‘Gymxiety’ or gym anxiety refers to feeling uneasy, anxious, or worried about attending a gym.
It’s normal to feel a little nervous or intimidated when trying something new, but don’t let that stop you from starting. Remember that everyone has to start somewhere, and no one is expecting you to be an expert from day one.
As someone who’s suffered her fair share of gymxiety, here are three things which helped me get to a place of confidence in the gym.
1 – Choosing the Right Gym for You
What do I mean by this?
One, choose a gym which meets your exercise requirements. For example, if you prefer attending group exercises classes, check a gym’s class schedule before committing. You won’t feel comfortable at a gym where you’re put off from your planned exercise routines because of the facilities, so get this in check before starting.
Second, choose a gym which makes you feel comfortable. If you’re new to the gym, you might prefer one with lots of friendly and qualified staff. You’ll find it a lot easier to attend a gym where you’re happy asking for help.
For me, Beckwith Health Club met all of the above criteria.
The staff are expertly trained and happy to help with demos, tours, and questions, while always giving you the space and privacy you need for your workouts.
It’s held the title of Harrogate’s friendliest gym for the last 22 years for a reason!
The gym is large and has great strength training equipment, which is my favourite, but it also has lots of classes. I love having a yoga studio and workout area all in one place!
Check out Beckwith’s facilities here.
2 – Starting Off with a PT
One of the reasons I had gymxiety when I started out was because I didn’t have any confidence in my routine or execution. I was brand new with strength training and felt so self-conscious about my form. For example, when I was doing deadlifts, I felt like the experienced lifters were seeing me and thinking it was all wrong.
First of all, this probably wasn’t happening because people go to the gym to focus on themselves and their own fitness journey, not yours. But, what really helped to improve my confidence was working with a PT.
After a few sessions together, we figured out an exercise routine for me to achieve my fitness goals. This meant every day I went in, I knew exactly what exercises I’d be doing, and I’d practiced them with a PT beforehand. No stressing about my form!
If you’re not sure if working with a PT is for you, Beckwith Health Club in Harrogate offers free gym inductions & goal setting sessions. Inductions involve a personal tour and demonstration of the gym’s equipment for new joiners. Goal setting sessions will set you on the right path to achieve your fitness goals. If you like it, schedule in some regular paid sessions.
Check out all these options here!
3 – Remember that everyone was a beginner once
Lastly, the main thing which will help to reduce your gymxiety is your mentality. It’s completely normal to feel the way you feel. What’s important is: remember that everyone was in your shoes at one point or another.
Every single person you’ll see at the gym started as a beginner, and had to figure it out to get where they are now. So, book in with a PT to make a plan, learn the moves, and find a gym you’re happy with. The only things left to do after are going to the gym, and focusing on your fitness journey & how good you’ll feel after those first few times.
For some more reasons why Harrogate’s friendliest gym is a fantastic gym for beginners and those with gymxiety, have a read here.
