Have you ever felt nervous before going to a new gym?
These feelings can be brought on when you’re not sure what to expect, says the National Academy of Sports Medicine, a fitness certification organization. “Most people feel this way the first time they step foot into a fitness facility. ‘Will everyone be more fit than me?’ ‘Will they judge me for not being as fit as them?’ ‘Am I wearing the right clothes?’ The unknown tempts your imagination to run wild and your thoughts to go into overdrive.”
How can you overcome gym anxiety? The NASP offers simple strategies:
Know before you go. Visit the gym’s website to find photos of the facility, information about staff members who may be onsite and more. Write down any questions you might have, and call or email to get the answers. You can even request a gym tour.
Change your perspective. Instead of focusing on how nervous you are, reframe your feelings as excitement. Tell yourself the experience is going to go well, and that you’ll feel better about yourself when you’ve completed your first workout.
Bring a friend. It’s even better if that friend is also a member of the facility. They can show you around and help you use equipment you’re unsure about.
Start small. Plan to work out once or twice a week, then slowly add days if you’re comfortable. As the NASP says, “You don’t have to change everything at once!”
