Do you struggle to feel comfortable at the gym? Gym intimidation, also known as gym anxiety, is something we’ve all experienced at some point in our training journey. 

 

The feeling can vary from mild nervousness to debilitating anxiety that worsens the training experience, saps your motivation, and makes you doubt yourself.

 

Luckily, the gym isn’t that scary, and there are tactics you can use to make the environment more familiar and comfortable.

 

Let’s discuss.

 

1. Train At The Right Time

 

Most people who struggle with gym anxiety benefit from working out at off-peak hours. That time is typically 5 to 7 PM for most gyms because people get off work at 5 or 6 PM and hit the gym. You can ask the front desk what times are typically busiest and avoid going then.

 

The mornings are generally the least busy, but you can also go after 8 PM if that works better.

 

Alternatively, hit the gym during peak hours. Training then can be beneficial because more people are engaging in various activities you can observe. For instance, if you’re wondering how to set up and use a particular gym machine, there is a good chance someone will use it during peak hours.

 

2. Go With a Friend

 

Bringing a friend to the gym is an excellent way to feel more at ease, even if it’s your first time in that environment. It’s best to go with someone who can show you around the gym, but there is no shame in learning together.

 

The great thing about the tactic is that you can become training partners, keep one another accountable, and stay motivated to work out in the long run.

 

3. Do What Feels Familiar

 

You might not be ready to learn complex barbell lifts and use some gym machines, which is alright. We all start somewhere, and you don’t have to push yourself too hard right from the start.

 

A good way to make the gym more comfortable and familiar is to practice activities you know. For example, instead of doing the bench press, start with some push-ups; instead of doing barbell squats, learn to leg press or use the leg extension machine. 

 

Go to the gym and take it one step at a time. Warm up, jump on a cardio machine for a while, and slowly dip your toe into the weight training world. 

 

Spending time at the gym and being active is the only way to overcome anxiety. Do what feels natural and gradually introduce new exercises to your routine.

 

4. Remember Something Important

 

The gym isn’t what scares most people; it’s the people inside we are afraid of. For instance, if you struggle to figure out how to use a particular gym machine, you will feel anxious and wonder what others think of you.

 

Luckily, there is a simple way to work around the issue, and it comes down to reminding yourself of three things:

 

• People are focused on themselves and their workouts
• Many people feel self-conscious and are focused on how they appear
• The people that do notice you will applaud you because everyone remembers how scary it can be to get started

 

Everyone you see at the gym has felt anxious at some point. Remember that and focus on being active instead of constantly worrying about how you appear.

 

At XGYM, our aim is to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome at the gym. If you want to come and experience our training environment, book a walkthrough with us. We will show you around and give you a glimpse of our training culture.