Walking into a new gym is intimidating whether you’re a certified personal trainer, a fitness enthusiast, or working toward your fitness goals. Gymtimidation is real! So, these 7 steps will help you overcome gymtimidation so you’re not afraid to step inside the gym and take the next step toward reaching your goals!
How to overcome gymtimidation
Choosing a gym is an important step in reaching your weight loss and fitness goals. Yet, it’s a hard one to take.
You mentally know you’re ready at this point, but physically doing it is intimidating.
That’s why we have the term – GYMTIMIDATION. Perhaps you’ve heard it.
A study by The Isopure Company, a protein powder maker, and OnePoll found half of Americans are intimidated at the thought of going to the gym.
It’s easy to psyche yourself out. You think of the gym as full of fitness experts, who know and understand the equipment. Your eyes, of course, focus on the toned muscles and bodies when you walk in the front door.
Give yourself a break! There are people of all shapes and sizes at the gym. It doesn’t matter what you look like. The fact that you’re at the gym, and committing to an exercise routine, is huge!
Recognize that and give yourself credit. You’re doing more than most people — and that’s getting off your coach and working on getting fit!
Ready for the steps I take when I start at a new gym? These are the steps to overcome gymtimidation!
- Scope it out first!
- Get yourself a cute outfit.
- Recruit a friend.
- Take a class.
- No one is looking at you.
- Have a plan.
- Have a rocking playlist.
1. How to scope out a gym
Normally, I’m not an advocate of just using the treadmill for warm-up BUT it can be a great way to get the lay of the land when you’re new to a gym.
Use this time to scope out a nice, quiet corner to exercise. Look for the equipment you plan to use.
If you like the TRX, which is a great total body resistance trainer, look for it. It’s often hidden in a corner in most gyms, even though it’s perhaps one of the most effective pieces of gym equipment.
Just promise yourself to get off the treadmill after 5-10 min and start crushing your fitness goals.
2. Why you need a new workout outfit
Second, get yourself a cute outfit.
You don’t have to drop a million bucks at Lulu for cute workout gear. Target has some awesome stuff and places like Ross or TJMaxx can be a gold mine!!
Feel confident and you’ll walk in with confidence.
3. Workout with a friend
Third, recruit a friend to join you on your fitness journey.
Grab your husband, best friend, neighbor or sister and drag them along with you! Usually, gyms will have a free guest pass option, day pass, or even a FREE week in some cases.
Partners are great for accountability. If that’s not an option, at least bring someone along at the beginning to help you deal with gym intimidation.
4. Why exercise classes are the bomb!
Fourth, take an exercise class. Classes are a great way to meet new people at a gym.
Doing this will help you feel more comfortable and you’ll quickly realize that everyone is there focusing on bettering themselves regardless of their size and fitness level. They’re not focused on you. They’re focused on their goals.
Plus, having a workout buddy is just the best. You’ll support each other, hold each other accountable and push each other to hit that one last rep!
5. No one is looking at you at the gym
For real. People are worried about themselves and some are too busy staring at themselves in the mirror to even notice.
Walk in that gym with confidence and know that really, no one cares. You do you, girl.
6. Have an exercise plan at the gym
Have a plan for what you are going to do before you even set foot in the gym. If it’s your first workout, choose one with minimal equipment and you won’t have to worry about how to work all those crazy machines! Stick with the free weights!
Instead of scrolling endlessly on Pinterest for the latest workouts, try one of mine. I have tons of FREE videos.
Plus, I offer a program called STRONG By Emily. You get 3 workouts a week, an accountability group, bonus workouts, access to me — a certified personal trainer, and healthy recipes.
Want workout ideas?
7. Create an awesome workout playlist
Finally, create a rocking workout playlist!
Music is everything to me when I’m working out. Put in those earbuds and zone out. You’ll be feeling the music and so in the zone that you won’t even worry about anyone around you.
Download my fav workout playlist right now via Spotify — warning… it is not a clean playlist! 🙂
Now that you’re inspired to walk into the gym with confidence, here’s how to stay motivated!