Instructor Overcoming Own Gym Anxiety Offers Five Strategies to Combat Fear of Working Out in Public Spaces
Embrace that growth mindset both on and off the mat, as it can lead to personal growth, especially in group fitness settings.
Group fitness classes like F45, which are instructor-led, can actually help reduce stress more than working out alone by removing guesswork and encouraging social support. However, for beginners, these classes can feel intimidating due to the presence of regular attendees who instinctively know the routine.
But fear not! Here are effective tips for overcoming fitness class anxiety:
Start with a Plan
Preparing a simple workout or having a clear understanding of the class format helps ease uncertainty and boosts confidence. Do your research before the class. In the case of F45, the global studio chain uses a standardized set of classes so if you search the internet for the class title you should quickly find a video preview.
Attend Off-Peak Hours
To avoid feeling overwhelmed by crowds, try going when the gym or class is less busy. This can make the experience less intimidating and more enjoyable.
Use Headphones or Music
Music can help improve mood and decrease stress, making the environment feel more comfortable. So, put on your favourite tunes and get ready to workout!
Positive Self-Talk
Reframe negative thoughts, such as shifting “I don’t know what I’m doing” to “I’m trying something new and doing my best”. This can help reduce anxiety and boost self-confidence.
Gradual Exposure
Start small, such as attending shorter classes or fewer sessions and build up to full participation at your own pace. This gradual approach can help you become more comfortable with the class format and the people.
Focus on Yourself
Recognize that others are mainly concentrating on their own workouts, not judging you. This can alleviate feelings of embarrassment or pressure.
Bring a Friend or Get a Trainer
Exercising with someone else or having professional guidance can make the experience less intimidating and more supportive. If you can't bring a friend, don't worry! Many group fitness classes encourage questions, so don't hesitate to ask the trainer for help.
Introduce Yourself
A simple "hello" to the person next to you can help both parties feel more comfortable. Participants are typically too focused on their own form and spiking heart rate to notice others.
Arrive Early
Arriving early to ask the trainer questions is recommended. This gives you the opportunity to get a feel for the class and ask any questions you might have.
Embrace a Growth Mindset
When doubt creeps in, remind yourself: you chose to be here. You have the power to control your own narrative. Embracing a growth mindset can help during challenging group fitness classes.
Remember, everyone was a beginner at some point. With these tips in mind, you're ready to conquer your fitness class anxiety and enjoy the benefits of group fitness classes!
[1] Group Fitness Classes: Anxiety and Stress Reduction [2] Overcoming Fitness Class Anxiety: A Comprehensive Guide [3] How to Prepare for Your First Group Fitness Class
Fitness classes like F45, which promote science-backed health-and-wellness through fitness-and-exercise, not only help reduce stress but also provide mental health benefits. By starting with a plan, attending off-peak hours, using headphones or music, and practicing positive self-talk, beginners can overcome fitness class anxiety. Adopting a growth mindset, gradually exposing oneself to the class, focusing on individual progress, and introducing oneself to fellow attendees can further enhance the experience. Embracing these strategies can lead to a more enjoyable and beneficial lifestyle, encompassing both home-and-garden care and fitness-and-exercise within the broader realm of health-and-wellness.
