For years, I made excuses and refused to set foot into a gym of any sort. I was very conscious of my physique and was hesitant to work out in front of others. Every time I gained a little courage and considered investing in a gym membership, the idea of struggling through my workouts next to people who were in better shape than me made me sit right back down on the couch.

If you’re like me and are struggling with working up the courage to go to the gym, here are some tips that helped me beat my gym intimidation. 

Find a Workout Partner

One of the best ways to beat gym intimidation is to bring a friend. If your friend is a more experienced gym-goer, have him or her show you around. It also helps if your gym partner is someone who can help you with your workout, but they don’t have to be. Even if you’re both first-timers, having a friend can be an instant stress reliever and help you stay motivated.

Join a Group Fitness Class

Ranging from yoga, Zumba, cycling and so on, group fitness classes aren’t only fun but they’re a great way to make friends at the gym. Whether you’re new to the gym or attend classes regularly, you’ll be able to experience working out in a totally different light than just hitting the treadmill or lifting weights. Check out these tips for finding the perfect fitness class.

Listen to Music

Listening to music is great way to replace the stress of gym intimidation with some motivation. Listening to music can also help you drown out distractions and focus on your workout. Kick start your workout with this playlist or create your own that fits your taste.    

Trying to get in better shape? See more posts about exercise.

Go with a Workout Plan

Worried about looking inexperienced next to the regular gym goers? Do some research and map out your workout before you head to the gym. If you don’t have a plan and aren’t familiar with the equipment, you could find yourself wandering around aimlessly and adding more stress. Check out these exercises for beginners to help get you started.

Avoid Peak Hours

Check with your local gym to see what times are the busiest and try to avoid them. For many people, the addition of a crowd can add stress to your workout. People typically head to the gym before work, around lunch and after work, so try to get your workout during the in-between times.

Schedule a Session with a Personal Trainer

Gym intimidation can often stem from not knowing what to do when you get there. If you’re unsure of what you need to do to achieve your fitness goals, or if you need instruction, schedule a session with a personal trainer. Knowing what and how to work out can help ease stress at the gym and make you more motivated to go back.

Have you ever experienced gym intimidation? How did you work through it? Let us know by commenting below!

 

Get more information about specific health terms, topics and conditions to better manage your health on bcbst.com. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members can access wellness-related discounts on fitness products, gym memberships, healthy eating and more through Blue365®. BCBST members can also find tools and resources to help improve health and well-being by logging into BlueAccess and going to the Managing Your Health tab.