Do you feel a little anxious when you hit the gym? If it leaves you feeling slightly intimidated, youβre definitely not alone. But beyond the common concerns that fellow gym goers are staring at your sweat stains or whether or not youβre doing a move right, βgymtimidationβ is doing something worse: keeping a huge amount of women at home.
According to a recent survey of 1,000 people by Fitrated, a gym equipment review platform, 65% of women actually avoid the gym because theyβre afraid of being judged. And to compare, only 36% of men surveyed feel that way. Women also report skipping the gym because they feel theyβre being judged for βnot looking fit enough (55%) and because theyβre scared of being stereotyped (25%.)
Trainers like certified strength and conditioning specialistAshley Borden know that everyone else is so focused on themselves they donβt care what youβre doing, but they understand the gym anxiety. They suggest these tips to boost your confidence at the gym and crush your fear of being judged.
- Plan your workout- Donβt just walk in and wing it. Take the guesswork out of your sweat sesh by having a plan.
- Practice at home- Borden advises perfecting your form at home so you feel more confident.
- Know your equipment- If you donβt know how to use something, ask a trainer who does.
- Be a follower- Hang out in the back of your fitness class and watch the seasoned cardio queens at work until you get the hang of it.
- Report harassment- If you feel threatened or harassed in any way by members or staff, report it to management right away.
- Remember your goals -Try not to forget what makes you want to workout in the first place: to be stronger, to take care of yourself, and to get a mental health boost. Donβt let your gym anxiety get in the way of that.
Source:Fitness