To some people, it can be awkward to do almost anything when you are surrounded by a room full of strangers. When you combine that awkwardness with the embarrassment many people feel about their bodies, it is easy to see why people would be nervous about working out in public. The good news is there are ways to overcome your gym anxiety when taking group fitness classes.
Here are some things to remember.
1. Everyone is as nervous as you are.
The first thing you need to remember is almost everyone is as nervous as you are. If they say they’re not, they’re probably feeding you a white lie.
For many people, the thought of working out in public is downright scary. Those who are going to a fitness class for the first time or for the first time in many years may feel as if they will lag behind while everyone else breezes through the workout.
Fortunately, everyone else in the room is thinking the same thing you are. And halfway through class, everyone will likely be so focused on the intense workout that they will hardly notice those around them anyway.
2. Have fun. Who takes classes that aren’t fun?
Unless you are a professional bodybuilder or athlete, it probably takes extra motivation to get to the gym on time after a long day at work or school. Therefore, most people prefer to go to classes that are fun and offer an enjoyable experience.
This means the vast majority of people who you are working out with are more interested in getting a quality workout as opposed to showing off. You will generally find the instructors understand your needs and tailor their classes to ensure everyone meets their fitness goals without feeling judged.
Want to know the right foods to eat? Follow these Universal Diet Guidelines for Success
3. Make friends. Get to know those taking the class with you.
Over time, you will discover that those taking the classes with you are just regular people looking for something to do besides watch TV at night. After a few conversations, you may discover you went to the same college as someone else in your class or that you play in the same basketball league on Wednesday nights.
Once you find that you have something in common with those around you, you will start to look forward to your classes instead of dreading them. If you are truly worried you won’t hit it off with the people in your class, bring a friend or two along to ensure that you aren’t isolated from everyone else in the room.
4. Everyone has body issues that can lead to gym anxiety.
You may feel as if you are the only person in the world who feels insecure about his or her body. However, the good news is that most everyone is insecure about their body. Whether you feel that you are 20 pounds overweight and need to get rid of belly fat, or think that your skin is too pale, there is something that everyone would change about their bodies if they could.
Trying new things and meeting new people can make anyone nervous. The trick is to understand that everyone feels just as anxious as you do at first.
When you realize that everyone has body issues and different fitness goals to contend with, you will start to loosen up and develop relationships with the people around you. Slowly but surely, you will start to enjoy group fitness classes, and you will be glad you did something to create a bond with others in the class.
Also, if you find a great fitness center with individuals all striving towards the same fitness goals, then you will likely be in a non-judgmental supportive environment.
5. But anxiety makes me nervous.
“Anxiety is fear of one’s self.” – Wilhelm Stekel.
When you stop fearing yourself, it’s only a matter of time before you realize that you have nothing to fear from others. Group fitness classes are an awesome way to take advantage of a supportive, engaging fitness environment.
Take a look at these additional resources to help you along your fitness journey:
- Universal Diet Guidelines For Success
- The Ultimate Guide to HIIT Training
- Total Body Workouts for the Busy Professional
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