the gym. People who get nervous before going to the gym often worry about what other people will think about them and whether or not their workout clothes look good enough for others to see them exercising in public places such as gyms or fitness classes (including Zumba).
How to overcome your gymtimidation
To overcome your intimidation, you should:
- Start off with a short workout. If you’re new to the gym and aren’t sure what to do, start with a short session that involves some cardio and strength training exercises. This will help build up your stamina so that you can push yourself further in future workouts.
- Set realistic goals for yourself based on how much time and effort you are willing to put into exercise each week. For example, suppose someone wants to lose 50 pounds in three months but only works out once per week for 30 minutes at most (or less). In that case, this goal is unrealistic because it would require too much time spent exercising compared to other activities such as sleeping or eating meals daily! On the other hand, if someone wants only to lose 10 pounds over six months but works out three times per week for an hour each time…that would still work. As long as those sessions included cardio exercises (like running) and strength training ones like lifting weights while using machines found inside gyms rather than dumbbells alone.”
Getting the support you need
If you’re intimidated by the gym, there are a few ways to get the support you need:
- Join a gym with a friend. This can be one of the best ways of overcoming your fear of going to the gym. It gives you someone who understands what it’s like, and knows what exercises are good for beginners. And most importantly, won’t judge if you have no idea what they’re talking about. Plus, they’ll probably encourage each other when one person needs motivation!
- Get a personal trainer or workout buddy. Another option is finding someone else who wants to work out at the same time as you. That way, even if one person has an off day (or just isn’t feeling up for exercising), both will still go anyway because they don’t want their partner missing out on their workout session together!
- Use online support groups. In groups like Couch To 5k or Reddit’s Fitness page, people share tips on how much weight loss has helped them overcome fears about working out in public places such as gyms/fitness centers.
Gymtimidation can be overcome by making small changes in your routine.
When you’re first starting out, it’s important to take things slow. Don’t try to change your entire routine at once, or you’ll likely end up feeling discouraged and defeated. Instead, start with the basics:
- Start with a few minutes on a treadmill or elliptical machine each day and build from there.
- Make sure you have time set aside for exercise when you wake up in the morning. This way, it becomes part of your daily routine. Not just something extra that needs to be fitted into your schedule.
- Write down some goals for yourself. This way, when you’re tempted by laziness or boredom, they’ll keep reminding you why this is important!
Conclusion
The gym can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re feeling discouraged or overwhelmed by the thought of going to the gym, remember it’s okay! You don’t have to do anything perfectly or even perfectly at all. The important thing is that you keep trying. Every day if necessary! Eventually, those thoughts stop being scary and become something positive.