First day nerves? 8 tips for overcoming gym anxiety
Beginning your gym journey can be daunting, with new surroundings, unfamiliar machines and the expectation to get stuck in straight away. Remember that everyone around you once felt the same, and most people are too focused on their own goals to notice what you’re doing- though some may even offer a helping hand.
Habits don’t form overnight, and the gym is no exception. Don’t feel discouraged if progress is slow or your routine doesn’t feel solid yet, it takes time to figure out what exercises work best for you.
To help you navigate those first nerves with confidence, we’ve put together 8 useful tips.
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Go to a taster/open day
You don’t need to be thrown in the deep end - most gyms offer taster days and open days. A PT or member of staff can show you around the gym, introduce you to the machines and equipment, and build a programme for you based on your goals.
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Plan your routine before you go
Planning what machines you want to use and what exercises you want to do will make your workouts a lot more efficient and a lot less intimidating.
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Get familiar with the layout
If you don’t get the chance to attend a taster day, hop on a stairmaster or treadmill when you first arrive at the gym and familiarise yourself with your surroundings, all while putting in a quick 5/10 minutes of cardio.
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Take a friend with you
Whether they are a regular gym goer or starting out just like you, having a gym buddy can be great for providing encouragement, helping with equipment or just making the session more fun.
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Go at off-peak times
Going at quieter times for your first few sessions will make the experience more manageable. With less people and less noise, you can allow yourself to take more time on learning the machines/equipment. Certain gym apps can show you how many people are currently at your gym, which can help with planning your routines.
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Listen to music or a podcast
Having headphones in and listening to your favourite playlist or podcast can make you feel like you are in your own bubble, and feel less observed. It’s perfect for when you want to tune out and lock into your session.
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Don’t be afraid to take up space
It doesn’t matter if you’re curling 4kgs or doing warm-up stretches on a mat, take up the space you need and be confident doing it! Just because you might not be lifting as heavy as others, you deserve to take up space and get your body moving. After all, you are paying the same membership as them.
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Wear something you feel comfortable in
The last thing you want to be worrying about during workouts is whether your shorts are too tight, or your sports bra is digging into you. Clothes should make you feel comfortable and confident, and these ‘fits tick all the boxes.
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