If you’ve experienced that sense of dread before heading to the gym, you’re not alone.
The temptation to push your session to another day on the calendar can sometimes be overwhelming, and scrolling through TikTok in the car before heading in for a workout is the sort of procrastination we’ve all been guilty of.
Sometimes, this dread can simply stem from not being bothered to workout (we’ve all been there) but it can also come from a genuine feeling of intimidation in the gym that can stop many of us from making the most of our time there.
This phenomenon, so aptly named ‘gymtimidation’, is something even the biggest fitness stars are aware of.
READ MORE: Mum explains how a three-letter word can put you to sleep in seconds
“Gym intimidation is very real,” fitness trainer and Sweat co-founder Kayla Itsines tells 9honey.
“It’s fuelled by what you see on social media and the pressure that you feel [to work out in a certain way].”
According to research commissioned by Powerade, one in eight Aussies who work out at least once a week admitted to feeling ‘gymtimidation’ stemming from a fear of being judged by others.
Thankfully Itsines says there are plenty of things we can keep in mind to overcome this fear and learn to properly enjoy our time at the gym.
For a daily dose of 9honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.
Weekly gym bill adding up? Here are some free workout ideas
First, Itsines says it’s crucial to go into the gym with a plan for what workout you will do that day. Going in blind is a surefire way to feel intimidated by all the other gym-goers who look like they know what they’re doing.
“Go in with a program and understand that program before you go into the gym,” Itsines says.
Itsines swears by the magic of music and says having your favourite tunes in your ears while at the gym can be a “huge” help.
“It’s honestly game-changing,” Itsines says.
“If you go to the gym and you don’t have your Airpods, you always want to leave.”
READ MORE: Iconic Love Actually scene Keira Knightley says is ‘creepy’
This one seems simple, but it’s a big one: Itsines says it’s important to make sure you’ve eaten something before you go to the gym.
Making sure you don’t go to the gym on an empty stomach can prevent you from feeling sick and make the gym session more pleasant overall.
Itsines says a lot of good can come out of observing what others are doing in the gym.
“Another thing I would say is look up, which is weird,” Itsines says.
“So people that go to the gym and they’re feeling intimidate, they tend to look down and keep to themselves,” Itsines explains.
“[Instead] look up and see what other people are doing during your breaks”.
Doing this, Itsines says, can help you feel better acquainted with the gym and less intimidates by those around you.
READ MORE: King says his ‘mama’ practised wearing coronation crown at bathtime
If you’re new to the gym, Itsines says asking for help can make a difference. Not only can it help significantly reduce any nerves but it can ensure you are approaching your workouts with the proper form.
“All gyms generally come with a free personal training session, use that session to get to know the gym.”
And while it may seem like an intimidating place, Itsines says most people are always willing to lend a hand so don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance when you need it.
“I’ve been doing this for that many years and I’ve never said ‘no’ to someone that has asked for help at all,” she says.
“I’ve never seen anyone reject anyone asking for help, people are more than willing to help.”
Another big thing to keep in mind, Itsines says, is that the other people at the gym are more than likely not looking at you or judging you.
“Remember that as much as you’re thinking about yourself and who’s looking at you, they’re also thinking about themselves and who’s looking at them,” Itsines says.
“Everyone’s there at the gym for themselves and they’re not there to judge, they’re there to work out and leave and I think the second that you realise that the better you feel.”
READ MORE: The best Kris Kringle gifts under $15
And finally, this is the ultimate key to overcoming gymtimidation according to Itsines – bring a friend.
Itsines has built her fitness brand off the back of group bootcamps and community events and touts the benefits of leaning on those around you.
“Get a training buddy and even if you both have absolutely no idea what you’re doing, at least you’re there together and you can help and support each other.”
READ MORE: How a bag of frozen peas could save your dog’s life
Gymtimidation is one of so many barriers that stop Aussies from achieving their health and fitness goals and Itsines, who has always put community first, wants to help as much as she can.
Itsines’ fitness brand Sweat has partnered up with Powerade Active Water to help Aussies reach their fitness goals with access to a free 6-month Sweat membership – packed with over 13,000 workouts, 60 training programs and 18 world-class personal trainers- by simply purchasing a Powerade Active Water at your local supermarket, petrol station, or convenience store.
It’s a partnership Itsines is very proud of
“I think that’s absolutely incredible because it brings communities together.”
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
