New Year, New Fitness Goals

You have just entered a gym facility and begin looking around to see what equipment is available. You notice the determination in the faces of others as they are exercising. You look back at the entrance to decide if you should leave. This is your second time this week you have come to the gym and immediately felt intimidated. It’s not that you don’t want to work out—it’s actually your fear of exercising in front of other people. You are not alone! This blog will examine ways you can get over that fear of exercising in front of other people, also known as, gymtimidation. We are here to provide ways to feel less intimidated in the gym! There are options if you’re an individual that prefers to work out alone or if you are someone that’s open to working out with other people.

If you are an individual that prefers to work out alone, here are a few options that will support your fitness journey and overcoming gymtimidation.

Confirm the Peak Times

If the gym facility has an area for customer service and enquiries, you can ask if they can provide the peak times for the facility. You may not have had the opportunity to frequent that specific gym and would like to know what days and times are more suitable for you. You may be an individual who recently moved into a flat with a fitness center. If your week permits, try visiting the facility at your preferred time during the week to test your comfortability.

Challenge Your Thoughts

Sometimes it is better said than done to suggest challenging your thoughts. Reminding yourself of your fitness goals and overcoming the challenge of beginning your journey is an amazing start. Speak greatness into your life and always remember that you trying is better than nothing at all. When you enter the gym facility, remember that there are people that walked in with the same mindset as you, but they chose to stay. You should choose to stay too!

Entertainment

Having a great playlist or a series to watch can be helpful in getting you through your gym session. It can also be helpful in feeling less intimated working out in front of other people. Your focus is on the entertainment, not other people. Create playlists of your favorite songs that often give you a sense of relief. As a suggestion, you may want to create a playlist specifically for stretching and conditioning to set the tone for the remainder of your workout. Some facilities have televisions readily available so that you don’t have to use your phone or tablet. Remember to always have headphones just in case.

If you are an individual that is open to working out with other people, here are a few options that will support your fitness journey and overcoming gymtimidation.

Consider Group Fitness

Group fitness can be helpful in feeling less intimidated while exercising. You build community with likeminded people through social engagement. It makes all the difference to walk into a gym facility and see a familiar face. Explore options in your area for group fitness.

Hire a Trainer

Hiring a trainer can be very helpful to your fitness journey. Not only are you holding yourself accountable, but someone else will as well. Trainers provide a structured plan for your fitness goals through one-on-one sessions. This can certainly help relieve the feeling of intimidation as you will feel supported and valued.

Ask Someone to Join You

Asking a family member or friend to join you could also be helpful. Even if it is not a long-term option, having a familiar face join your sessions can help build your confidence to exercise alone. Share with someone the benefits of setting fitness goals and how it can be beneficial to them, you may earn yourself a new workout partner!

House of GPA offers a range of services for all ages and skill levels. Located in Southwest London, we are committed to providing exceptional customer service and instruction through our individual and group sessions. Please reach out to us if you have an enquiry about our exercise facility, performing arts classes and gymnastic classes.