Whether you call it Gymphobia or gym phobia there is no doubt that for many people it is real and can be a significant problem. As the name suggest, Gymphobia is effectively a fear of working out at the gym in front of other people. There are also various other phobias, more likely social phobias, which can be connected but in this instance we will look at gym phobia and what it actually entails.
Working out in front of other people
While there are other issues to take into consideration, gym phobia revolves around a fear of working out in the gym in front of other people. If you take a step back and look at this from a distance, by far and away the vast majority of people in the gym are working on their own fitness and not interested in you. They may be on a lunch break, catching some exercise in the evening or perhaps improving their fitness before going to work. However, for those suffering Gymphobia it can bring about not only a mental but also a physical reaction.
Fear of making a fool of yourself
Once you have been to the gym a few times you will have no problems using the machinery and making the relevant adjustments for your size, weight and exercise regime. The problem in the early days is simple; if you don’t know how to use the machinery then this can prompt a degree of gym phobia and bring on excess sweating and a potential panic attack. There is a simple solution to this element of the phobia……
When you join any gym you will be offered, in many cases required to take, an introductory period by one of the gym instructors. During this demonstration they will show you how to use the machines, how to make the adjustments and also make themselves available as and when required. Don’t forget, if you were to receive an injury while in the gym and it was found that the gym owner was negligent, they would be liable for potential compensation. So, take the introductory tour, take all of the advice from the gym instructors and if you need any help, simply shout out.
Body shaming is unhelpful
You will also find that many of those who suffer from Gymphobia are extremely conscious of their own physique especially compared to the dedicated fitness geeks was slim, toned bodies and able to wear any type of clothing. While there are instances of body shaming in real life and online, in many ways, those suffering from Gymphobia build up their own type of body shaming when perhaps others have no interest whatsoever. Yes, we are all different physically but we are all different mentally and just because somebody has a toned body, and exercises regularly, doesn’t mean they look down on you in any way shape or form.
It is also vital to wear clothing that you feel comfortable in, not clothing which makes you conscious and can bring up not only gym phobia but a whole range of other social phobias. You are not there to impress your neighbours, not there to flaunt the latest fashions, you are simply there to do exercise and improve your health and fitness.
Everybody has to start somewhere
Next time you’re at the gym when you feel a degree of anxiety and frustration, perhaps an element of Gymphobia, just look about you and think, they were all you at one stage. The vast majority of people using gyms will not have had that toned fitness look from day one. They may have been slightly overweight, unhealthy and perhaps their lifestyle was dragging them down. Have you ever thought of it that way? Those that you see at the gym with a fitness body, fashionable clothes and an air of confidence, they may well have been in your shoes once. So, rather than look at them and be concerned about how you compare, why not see them as an incentive, inspiration and something to aspire to?
We are not suggesting that everybody will have the toned fitness body of a goddess but there is nothing stopping you from improving your health and fitness and maybe losing a few pounds. The hardest part is not the initial signing up and introductory tour it is going back time and time again alone. Walking through the doors not knowing who is working out, what they look like or whether indeed they are looking at you, but those who keep going back time and time again will reap the rewards. Alternatively why not workout with a friend and help each other?
Gymphobia, frustration and anger
All mental conditions and phobias seem to have an underlying prompt which encourages them to take over a larger and larger part of your life. When it comes to gym phobia it may well be that you are frustrated and angry with yourself for perhaps not being as fit as you could be. Perhaps you have a special event on the way and have left it too late to lose as much weight as you had hoped. It is only when you are at peace with yourself, your shape, your body and your mental health that you will find the confidence to go to the gym, keep going back and reap the long term rewards.
The fact is that those at the gym will likely have no interest in what you are doing, what you are wearing or your body shape. Indeed, many of the fitness geeks may well look at you with a degree of admiration as you are doing something about your health issues. Have you ever thought of it that way?
Conclusion
There is no doubt that Gymphobia is a major problem for many people and much of it comes down to self-confidence and being self-conscious. Once you begin to build your confidence you will feel a real difference, you won’t feel as though everybody is looking at you and you will be able to do your own thing. While some may mock the existence of gym phobia, for many people it is real and can not only impact their life but also their long-term health. Nothing is worth that price!
