HOW TO COMBAT GYM ANXIETY - 2020 New to the Gym Tips

I hope you all enjoy this video going over why we get gym anxiety and what you can do to combat it! We're prepping for the move to Texas next week, and I can't wait to share with you some moving videos and the warehouse we're getting (still not final yet... but almost there!)

If you've been keeping up with me on IG, then you know that I've launched my nutrition course. It's an 8 week habit building program and I've worked on this for the better part of 2019. It's only $8/mo to join (2 payments of $8 - $16 total).

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5:12 Why you should go to the gym when even if you don't feel 'ready'
7:52 How to overcome your gym anxiety

Join our Stronger by the Day, our group training program. I run this program with thousands of other members who are lifting to gain strength, lose body fat, and feel more confident in the gym and in their lives.

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[Anonymous-fjuo]

I think my anxiety stems from the fact that I overthink anything! There are exercises i'm dying to do at the gym but I get so overwhelmed by the thought that I might not know how to use the equipment I want to use. I don't want to look clueless at the gym or spend ages with equipment trying to figure out how to use it.

[zakstephenson]

The transformation from being nervous in the gym, to being confident is so damn satisfying.

[ForTehNguyen]

plot twist: no ones really looking at you at the gym, everyone's doing their own thing, and they were once like you long ago. By showing up, you've already done better than 95% of the people out there that never show up.

[AABTBS]

2 things that really helped me as a neurotic introvert 😅💪🏼 -
1. Training without my glasses, was safe enough to see the numbers on the dumbbells yet really blur out faces and gazes, combined with headphones I was in my own sweaty little bubble.
2. - it became my best friend when started with no coach, I took a photo of weird machines and back home I searched a ''correct form'' video on every single machine I wanted to try, watched more than one video, and learned how to perform things correctly and safely, that alone built up my basic confidence as I knew I ''do not look'' like a total newbe.
if I managed so can you ladies!! xoxo

[macazootie]

when you realize it's not a competition, most people in the gym are cheering each other on, and we all belong there, the anxiety melts away

[willscottsmith]

I just disappointed myself big time! I just got a membership with Crunch fitness. I have really bad social anxiety and I’m very insecure. After 40 minutes sitting in my car, to afraid to walk in, I finally got out. I walked in and got completely overwhelmed! As I walked through the gym, completely lost, intimidated, and clueless, I started getting looks from people. I walked up to a couple of machines having no clue how they work, and don’t want to use them wrong. My heart dropped, and I turned around and casually walked out and went back to my car! It’s after 10pm which is when they’re less crowded. I’m currently still in my car in the parking lot as I type this! I’m feeling a very defeated. Don’t know if I can go back in.

UPDATE… I did go back in a little over an hour later! Once I got in there, and started actually working out, though I still felt insecure, I was able to blend in and pretend I knew what I was doing. The biggest challenge was simply walking in and beginning my workout. Hopefully now that I’ve done it, hopefully this issue won’t arise again!

[DJ-Eighty]

The thing that helped me the most was deciding I cared more about my fitness than I did about anyone else’s judgement. Great tips!

[ashleyrouthier]

It was really helpful when you made a video about how to set up a squat rack because I think one of the biggest fears is not knowing how to set something up/use a machine and you don't want to look like a fool so you just avoid them. Commercial gyms have a lot of similar equipment so having the opportunity to see how something works before you get there can really help ease some of the anxiety. Maybe there can be future videos on how to set up popular equipment like smith machines, cables, hip thrust, leg extensions etc... even though there are some deviations, they are usually similar enough to get an idea.

[jodiewetuski]

I’ve been in the gym for 10+years, I’m semi athletic, but I got a wave of anxiety when I tried to use a new machine and straight up had read the figurine demo picture next to it 8x cause I was so confused on how it worked. I ended up laughing at myself and asked another girl if she ever used the machine- she smiled and said she didn’t know either but was interested to learn so we figured it out together!

[madeleinebates]

Something that also helps is wearing a baseball cap in the gym! It physically keeps you from looking around to see if other people are judging you and keeps you focused on your exercise. Thanks for the video Meg!

[philanaemic]

I was in the gym the other week and I see a tiny, elderly asian lady walk in, stroll over to a treadmill and get to work. Nobody gives a damn about you in the gym. Be like the old lady, just get in there and do your thing.

[sarahwebber]

When I first started working out in February 2019 I felt super out of place even though I was tagging along with my boyfriend. He was trying so hard to help me bust out of my shell and be more confident and talk to people but I couldn't even leave the locker room the first time I went. Now in January of 2020, I have gone up from 110 pounds to 130, almost squatting 200lbs (I'm so close it's driving me insane!!) and actually thinking of starting my own fitness Instagram account soon. When I'm at the gym I always see people who look how I felt when I first started and it's amazing what a smile can do or even walking up to them and saying "hey, cute leggings!". The gym honestly saved me and is helping my anxiety every day thanks to my boyfriend and influencers like you <3 thank you

[dashingdreww]

For me that helped me with gym anxiety is 1.I’m literally never gonna see these people outside the gym ever 2. If they really about the fitness life they are not worried and paying attention about me

[jotun]

I regained gym anxiety when I moved to a new one. Being welcomed into the group of late night regulars really boosted my self esteem. So like Meg said, ask for a spot, get to know some of the people you see day in, day out.

[carriebolton]

I've had a gym membership for the last 3 months and haven't gone once.. and I've been so anxious. Ahhh thanks for the tips!

[RoyalDreamFit]

I had this anxiety in the past because I'm an introvert so now i have a basic home gym.

[jennweigand]

I used to get almost sick from anxiety everyday going to the gym until my love for lifting and confidence from strength helped me overcome my fear of what people think. Now going to the gym and listening to music is my favorite me time. It changed my entire life mentally, physically, emotionally etc as you said. It’s so worth pushing through those of you who are just starting out. I love seeing new people working hard and learning it makes me realize how far I’ve come. Nice tips Meg!

[bassemb]

What helped me the most to overcome gym anxiety was educating myself on basic muscular anatomy and the exercises for each. A big part of gym anxiety was standing there not knowing what I needed to do or how to do it.

[Julie]

Literally walked into a new gym today, freaked out and walked out

[bassemb]

I had so much anxiety when I tried the gym as a teen. I was gifted a membership, went for the first time, slammed a weight into a room-length mirror, and never went back for years! Haha, I'm so glad to be comfortable at gyms now!