How to Overcome Anxiety at the Gym

Feelings of anxiety around going to the gym are common, and it can be a big hurdle to overcome and get yourself to a workout class. While we’ve all felt it in some way or another, what exactly is gym anxiety? Feeling nervous, intimidated, or even embarrassed to attend a workout class or exercise in a public space are all examples of gym anxiety.

On the other hand, working out can help improve your mental health, along with a variety of other benefits. Keep reading for our guide to how exercising helps anxiety and tips to overcome nerves at the gym – so that you can experience all the perks a great workout can bring.

Does exercise help anxiety?

Exercise can be an effective tool to help improve mental health as it results in the release of feel-good chemicals like endorphins and serotonin. So, while you might feel anxious about going to the gym, working through these feelings is worthwhile for those mental health rewards. Exercise can also help to improve sleep, boost self-esteem, and even reduce stress. Beyond these benefits, you might have fitness goals, like improving balance or toning your body, which can help drive you to overcome feelings of anxiety in gym and workout settings.

Tips for getting over gym anxiety

How can you overcome gym anxiety and get to a place of confidence at the gym? Well, it won’t happen overnight, and you might still feel some nerves during your first couple of workouts. One of the reasons why FS8 is so transformative is its inclusive, group fitness style that means you’re always surrounded by a like-minded, supportive community. Having that social connection at the gym can help to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Here are our top three tips for getting over gym anxiety:

1. Choose classes that fit your level of fitness and suits your needs, like yoga for anxiety and stress, or weight classes for strength building.
2. Feeling prepared can help you feel in control of your nerves, so use online resources to find out what you need for your first class.
3. Instead of fighting your nerves, accepting your feelings can be helpful to work through them.

1. Choose classes that suit your needs

FS8 workouts are designed for everyone, and their adaptable nature means both gym regulars and newcomers can be challenged. When choosing a class, evaluate your fitness goals and ask yourself what you want to get out of going to the gym. If you’re looking to support better mental health, pick classes that include elements of yoga to ease anxiety. Our Restore classes focus on slower, mindful movements and incorporate breath work which can be great for your mental health. If improving your general fitness and strength is your goal, our Cardio or Strength classes could be a better option for you. Because exercise helps anxiety, you’ll still get all the benefits for mental health while working towards your fitness goals. You can find an FS8 studio and book classes online.

2. Come prepared and talk to the trainer

Preparing for class is one of the best ways to ease anxious feelings around going to the gym. Our classes are structured to give you the most support which can really help with getting over gym anxiety. Here’s an outline of how what to expect at your first FS8 class:

• Arrive ten minutes early to meet your trainer – they’ll check you in and explain how the session will run. Let the trainer know about any worries or injuries, so they can tailor exercises to your needs.
• At the start of class, trainers will walk you through the workout, including what equipment you need and how to use it.
• During the workout TV screens will guide you through each exercise and the trainer might adjust your weights and help with form and technique.

3. Don’t fight your nerves

Being prepared for class and having support from your trainer are great ways to minimise gym anxiety, but it doesn’t mean you won’t feel some lingering nerves. The biggest thing you can do to help yourself through gym anxiety is to be accepting of your feelings. Instead of fighting your nerves, recognise that they’re a normal part of the gym experience, especially at first.

Exercise and anxiety go hand in hand in more than one way – while working out in a group setting can bring up nervous feelings, exercise itself can be incredibly helpful in reducing the experience of anxiety. So, to enjoy all the mental health benefits of exercise, acknowledge your nerves, and show up anyway.