Gymtimidation: An Eye Opener to Gym Anxiety
Stepping into a gym for many is a mix of excitement and apprehension. The prospect of physical fitness, health improvement, can be exciting but the environment of the gym could induce stress and discomfort sometimes referred to as “gymtimidation.”
In recent surveys done among 2,000 Americans, as reported by The New York Times, an astonishing 50% said that they felt anxious about joining a gym.
Brookelyn Suddell, the director of group fitness strategy and development at Crunch Fitness in New York City said that there was no discrimination when it comes to gym anxiety because it affects all kinds of people.
“Gym anxiety affects people who are young, old, male, and female,” Suddell said. She emphasized that this anxiety goes beyond ethnicities, races or ability levels.
The severity and frequency may vary from person to person, but it cannot be underestimated its effect on individuals striving for their health goals.
The Many-faced Nature of Gymtimidation
Gymtimidation encompasses different aspects and comes in various forms as per its sources.
People suffering from gym anxiety are usually concerned about their physical appearance while exercising.
In addition, misgivings concerning the gym’s layout contribute to this discomfort, along with fears connected with the overall size of the gym.
Fellow gym-goers intimidating others also have a significant impact on provoking these anxieties.
According to a 2017 report by Ace Fitness, that universal anxiety has been shown to impede individual attempts at bettering their health and fitness.
It is intense and commonly leads to people quitting their workouts prematurely or even avoiding gyms altogether.
As such, many individuals quit attending the gym implying by giving up on memberships altogether since they cannot navigate through the challenges of gymtimidation.
Strategies for Overcoming Gymtimidation
Given the prevalence of gymtimidation, numerous effective approaches have emerged in order to help individuals overcome their fears and feel comfortable within these fitness spaces.
- Unity in Insecurity: It is important to note that everyone has his/her insecurities. Most are too self-absorbed (thinking about themselves) or buried in their mobile phones therefore unintentionally ignoring what others are insecure about.
- Preparation is Key: According to the Cleveland Clinic, researching preferred workouts or classes prior to going to the gym can make it a bit more familiar and easier that way you feel confident.
- Guided Exploration: Many fitness centers offer guided tours of their establishments so that visitors can be exposed to the equipment and layout of the gym, making it less uncomfortable for them.
- Strategic Timing: For individuals struggling with gymtimidation, choosing less crowded hours can make the atmosphere more comfortable and not so overwhelming.
- Strength in Companionship: An anxious person can reduce anxiety significantly when they bring along a friend in the gym as they will provide emotional support and motivation during exercising routines.
- Embracing Group Settings: Classes or group sessions create a sense of belongingness and commonality which helps mitigate feelings of being alone or threatened.
- Persistence and Consistency: It is important to keep showing up even if initially uncomfortable. Over time, what was once daunting becomes familiar hence manageable.
Confronting Gymtimidation: Recognizing the Challenge
Addressing gymtimidation may appear impossible but often these anxieties are conquered by facing them head-on.
The first move towards acclimatizing oneself is taking that initial step into the gym environment though it is intimidating.
Consistency in attendance gradually diminishes anxiety thus making subsequent visits less scary.
In conclusion, many people who have fitness goals face “gymtimidation”. However, through mental reframing, preparation, seeking support and consistently showing up individuals can navigate through and overcome these anxieties.
By understanding that these fears are normal one may encourage those around him/her to embrace fitness thereby creating an all-inclusive environment where all people seek better health and wellbeing.
