4 Ways to Overcome Gym Anxiety, According to Weight Loss Coach Jenna Rizzo
Getting started on your fitness journey can be challenging – especially if you suffer from gym anxiety. However, you don't need to succumb to at-home workouts just because working out in a public space stresses you out. Fitness influencer and online coach Jenna Rizzo helps women lose weight and get in shape the natural way – via diet and exercise. In one of her viral social media posts, she discusses a common fear of many of her clients: Hitting the gym. "We know by now we need to lift weights to create a lean & toned body. But the gym can be scary when you're first starting out. Here's what you can do," she says in the clip.
Go During Off Days and Times
The first thing she recommends is going during off days and times. "There is no rulebook that says you have to start your fitness journey on a Monday (the busiest day). Friday nights, Saturday afternoons, and Sunday mornings are typically the dead times at the gym. Less people = less anxiety," Jenna says.
Find a Workout Buddy
You don't have to go at it alone! "Find a buddy," Jenna suggests. "This one's pretty straightforward. Having a friend with you will always take the edge off, even if they're new to the gym too."
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Have a Plan
Next, have a plan before you go. "Nothing creates more anxiety than wandering around the gym trying to think of stuff to do. Having a set plan will help you confidently move through the gym from one exercise to the next. You'll also see a lot faster progress with a plan!" Jenna says.
Remember, Most People Don't Care
Finally, she reminds us that "most people don't care" and aren't paying attention to you. "I know how it is to step into the gym and feel like all eyes are on you. But most of the time, people are wrapped up in their own world. So they're not looking at you, they're looking at themselves flexing in the mirror lol," she writes.
A Weight Loss Expert Adds That You Should Consider Asking for Help
The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, is totally on board with Jenna's suggestions. "These are some great tips for getting started at a gym," she says. "I would also add that you usually get at least one free session with a personal trainer to show you around. Often there are staff members around who you can also ask how to use equipment. If a staff member isn't around, feel free to ask someone else who looks like they are experienced to show you how to use a new piece of equipment if you aren't sure."
Related: I Lost 100 Pounds Eating Delicious Snacks Like These
And Thoroughly Plan Out Your Week of Workouts
She also agrees with the idea of having a plan. "Sit down on a Sunday and plan out the week. Which days and when will you go that week that fits into your schedule? Which days will you go to a class offered at the gym? Which are cardio days? Weight lifting days? When you know what you will do each day, it's easier to motivate yourself to get there!"
💪🔥Body Booster: On Sunday, sit down and write out your exercise plan for the week.
