If you’re feeling nervous about trying a group fitness class or new gym, you’re not alone. Here’s a guide to finding your footing.
If fear holds you back from heading to the gym or trying a new movement class, you’re not alone.
According to polls, 40% of people find working out at a gym to be intimidating. Another poll of over 1000 people said that between 51 and 65% of those polled had skipped the gym due to fear of judgment. The bottom line, if you are feeling anxious, embarrassed, or fearful about setting foot in a fitness space, about half of the people there have felt the same way.
The potential to feel “gymtimidation” is only magnified for those living in bigger bodies. With classes that use fatphobic language as a motivator, equipment that only works for straight-sized individuals, and movements that only work for thin bodies, this comes as no surprise.
When you are feeling movement anxiety, the first thing to do is try to pinpoint where the anxiety is coming from.
If it’s the space, try to find a new one. Cultivating confidence and self-worth is an uphill battle if your instructor is yelling at you to “sculpt that beach body”. Finding a movement class or gym that focuses on what your body can do, not how it looks, is a wonderful first step in freeing yourself from exercise self-consciousness.
If you’re feeling nervous about doing a movement wrong or not being able to do something that others in the class can do, remember this: a good instructor will come up with variations that work for everyone in the class, and will not judge you for the variation you choose.
On the topic of instructors, if you’re brand new to fitness, or it’s been a long time and you’re just feeling overwhelmed with where to start, a personal trainer or a 1:1 session can be super beneficial. Your coach can take you through the basics, and help you find movements that work for your body so that you’re always armed with a few variations to use in group fitness environments. 1:1 sessions can also be helpful if your anxiety is stemming from a previous injury, and you’re looking for some post-injury guidance.
Not totally sure where the nerves are coming from, but know you need support? Try going to your first movement class with a friend. This will give you a little extra boost of confidence to try something new, and someone to laugh off any feelings of embarrassment or awkwardness with.
Another useful tool for combating exercise nerves: music! Whether it’s in the car on the way to the class, or putting in your headphones and turning on your favorite confidence-boosting playlist at the gym, it’s hard to listen to the voices of doubt when you have songs about being a bad b*tch blasting in your ears.
Finally, finding a group to build you up and have your back is a great idea if you’re experiencing movement space nerves. In spaces like The Garden, you can find people sharing their movement hurdles and wins, and supporting each other in facing their fears and finding movement that feels good for them. You are more than welcome to join this group, and it’s totally free to join.
Take from this whatever works for you, and leave what doesn’t. But remember, you are just as deserving of being in a fitness class as anyone else. Even if you’re benching just the bar, or aren’t sure what “engage your core” means, that is ok! You deserve a welcoming, encouraging, and safe space to move, regardless of where you are in your journey of movement. The only requirement for exercise is having a body and wanting to move it.