5 tips from an athlete | Why are you afraid of going to the gym?

Basketball player and champion Elena Beglova is sure that we can and should work with fear. The professional athlete offered five practical tips that will help overcome embarrassment in the gym.

Why are you afraid of going to the gym?

Many people are familiar with anxiety before their first gym class. If you’re new to exercise or returning to exercise after a long break, this event can be intimidating.

«What if I look bad or use the exercise machine badly?», «What if I can’t do the exercise in front of everyone?», «What clothes should I choose?» – These and a dozen other similar questions can become a serious obstacle to achieving an ideal figure and health.

To address feelings of nervousness, you need to understand the true cause. Where does fear come from and why are you afraid? Here are four main reasons.

Fear of evaluation

Very often embarrassment is associated with fear of criticism, evaluation and condemnation. “What will people think?” – this is how a question can describe this feeling. Someone else’s opinion becomes decisive and the person feels in a vise. He cannot decide on the desired action and cannot follow his impulses.

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The fear is intensified by a feeling of shame if something goes wrong. Furthermore, starting something new is always a risk, which means the fear of the unknown or failure.

Reluctance to be the black sheep

This fear is also associated with dependence on the opinions of others. A beginner expects that, when he comes to the gym, he will find himself among trained athletes: every man is an athlete, every girl is a fit girl. Imagining yourself among “good, fit people like on a magazine cover,” it’s easy to give up.

Fear of sports equipment

If you are a beginner, it is natural to be afraid of encountering unfamiliar sports equipment. The emotion disappears as you master the sports equipment.

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Actually, getting to know a gym begins with a visit and an introductory lesson (usually free) with a trainer. “Your guide to the world of simulators” will tell you in detail about each device and describe the technique. Furthermore, an expert instructor is always present in the room.

Fear of appearing in inappropriate clothing

The fear of appearing out of place or of not being «like everyone else» still refers to dependence on the opinions of others.

Most visitors are dressed simply and comfortably. Clothing should not distract attention from activities or interfere with the normal performance of exercises.

How to face fear

Do you recognize yourself in one of the descriptions? Then it’s time to face your fears.

These five tips will help you overcome your fears.

Take advantage of the trial service

When you arrive at the gym, don’t miss a short trip and a trial session with a trainer. If you are already training, do not hesitate to ask questions to the trainer on duty. The instructor’s responsibilities include assisting customers and answering questions.

Use a personal trainer

To overcome the fear of sports equipment, initial training may not be enough. Help yourself feel comfortable by seeking professional help from an instructor. Two or three weeks of joint training are enough. The specialist will find out your goals and clarify the nuances of your health, after which he will offer you a training plan.

Come into the room and watch

Good advice for all beginners is to come to the gym, sit on the simplest exercise machine (for example, a bicycle) and watch what happens. You’ll be surprised at how little attention the people in the room pay to themselves. Nobody looks at their neighbor or points the finger at him. Everyone is focused on themselves.

Choose comfortable clothes and shoes

The best option would be the form in which you feel comfortable. A loose T-shirt or a tight top – it all depends on your inner comfort.

Find like-minded people.

Sign up to help a friend. Together it’s more fun and safer. And knowing that your friend is walking somewhere in the corridor, you will feel the lack of confidence.

Group training also helps overcome fear. Joint exercises will help you feel like part of a team and not be shy in the gym.