Overcome ‘gymtimidation’ with five simple steps to boost your workout confidence

Aussies feeling held back by gym anxiety is more common that you might think. Check out these five ways to overcome ‘gymtimidation’.

Gym anxiety, or what is more commonly being referred to as “gymtimidation” is a real thing. At the end of 2022, the hashtag #ShyGirlWorkouts was trending massively on TikTok with 142.5 million views and counting as people gave and sought advice on how to overcome their anxiety.

Steph Claire Smith, co-founder of health and wellness app KIC, has joined the conversation and shares five ways to overcome gymtimidation so you can continue smashing your fitness goals with confidence.

1 Set up your workout corner in the gym: Gyms are busy, especially if you’re heading there during a peak time like before or after work. All you need is a little bit of space on the floor to get a workout in, and that’s the beauty of strength, ab-focused or low impact type workouts.

“Lay out a mat, grab those dumbbells, kettlebells or whatever resistance you would like to use and, voila, you’re ready to get started. Once you’ve set yourself up you’ll most likely feel more inspired to get stuck in,” Claire Smith says.

Steph Claire Smith from KIC.

2 Get your workout ready to go: Know what workout you’re going to do. Is it an upper body strength session, 20 minutes of pilates or 10 minutes of glutes? If you walk into the gym with a plan in advance, not only should the motivation kick in, but it will give you a sense of focus and determination to get that workout done.

3 Pump the tunes: Get a playlist going that will boost your mood and fire up your energy. Claire Smith recommends Energy Booster: Pop and Songs to Sing in the Car from Spotify. “They’ll be a sure way to get you in the zone,” she says.

4 Start habit stacking: This refers to accomplishing a series of small, sustainable and achievable goals and is a far more effective way to change or build on healthy habits and ensure they’re maintained in the long term. If you start creating some consistency in your gym routine you’ll also most likely become more familiar and confident with your surroundings.

Remember everyone is focused on their own workout, so you should focus on yours.

5 Focus on you: Remember, everyone is focused on their own workout and no one is paying attention to what you’re doing. “Don’t worry about what others are doing – the only person that matters in the room is you. Focus on you with your end goal in mind – to move your body and feel amazing,” Claire Smith says.

Ready to conquer gym anxiety? KIC has a 7-day free trial you can sign up via keepitcleaner.com

Originally published as Overcome ‘gymtimidation’ with five simple steps to boost your workout confidence