We all experience it at one time: the terror of going to the gym the first time. You’re all ready to start your workout regime and then you hit that wall of fear when you think about stepping foot in the gym. Today I am going to help you get over that fear so you can walk into the gym with confidence and go get your goals. I have four tips for you, so you can get over the gym fear, get in with confidence, and get your goals. These tips are:
- Take a tour of the gym ahead of time.
- Plan your workouts.
- Find an outfit you feel comfortable and confident in.
- Adjust your mindset.
The first time I set foot in the gym I was terrified. Actually, I was terrified before I even stepped foot in the gym. Looking back my fears were so irrational, but they felt so real to me. I was afraid everyone would stare at me. I was scared people would laugh at me or judge me. I was afraid I’d mess something up, somehow break the machines or look like an idiot trying to learn how to use them. On and on the list went. Fortunately, my desire to reach my goals outweighed my fears.
I had to suck it up and figure it out. It took a while for me to fully get past my fears. I wish I’d known back then what I’ve come to learn, because it would’ve helped so much. That is why I am sharing some of the things I’ve learned that really help move through the new to the gym jitters.
Over the past 25 years that I’ve been lifting weights and going to the gym, I’ve had a few times that I had to restart going to the gym after a period of not having a membership. I’ve also helped several friends and family work through their own starting at the gym jitters. I’ve got four tips for folks wanting to start in the gym, but feeling anxious about it.
- Take a tour of the gym.
No matter which gym you decide to go to, any will offer a tour of the place. Take advantage of this as it will help alleviate some of the fears. Many people are worried about looking silly wandering around trying to find the machine they want. So a great way to eliminate many of the fears associated with going to the gym is to get a tour of the gym you plan to go to.
Take note of where everything is on the tour. Write it down or take pictures if you need to. Another great way to get more comfortable with your new gym is to take advantage of any complimentary training they may have. Not every gym does this, but some will include one or two free workouts with a trainer as a bonus for enrolling in the gym. I took advantage of this with my first gym membership, and I am so glad I did. It’s a great way to get familiar with how to use most of the machines as well as where everything in the gym is. - Plan your workouts ahead of time.
This is one of the best ways to boost your confidence about your first few weeks at the gym. Write out your workouts before you go to the gym. This way you know exactly which exercises and which machines or weights you will be using before you even walk in. Planning your workouts ahead of time also saves you time.
As you are getting started, keep it simple. Try not to overcomplicate your workouts and allow yourself time to get comfortable using the equipment and getting the form down. I find it makes a big difference to plan out all your workouts for the week and stick with that same routine for 4-6 weeks. For one thing, you don’t want to change out your exercises too often, and this gives you the time you need to master the form and increase the weight you’re lifting, before changing routines.
It’s important to keep track of your workouts. This way you know how you are progressing and when you need to adjust the weight you are lifting. I have a great fitness tracker available on Amazon that is perfect for tracking workouts as well as food and water intake. Links to my fitness trackers are here:
High Energy
I Can and I Will
Progress not Perfection - Find an outfit(s) you feel comfortable and confident in.
It may seem like what you wear to the gym is no big deal, but it makes a world of difference if you feel confident. So, if that means you go buy some new gym clothes, so be it! Just because you are going to work out, doesn’t mean you can’t also look your best in your gym clothes. If you feel confident and comfortable, it will help reduce so much of the anxiety you might feel going into the gym for the first time. - have fears or anxieties about going to the gym is because of the mindset. I shared what many of my fears were at the beginning of this. Looking at them again, they seem a little silly, especially if you really think about them. For example, the fears around people staring at you or laughing at you. How likely is that, really? And who would do that? Most people won’t and anyone who would is not worth losing any sleep over
You have to cut that fear down to size and recognize it as a reflection of what you are feeling inside about yourself doing this. I guarantee you the fears are all in your mind and none of them will come to pass. You have just as much of a right to be in that gym as anyone else. Nobody in that gym is going to be staring at you, judging you, or criticizing you. I assure you, the more time you get under your belt, you’ll realize everyone is there for the same reasons and everyone is too busy focusing on their own workouts to worry about what you’re doing. You’ll even find most people are really supportive and helpful, and you may even make some new friends in time.
So, these are four tips for getting over that fear of the gym. Once you get past these fears and anxieties and make this part of your regular routine, you’ll find it’s your favorite part of the day. I would love to hear from you, so please share your thoughts in the comments. If you find this helpful and want to continue the pursuit of faith, fitness, and joy with me, please like and subscribe. You can also find Faith Fitness Joy on Facebook and Instagram or check out the Podcast. Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you in the comments and on the socials!