Simple Advice For Beginners To Overcome Your Fear Of The Gym

We have all been there. We want to get fit, we find the motivation to do so. We buy a cute gym outfit and we join a gym. Then, the anxiety hits. We are unfit, perhaps carrying excess winter weight and are too embarrassed to go to the gym. So, hanging out in a gym full of buff, fit super-freaks becomes a very daunting experience.
Here are some of the simplest ways in which you can get yourself into the gym and overcome the gym anxiety.
Focus On Yourself, Not Those Around You
You may think that everyone else in the gym is so much fitter and more confident than you but the truth is, they all had to start somewhere too.
Perhaps, they too, are feeling self-conscious – thinking everyone else around them is so much better than they are?
So, focus on yourself, not them. Put on headphones and blast your favourite music. Find a corner of the gym near the mirrors and focus on your workout, your form and your journey and ignore all the others. Truth is, most of the people in the gym are just focusing on themselves and haven’t even passed a sideways glance at you – so stop stressing!

Get A Program
There is nothing worse than going to the gym and not knowing where to start. Having a clear focus on what you will do in the session will help you feel more confident and will allow you to achieve better results.
There are plenty of apps around that can help.
I have personally tried Michelle Bridges 12WBT after having my first child. The results were AMAZING. The only thing I found was that it is very time consuming and had to give it up after returning to work. You will get fit from this though, if you have spare time.
I moved to Kayla Itsines “BBG” workout and highly recommend it. I completed this workout and continued doing it for about a year. It is a great HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) type workout for 28 minutes a day.
When I felt like a change, I moved to the “Tone & Sculpt App” by Krissy Cela. This is the one I am currently following and I love it. Fair warning after this one, you will struggle to move!!
If you aren’t ready or even willing to drop cash on a workout plan, there are plenty of free workouts on the internet. Jump onto Instagram and you’ll see thousands of workout videos to follow.
If you still don’t feel confident, speak to a personal trainer and get a gym plan made up for you. They will tailor it for your goals, whether it be cardio fitness weight loss or toning. They can also teach you how to use the equipment if needed.

Take A Friend
Join a class and take a friend. This will relieve any anxiety you might have by having a familiar face with you. Even if you just want to use the equipment, having someone you know by your side will make you feel more confident and more motivated, a win-win for both of you!
Avoid Peak Hours
If you’re feeling self conscious about going to the gym, try to avoid going during the busy periods. This is typically before and after work and weekends. If you can, go in the middle of the day when it is quieter so it is less daunting.
Women Only Gyms
A great option for women to feel more comfortable is to join a women only gym. There are plenty around so find one in your area.
Some gyms, though not all, have a “women’s only area” which is a separate room within the gym. If you’re self-conscious and starting out, this is also a good option to try.

Exercise At Home
Still not comfortable in attending your local gym? Why not start at home? There are plenty of exercises that can be done in your loungeroom which are just as effective as using the machines at the gym.
Both Kayla Itsines and Krissy Cella for instance cater for workouts at home. Just invest in a good exercise mat and a set of dumbells to start. If you want to be more advanced you can get a full gym at home and you never have to leave to get fit!
Exercise Outdoors
Is the weather nice? Why not take advantage of it and go to your local park or football oval and do your work out there!
Plenty of parks these days have exercise equipment in them so this is a great (and free!) alternative to using machine equipment at the gym. It is also the perfect opportunity to soak up some rays and get some vitamin D (but remember the wear sunscreen so you don’t wind up looking like a lobster!)
Most of all, enjoy it. Fitness is rewarding, fun and has many health benefits. Focus on your progress and reward yourself for any achievements you have made.
Keep a photo diary to track your progress. Once you start seeing results, you will be more motivated to keep going!
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