I know all too well the feeling of going to the gym, looking around you full of weights scattered around the room and feeling overwhelmed. It doesn't matter if you're a newbie or if you've spent years training. The feeling of anxiety can arise in any athlete. It is normal for it to appear when you undergo a different type of training, such as strength routines if you were only a runner before.
There are days when you feel like crying. Nothing goes the way you want. You get frustrated and feel like everything is overwhelming you. Many of the athletes who suffer from this anxiety decide to abandon training and "take refuge" in what they are good at. It may be your case with strength, resistance or flexibility training. If you have been a killer runner, it is normal that you feel comfortable running a few kilometers. Just like if you have dedicated several years to the world of fitness, doing cardiovascular routines can be an ordeal.
An investigation from Duke University showed that physical exercise can be a good treatment to relieve anxiety; but there isn't much knowledge about the pressure we put on ourselves when we step out of our comfort zone in the gym. It is normal for you to be nervous at first, since you are doing something new. Above all, it can be more frustrating in athletes who have spent a lifetime training in one way, and now feel that they are failing in the new routines.
If all this sounds like you, don't worry. We give you 4 tips to relieve your anxiety in the gym.
keep an open mind
Both for sports and in general life, it is advisable to always have an open mind. For example, when we go hiking with a group, we never know how the experience is going to turn out. So it is best to always go with a smile ahead and willing to train you to everything.
Take time to learn and know the technique of the exercises. This will make you feel more confident and reduce anxiety.
Make sure you are training well
When you are a beginner at something, it is a bit difficult to know what is right and what is wrong. The best thing to do is to work with a trainer, ask as many questions as possible, and make sure your workouts have a purpose. Everything that happens in the gym has a scientific basis, so don't hesitate to tell your trainer what your goals are.
It is no longer just a question of improving your performance, but of preventing injuries.
train with a friend
Going to the gym with company is always much better to feel comfortable, safe and achieve your goals. It does not matter if you are going to train Yoga, Crossfit or boxing; A study from the University of Pittsburgh showed that 95% of those who started losing weight with friends completed the training program, compared to 76% of those who did it alone.
Are you willing to get a change?
Many times, a change can be the beginning of anxiety and stress, whether it involves physical effort or not. The first thing you should do is know if you are capable of achieving the goal you have set for yourself. The fear of success can manifest as a fear of failure. If you feel afraid of something new, you can possibly bring a positive change in your life. Don't be overwhelmed with changing your training or eating routine.