Getting over your gym anxiety with ease

Most people who want to start working out face a significant barrier to even entering the gym - ANXIETY! It is quite natural when you are attempting something new and preconcieved notions that are instilled into us don't help at all in the process. Worry not! Follow these tips to strut into the gym with the confidence of a monkey stealing your food!

1. Start slow. Acclimatize yourself to the gym environment slowly. Start with just looking around. The next day, go inside and spend 5 minutes on the treadmill or do 2 squats and leave. If you feel like it, spend more time stretching or just looking around. Once you get comfortable with just being in the gym working out will be easier.

2. Dress comfortably. When you’re getting dressed maybe jump around or stretch to see if things poke out or get stuck or feel restrictive. As you get more comfortable with the gym and your body maybe you move from a t shirt to a tank top that you feel you can move your arms in better or track to shorts that make you feel less hot. 

3. Especially if you’re a woman in the gym it may feel like people are staring at you if you wear something 'unsanskaari' so you may choose to not wear it. Take your time finding the right balance between what you are comfortable moving in and wearing in public

4. Take headphones to the gym and keep a playlist/podcast/audiobook ready. Use audio material to shut yourself off from the world. Focus on yourself and your workout and try to ignore everything else around you. 

5. Get a friend/trainer to teach you the basics. Knowing what exercises to do or how to use the machines appropriately can make you feel more comfortable in the gym. You can alternatively take a few days to do your research and figure out how to use the machines or the right form for your exercise. 

6. Have a plan. Don’t walk into the gym without having an idea of what workout to do(unless you are trying out tip number 1 and trying to get comfortable at the gym). Have a plan even if it is as simple as I will walk on the treadmill for 15 minutes. Doing this will keep you focused on your workout more and your anxiety less.

7. Believe in yourself. You deserve to be at the gym or the park or wherever you want to work out irrespective of literally anything you think of. Remind yourself that most of your fear is in your head. 

8. Accept that you are trying something new and there will be some level of discomfort and anxiety associated with it. Remind yourself of why you’re doing this and try to push yourself a little bit. You may falter on some days. 

Walk out of the gym early or half-ass your workout just to be done with it. Every little bit counts though. Before you know it you will see a difference in your anxiety. You will get comfortable. Just give it time and most importantly don’t give up!