With summer in full swing, many people find themselves motivated to kickstart their fitness journey.

For some, this involves stepping into the gym and taking advantage of its extensive range of equipment and classes. However, for others, the idea of entering a gym can be daunting, leading to feelings of anxiety and self-consciousness, thinking “Will people look at me during my workout?” or “What if my form is bad? It’s embarrassing that I don’t know how to use the machines”.

If you’re one of those people, don’t worry! Everyone who is at the gym goes through the same thought process. Everyone at the gym had their first day. Everyone is there to become a better version of themselves.

Just remember that you are not alone in this fitness journey and change your mindset to think about how you will feel after hitting your goals at the gym. It's important to keep in mind that the bigger thing to think about when going to the gym is your overall personal health rather than doing specific exercises to look a certain way. Of course, it’s nice to have your physique improve as an added bonus, but the first and foremost thing is that your body will become healthier in all aspects. After a few weeks in the gym, you may see that you have a better appetite or you are consistently having bowel movements around the same time each day.

Taking your first step into the gym is definitely an action that is backed by a positive and calming mindset that you need to have. It doesn’t matter if you can’t run as fast or you can’t lift heavy weights. What matters is that you mentally prepare yourself and get to the gym. Once you are there, everything will be easy. Start simple by walking on the treadmill or even following YouTube videos for simple workouts to get accustomed to the feeling of starting your fitness routine.

Here are 5 tips that will help you forget your fear of the gym and get into a fitness routine this summer.

*It’s important to keep a positive mindset and enjoy yourself at the gym. Exercising is meant to be fun for your body.*

1. Set realistic goals

Setting realistic and achievable goals is crucial when starting a fitness journey. Avoid comparing yourself to others at the gym and focus on your own progress. Being at the gym is a time for you to work on self-improvement. You don’t know what other people’s goals are and they don’t know yours. They might’ve started their fitness journey a long time ago. So, make sure to remind yourself of this during your time at the gym. Set goals that are attainable, specific, and measurable. Whether it's running for 20 minutes on the treadmill or lifting a certain weight, these small milestones will help boost your confidence and keep you motivated.

2. Educate yourself

One of the main reasons for gym anxiety is feeling uncertain or unfamiliar with the equipment and exercises. Combat this by educating yourself beforehand. Watch tutorial videos, read fitness blogs, or consider hiring a personal trainer to guide you through your initial gym sessions. Understanding proper form and technique will not only enhance your workouts but also give you a sense of confidence as you navigate the gym floor. Don’t be embarrassed to look at yourself in the gym mirrors to make sure your form is good. Face yourself to grow at the gym.

3. Plan your workouts

Walking into the gym without a plan can be overwhelming and lead to aimless wandering or indecisiveness. Take time before each gym visit to plan your workouts. Whether it's following a specific routine or focusing on different muscle groups each day, having a clear plan will keep you focused and alleviate anxiety. Always have a Plan B. If you arrive at the gym and someone is using the machine you want to use, build some flexibility into your routine so you can do another exercise while you wait. During your first few times, it may be intimidating to ask people how many sets they have left and if you can use the machine after, so use that Plan B exercise to give you time until that machine is free. Additionally, consider going during off-peak hours when the gym is less crowded, giving you more space and reducing social pressure.

*It’s always a fun time to exercise with a friend. You can keep each other accountable for completing sets and routines and push yourselves to hit your milestones.*

4. Sign up with a buddy

If the gym is intimidating because you don’t know anyone there, have a friend come with you! Just as you are experiencing anxiety in the beginning, your friend may also be experiencing those emotions. Sign up for a membership together and you can embark on your fitness journey this summer together. When signing up for the gym with a friend, it’s important to talk through your goals. Make sure there is a mutual understanding if you do not have the same goals. Going to the gym with a friend does not mean that you must have the same workout routine as them. It’s perfectly fine to meet at the gym and then go your separate ways for the workout and come back together at the end.

*Listen to your body. Don’t force yourself to do too much if your body is exhausted. Take rest days when needed. You don’t have to go to the gym every day to feel accomplished.*

5. Focus on self-care

Remember that everyone at the gym is there for their own journey and self-improvement. People are often more focused on their own workouts than on observing others. What I realize when going to the gym is that sometimes I zone out and end up looking at random areas or people. So even when you catch someone looking, they may be zoned out and trying to recuperate rather than analyzing your routine and form.

Prioritize self-care and self-compassion. Take breaks when needed, stay hydrated, and listen to your body. Wearing comfortable workout attire that makes you feel confident can also boost your self-esteem, whether that be a cute workout set or a baggy t-shirt and sweatpants. Always remember to stretch after your workout to ensure that your muscles don’t cramp up and give proper rest after each session.

Overcoming gym anxiety may seem challenging, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can conquer your fears and embrace fitness this summer. Remember to set realistic goals, educate yourself, plan your workouts, start with group classes, and prioritize self-care.

By implementing these tips, you'll be well on your way to stepping into the gym with confidence and enjoying the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle. So go ahead, take that first step, and unlock your full potential at the gym this summer!