{"id":6088,"date":"2023-11-02T12:44:57","date_gmt":"2023-11-02T16:44:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/inside-rec\/?p=6088"},"modified":"2023-11-02T12:44:57","modified_gmt":"2023-11-02T16:44:57","slug":"overcoming-gym-xiety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/inside-rec\/2023\/11\/02\/overcoming-gym-xiety\/","title":{"rendered":"Overcoming Gym-Xiety"},"content":{"rendered":"

Growing up, I was always involved in some sort of athletic activity. My childhood memories are filled with dance recitals and gymnastics competitions. In high school, I was on a team in some capacity almost every season for all four years.<\/span><\/p>\n

For those who don\u2019t pursue club or college athletics, stepping into college means stepping out of organized sports and athletics. Combined with the closure of gyms during the pandemic, many of our athletic lifestyles have taken a hit in the past few years. About six months ago, I realized how much I missed being active and committed to getting involved again, only to learn that I had a new hangup: gymxiety. <\/span><\/p>\n

What is gymxiety?<\/b><\/p>\n

Have you ever walked into a gym and felt like everyone was staring at you? Do you avoid trying machines or weights because you\u2019re worried about what others will think? Are your thoughts on your outfit, hair, or others rather than the task? You might be experiencing gym-related anxiety, categorized by feelings of nervousness and intimidation. You aren\u2019t alone. <\/span><\/p>\n

From my research that I found using URI\u2019s Library database I learned that some <\/span>research <\/span><\/a>suggests that one in two Americans are intimidated at the thought of going to the gym, women experiencing anxiety at slightly higher rates. Transgender and nonbinary folks<\/span> report similar findings<\/span><\/a> at different degrees, with one study finding that 64% of self-identifying transgender gym-goers feel unwelcome at gyms due to their gender identity.  <\/span><\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s a matter of skill, inclusion, confidence, or self-doubt, anxiety does not have to stop you from pursuing your fitness goals. It\u2019s clear there are a number of barriers across the board, but the good news is that there are also solutions. <\/span><\/p>\n

Identify the Source of Your Anxiety <\/b><\/p>\n

It might be helpful to take some time to write down things about the gym that make you anxious. If you can\u2019t identify anything that may be causing your anxiety, try going to the gym not to work out, but to be mindful. Pay attention to your body and mind and see your response. Pay attention to the thoughts that cross your mind. Are you being critical of your body? Are you comparing yourself to others? Are you experiencing feelings of embarrassment? All of these are normal, but by identifying the basis of your anxiety, you can take steps that are actually specific to your stressors. This process was something that was really helpful for me. <\/span><\/p>\n

Personally, I realized my biggest anxieties were social and not knowing how to use equipment properly. Feeling like I would look stupid used to prevent me from doing anything but the treadmill. As someone more interested in heavy-weight training than cardio, this meant my anxiety was keeping me from my goals. The reality is people are going to the gym for themselves, not to judge you. The more open I got with others at the gym, the more I realized how supportive others are. I had to learn that to pursue my goals. <\/span><\/p>\n

Solutions for other common stressors: <\/b>If you are worried about how to use equipment: <\/span><\/p>\n