How to Overcome College Gym Anxiety
No one will bite, I promise.
by REESE COHEN ★ SEPTEMBER 19, 2022
Walking into the gym on the first day of freshman year was daunting. Three floors, dozens of complicated machinery, and so many people. Trust me; I wanted someone to guide me through the fear. You are definitely not alone, and there are ways to prepare yourself to walk in and out of the gym with confidence.
#1: Bring a Buddy
Bringing a friend (whether they’re an active gym-goer or not) gives you the security of not having to face the space alone. Walk on the treadmill together, listen to the same playlist, or find partner workouts. Once you go with a friend a couple of times and get acclimated, you’ll build up the confidence and routine to go by yourself.
#2: Dress to Impress–Yourself
When you look good, you feel good. Find an outfit you love that makes you excited to go to the gym. While Lululemon has popular sets, affordable and trendy workout wear can be found elsewhere. It's time to start browsing Amazon. If you feel confident in sweatpants and a t-shirt, wear that! As long as you're looking forward to putting on the outfit, you'll look forward to working out.
Credit: Pinterest
#3: A Hearty Start
Cardio can be your savior if you’re getting used to a new gym. Not just because it’s good for you but because most cardio equipment (treadmills, elliptical, stair master) are right next to the weight section. Walking on the treadmill on the first day allows you to scope out the rest of the gym, see where everything is, and get comfortable in the new space.
#4: Plan Ahead
Planning is all it takes. Go to the gym knowing your intentions and routine. If you can picture yourself grabbing the equipment and completing the workout, you can walk in with much more confidence. Whether it's in your notes app or on a piece of paper, preparation makes all of the difference.
#5: Dumbbell the Day Away
After scoping out the gym during your hot girl walk on the treadmill, grab a mat and a set of light dumbbells and find a corner to do your workout. It’s the perfect place to start strength training while keeping the workout simple and effective. No one is telling you to squat hundreds of pounds or use the complicated weight machines (just yet).
#6: Instagram Workouts FTW
When I first started going to the gym, I looked at credible influencers’ workouts to teach myself proper form (I learned everything I know from Instagram!). It also helped me prepare ahead of time when I didn’t even know where to start. Here are some of my favorite dumbbell-only Instagram workouts to get you started:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNkMMImHIZo/ - Upper body
https://www.instagram.com/p/CHIm9WaDqSw/ - Push day (shoulders, chest, triceps)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CL9vKcnlXhx/ - Pull day (back and biceps)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNnK_53J_Qz/ - Glutes
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNK1dYOlu0z/ - Legs
#7: The Judgment is All in Your Head
Believe it or not, everyone at the gym is focused on themselves. But, with so many people there at once, it can feel like all eyes are on you. Face toward the wall, listen to a hype playlist and let everyone around you melt away. Everyone is there because they want to better themselves, so if anyone judges others for that, f**k them!
#8: Nutrient Dense Meals Post-Workout
Eating a healthy, carbohydrate, and protein-rich meal post-workout is the best way to restore glycogen and aid muscle growth and recovery. Eating healthy can be simple and delicious. Some of my favorite post-workout meals are avocado toast with buffalo chicken or smoked salmon, protein shakes, yogurt with fruit, or turkey with hummus and vegetables. Fueling your body with whole foods after a workout will also make you feel strong and excited to continue your fitness journey!
Credit: Pinterest
The start of the school year can be a stressful time; don’t let the gym add to your stress! I hope these tips help you, just like they helped me love going to my school gym.
Cover Photo Credit: Pinterest