9 Tips For Gym Anxiety

Estimated read time: 2 minutes.

 Anxiety around the gym and exercise in general is our content theme for the first part of 2022. For people as deep in the fitness world as we are, we have fully forgotten everything it was like being new, or having not even started yet. However we fully believe that no one should find the gym or pursuing their health and fitness journey intimidating. It’s the onus of coaches and veterans of the gym life to make the environment is as open and welcoming as possible. 

With that in mind, here are 9 tips for dealing with gym/fitness anxiety.

Get our premium coaching service for just £95

​One

​ If you’re worried about the amount of people there, especially given recent events, a lot of people aren’t keen on crowded spaces. Try to go in off peak hours to start out.

two

​Misery loves company! That’s one reason why crossfit is so popular. Bring a friend, not only is it good to have company when trying something new, it’s also great for accountability.

three

Have a plan. Knowing what your session entails before you go to the gym will help you focus on the task at hand, and less on those anxious thoughts.

Get our premium coaching service for £95

Photo by Tom Hosking

---

four

​Get yourself some gym clothes that you feel confident and comfortable in. That’s different for everyone, some people enjoy leggings and crop tops, some people like a baggy crew neck.

five

Consider choosing a private facility, they’ll be less busy and you're far more likely to find a friendly welcoming community.

Learn more about our facility and community

SIX

​Remember everyone is at different points in their journey, you’re just starting out. Everyone who looks super confident and super strong also once had their first nervous steps into a gym that they didn’t know what to do with.

Get our premium coaching service for just £95

SEVEN

​If you’re able to, hire a coach or PT to help you get started and teach you some fundamentals. You’ll have a confident base knowledge of things to do, and you’ll have a plan to stick to even if you’re on your own.

Learn more about our vision on personal training

Photo by Tom Hosking

EIGHT

​Remember fitness and health is a lifelong pursuit, there is no ‘completion’. You never complete playing an instrument, or learning a language. There’s always more to learn and more to do, and none of it happens fast.

Get our premium coaching service for just £95

NINE

Research the gym you plan to go to, and it’s equipment ahead of time. Then research some exercises you can do with it will mean you are better prepared ahead of your visit.

Photo by Tom Hosking

​Hopefully some of these were of use. If you are considering starting your health and fitness journey but are feeling anxious about it, please get in touch! We’d love to have a chat and see if we can help you out. 

Author: will brown

Will is co-founder and director at Athlete Training Systems, he has a true passion for coaching and helping people reach their goals.