If the thought of joining a gym makes you nervous, you’re not alone. Many people experience anxiety at the thought of stepping foot into any workout facility.
Perhaps some of these common fears sound familiar?
- Fear of the unknown
- Fear of messing up or doing something wrong
- Fear of being judged
- Fear of failing or not being perfect
- Fear of meeting new people
If you’re experiencing some of these fears and it’s holding you back from joining a gym, here are a few ways to get over the intimidation factor:
1. Fear of the unknown: Stop by and take a tour.
A lot of anxiety around joining a new gym can come from the unknown. If you don’t know what to expect, then your imagination is free to run wild, and you find yourself imagining the worst-case scenario. That worst-case scenario might be expecting a room full of ultra-fit athletes who know all there is to know about working out.
To get an idea of what you can expect, stop by the gym without the intention to work out. Meet the staff and get a tour of the facility. Not only will you be able to get your bearings, but you’ll also start to get a sense of the gym’s community.
2. Fear of messing up: Try a group class.
Let’s say you take that first step, and you make it to the gym. Then what? You might have a fear of messing up your workouts somehow.
Rather than trying to come up with a workout on your own, try a group class. Group classes eliminate workout doubt. You have a knowledgeable coach or instructor to guide you through a great workout. All you have to do is show up, pay attention, and work hard.
3. Fear of being judged: Concentrate on yourself.
Sometimes a lot of the fear and pressure around working out comes from within. That little voice inside your head starts comparing what you can do or what you look like to everyone else in the room.
The best thing you can do for yourself is to silence that critical inner voice. Concentrate on yourself and the supportive environment around you. Focus on your own goals and personal improvement.
4. Fear of failing: Focus on learning.
If it’s been a while since you’ve done anything new, you might’ve forgotten what it’s like to be a beginner – not to be the “best” person in the room. If you are afraid of making a mistake or failing in some way, shift your mindset.
When you start something new, like CrossFit, there is a lot to learn. And with the right approach, that learning process can be really fun and yield some positive results. Rather than telling yourself you must be perfect, reframe your thoughts and focus on improving.
5. Fear of new people: Bring a buddy.
For some, the anxiety of joining a new gym has to do with meeting new people. If you’re nervous about the potential of expanding your social circle, then bring a buddy. Together, you can meet new people and squash some social anxiety.
At Rhapsody CrossFit, our positive community will crush your fears and calm your anxieties. If you’ve got a fear of fitness (or CrossFit), this is the place to overcome it.
Ready to get started? Schedule your first free class at Rhapsody CrossFit in Charleston today.
