Tips On Overcoming Gym Anxiety To Empower Your Workout

Have you ever found yourself endlessly scrolling socials or finding any excuse to procrastinate about your workout? That lurch in your stomach followed by a wave of anxiety is something many of us experience, pre-gym.  You’re not alone.

We all know about the health benefits of going to the gym or a class. And we all know how great we feel after we’ve worked out. Yet sometimes that doesn’t stop that pre-gym dread!

‘Gym anxiety’ is more common than you might think. It can hold you back from achieving your fitness goals and deny you of your post-workout feel-good hormones.

As an ethical clothing company with a range of activewear, we understand the importance of feeling good both inside and out. We’re here to support your wellness journey.

In this article we’ll look at how to overcome gym anxiety.

What Is Gym Anxiety?

So, exactly what is gym anxiety and what triggers it?

In a nutshell, gym anxiety is a sense of dread or unease that arises when you think about going to the gym. Common triggers can include:

• Fear of judgement
• Performance anxiety and worrying about not being able to keep up
• Body image concerns
• Unfamiliar equipment
• Feeling out of place
• Worrying about your fitness, strength or endurance
• Making comparisons to others
• Fear of failure
• Past experiences
• Low self-esteem

Overcoming gym anxiety is important - not only for your physical health but for your mental wellbeing too.

The Importance of Overcoming Gym Anxiety

If you experience anxiety about going to the gym, it can prevent you from enjoying the following benefits:

Endorphin release

Exercise is a powerful and natural way to release endorphins - known as the ‘feel-good’ hormones - which have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. If you don’t exercise, you won’t get the post-workout ‘high’.

Improved confidence

Developing the resilience to face and overcome gym anxiety can ultimately lead to increased self-confidence, not to mention improved fitness and strength. This often spreads to other areas of your life.

Strengthening the mind-body connection

Mental clarity and improved mood often follow a good physical workout, therefore exercise is beneficial for both body and mind.

How To Overcome Gym Anxiety

Do you suffer from pre-gym anxiety? If you want to overcome the fear and swap pre-workout nerves for gym enthusiasm, follow our gym anxiety tips:

1. Start small
   A good way to start is by attending smaller, less intense workout classes or visiting the gym during off-peak hours when it’s less busy. This will allow you to find your feet without feeling intimidated by tons of other people who seem to know what they’re doing (spoiler alert: most of them probably don’t and they’re winging it too!). Remember: most people are concentrating on their own workouts and aren’t watching you!
2. Wear something that makes you feel great!
   Comfort is key to overcoming gym anxiety. Whatever your chosen activity, you need to be comfortable and dressed appropriately. Our ethical activewear is designed to do just that - more on our top clothing tips later!
3. Be organised and plan your workout
   We recommend going to the gym with a plan. Knowing what exercises you’ll do can help you stay focused and reduce anxiety.
4. Find a gym buddy
   Working out with a friend is fun. Not only can they ‘spot’ you to check your form but having a companion can help you feel supported and less self-conscious, making the experience a lot less intimidating.
5. Focus on yourself
   Staying focused on your own progress will help you achieve your goals rather than comparing yourself to others. Com parison is the thief of joy! Striving for your goals will help you stay motivated and positive.
6. Practice mindfulness
   Simple mindfulness techniques, like deep breathing, can help to manage anxiety in a variety of scenarios, including before and during gym sessions. Being present and calm will make a huge difference in how you feel.
7. Celebrate your small wins along the way
   By being consistent, you will start making progress. Recognising and celebrating your progress - however small - will help you to feel more confident about going to the gym and make it more enjoyable.

Clothing and Gym Confidence

As an ethical clothing brand, we know that wearing the right workout clothes is essential for comfort, performance and confidence.

When it comes to activewear, the right clothing can significantly improve your performance and reduce anxiety by addressing common clothing concerns:

Worried about sweat patches?

Getting sweaty is a natural and normal part of working out. However, choosing garments in the right fabrics will make a difference to how you feel.

Check out: our sleek men’s Cooling Performance Top is crafted from high-quality fabric with superior wicking properties and an antibacterial finish. You’ll feel cool and comfortable in the gym or out on your run.

Let down by your leggings?

Always choose good quality leggings that fit well and aren’t going to roll down, mid-workout. Another gym no-no is leggings that go see-through when stretched.

Check out: our Seamless Bum Sculpting Legging has contoured panels and a high waist and - most importantly - they are squat-proof!

Want to avoid awkward jiggles?

Make sure you’re wearing supportive and well-fitting gym-appropriate underwear.

Check out: our Cooling Crop Top features a sleek racerback and elasticated underband for a secure fit. Our gym crop top offers total freedom of movement and the fabric will keep you dry and comfortable to maximise your performance.

Say ‘No!’ to chafing

Tight or poorly fitting clothing, particularly around the inner thighs, underarms, and waistband, can cause painful chafing and skin irritation. Opt for garments with flat seams and smooth, friction-reducing fabrics to prevent this issue.

Check out: our entire range for seam-free pieces, chafe-resistant fabric and clothing that has been cut for comfort and freedom of movement.

Empowering You To Overcome Gym Fear

I AM ME is more than just an ethical clothing brand with a positive message. We are a community that celebrates individuality and promotes self-acceptance. Our mission is to empower our community by embracing self-care and tackling challenges like gym anxiety to be the best version of themselves.

We’re here to connect our community and normalise very human experiences, such as gym anxiety in order to overcome it. 

If you’re putting off your workout because you’re feeling that pang of reluctance, remember that every step you take towards the gym is a step towards a more confident and healthier version of you. Use the tips we’ve shared to turn gym anxiety into gym enthusiasm, and know that we’re with you every step of the way: you’ve got this!

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