Approximately half of Americans experience exercise anxiety. That’s 50% of the population in the United States feel inhibited or too uncomfortable to create a regular exercise plan when around other people.
The first thing to understand is that you’re not alone. Working out around others can be a big deal, let alone being too anxious to even think about going to the gym.
If this is the case, you may suffer from social anxiety when it comes to working out. Social anxiety can make working out and maintaining a healthy lifestyle impossible, but there’s hope!
We understand how difficult it can be, so we’ve created an extensive guide on social anxiety and how to deal with it when working out. Our guide will provide the insight needed to manage your wellness journey comfortably. Read on to find out more.
How to Start Working Out With Gym Anxiety
Dealing with social anxiety at the gym can be challenging, but there are ways to manage it. Here are some effective strategies to help. With the proper support and techniques, you can gain the courage and confidence to take control of your workout options.
Manage Your Thoughts
Therapy for social anxiety disorder can help you manage the negative thoughts that keep your anxiety going. Taking the time to examine if the idea is true or false and challenging can be an effective way to replace it with a more helpful, realistic idea.
With some practice, you’ll be able to recognize when your thoughts are unhelpful and replace them with more positive, accurate ones. This can help you feel more confident in the gym. With time and effort, you can control and reduce your anxiety symptoms to pursue an active lifestyle without fear of judgment or embarrassment.
Build Your Confidence
Social anxiety is a common issue when it comes to working out. To help ease this situation, try exposing yourself to the gym environment by researching gyms and asking for a tour. Additionally, identify any triggers that could be causing your anxiety to plan ahead of time and avoid them.
Gradual Exposure
Regarding managing social anxiety when working out, gradual exposure is critical. Start with small steps: go to the gym when it’s less busy or choose times of day that will be less crowded. Research the types of workouts offered, so you have a heads-up of what to expect.
You could also bring headphones and listen to music or an audiobook while you’re exercising.
Additionally, make a hierarchy of things you’d like to accomplish – start small and, over time, mentally challenge yourself by setting achievable goals.
Looking For More Workout Tips?
Working out can be a great way to stay active, healthy, and fit – but it doesn’t have to be intimidating! With the right strategies in place, social anxiety does not need to stand in the way of achieving your fitness goals.
With practice, patience, and understanding, you can manage your anxiety so that working out becomes an enjoyable part of life.