Gymtimidation and How to Deal

Going to the gym can be a very daunting task.  Between not knowing exactly how to work out and seeing the already super fit people, the feeling of “gymtimidation” can seem inescapable.  But I’m here to give you some tips to overcome all that and start working out regardless of any fears or anxieties.

1. The first step is to just get in there.  Get through those doors, swipe your card, and get started.  This can seem like the hardest step, especially when you lack motivation, but soon enough it’ll be easy as pie.
2. Find some motivation.  Honestly, my motivation is gym-baes, cute outfits, and chocolate.  It’s no secret that there are hot guys at the gym, and they’re probably checking themselves out even more than you might be.  Cute outfits also help—I’m pretty convinced that half of looking like you know what you’re doing at the gym is actually the outfit you wear.  Also, if you look good, you feel good; and that’s what going to the gym is all about.  I also do it for waffles…. This is pretty self-explanatory.
3. Make or find a playlist that is full of bops.  Time and reps at the gym will fly by if you’re listening to your favorite songs, and it’ll help to get you amped up.
4. Think of a plan.  If you’re afraid of the weight room, check out the smaller free weights down by the cardio classroom (and the random other equipment to be found in and around there). If you’re not sure where to start with weights or machines, check out Instagram.  There’s plenty of “fitstagram” people out there, helping with workout plans, form, variations, and just giving general tips about the gym.  Or just do cardio—I’ve heard both girls and guys talk sh*t on cardio bunnies, but hey if that’s what you’re comfortable with, who is anyone else to judge. 
5. Find a friend to go with.  Or don’t.  I work out best alone, but plenty of other people think having a partner is the best motivator.  Figure out what works for you.
6. Do what you’re comfortable with.  Don’t worry about only using two pound weights or only making it to four reps.  Do what you can until you learn your limits, and you’re only going to get stronger.
7. Realize that no one is judging you.  Most likely, anyone else at the gym is probably just thinking of themselves.  And if someone is judging you, chances are they won’t actually talk to you, so why should you care?
8. If you’re still having anxiety, try to find the trigger for it.  It could be the gym you’re in, or the time you’re going at (especially if it’s super busy).  For a while for me, it was my headphones.  I couldn’t wear headphones when I worked out, and I still can’t wear them when I run.  To overcome that, I eventually started wearing one headphone at a time, and now I’m just over it and wear both (sometimes I’ll still have sparks of anxiety and rip them out mid-rep).  Another tip is to chew gum—I’ve heard that if you’re chewing gum, you trick your body into calming down because it thinks you’re eating, so you couldn’t possibly be in danger.  This might just be an old wives’ tale, but I believe it, and I’ll pop a piece any day I’m feeling extra jittery.

Now get in there and get working!!