Over this past summer, I was unsatisfied with my workouts. I wasn’t feeling like I was pushing myself or seeing progress, and I wanted to do something new. Previously, going to the gym consisted of going to a cycle class or doing inclined walks on the treadmill and an ab workout. However, I soon discovered an entirely new passion: weightlifting. I always feared that if I lifted weights I would get “bulky,” but I soon learned that that’s not the case. After doing extensive research and learning all the benefits of lifting weights, I was able to develop my own routine by following fitness influencers who promote a healthy message. Although it’s not for everyone, weightlifting is a great way to build and tone muscle as well as lose weight. I have never felt better in my body or while working out than when I’m lifting weights.
However, a significant factor that held me back when I was first starting to lift was gym anxiety, or “gym-timidation.” Going to the gym can be extremely intimidating, especially in the weights section. I feared being judged by all the experienced weightlifters, who were mostly men, for my lack of strength or improper form. Here are some tips that helped me to get over gym anxiety and pursue my passion.
- Get Over the Initial Fear
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You have to realize that although it may seem intimidating, the majority of people aren’t watching you and don’t care about what you’re doing; instead, they’re just focused on themselves. And for some reason, if they are actually watching you and/or judging you, that reflects on them, because they have their own insecurities they’re projecting.
- Plan Your Workout Ahead of Time
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Come up with your workout schedule, whether that be divided into push, pull, and legs, or upper body and lower body days. I recommend, if you’re new to lifting weights, to research workouts best for your goals, watch YouTube videos to see the proper form, and practice the exercises at home before going to the gym. Try using lighter weights and build up in weight as it gets easier. I also recommend using dumbbells or the Smith Machine for exercises such as squats, deadlifts and bench press, before using a barbell.
- Know the Layout/Equipment of the Gym
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I was lucky enough to start my journey over the summer at a very small apartment gym, in which I had the facility to myself the majority of the time. This allowed me to discover the layout and equipment very easily. However, when I moved into my apartment in the fall and had a much bigger gym with a lot more people, I had to get used to it. I recommend scoping out your gym before going to actually work out, to see the machines they have and where everything is so that you can effectively plan out your workout.
- Wear Something You Feel Confident in
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Whether it’s a matching set or a big t-shirt, wearing an outfit that you feel comfortable and confident in at the gym can make the world of a difference in your workout.
- Grab a Gym Buddy
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Going with a friend is an easy way to calm your nerves. Even if both of you are equally new to lifting, you can spot each other and it’ll make both of you feel less alone.
- Stop Comparing!
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It’s easy to look at fitness influencers or other people at the gym who are lifting heavier than you or have your “ideal body.” Though you can get motivation from these people, you can’t compare, because that will only slow your progress. Focus on your growth, your progress, and getting stronger for yourself. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and you should be proud of yourself for even deciding to begin your journey. You are your only competition. If you were already content where you are, you would have nothing to strive for, and life would be unfulfilling.
So, if you’ve been debating going to the gym or lifting weights, this is your sign to push yourself and do it. Once I began researching exercises for my goals, building my routine, and feeling myself getting stronger each week, I truly went from forcing myself to workout to craving it. Next time you’re at the gym, challenge yourself to try something new (while being safe, of course). Be confident, have a positive mindset, and walk in with headphones in, volume up, laser vision, and act like you own the place.