Trainer Admits to Gym Anxiety, Offers Five Strategies to Conquer Fear of Workout Spaces
Overcoming Fitness Class Anxiety: Tips from F45's Joe Williams
Fitness classes can be an excellent way to improve your health and well-being, but for many, the thought of joining a group can be daunting. Joe Williams, studio manager at F45 and FS8 Oxford Circus in London, UK, shares his insights on how to conquer fitness class anxiety.
- Prepare and Familiarize Yourself
Knowing what to expect before your first class can reduce anxiety. Research the class format, watch videos, or speak to instructors to understand what exercises and pacing to expect.
- Arrive Early
Getting to the studio early allows you to settle in, familiarize yourself with the environment, and have a brief chat with instructors or other participants, easing the initial awkwardness.
- Focus on Yourself
Remember that everyone is there to improve their fitness; most people are focused on their own workout rather than judging others. Concentrate on your own progress rather than comparing yourself to others.
- Set Realistic Goals
Start with achievable goals and gradually increase intensity. Celebrating small victories can build confidence and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.
- Use Positive Self-Talk
Replace negative thoughts with encouraging statements. Remind yourself that feeling anxious is normal and that you’re taking a positive step for your health.
- Attend Consistently
Regular attendance helps build familiarity and routine, reducing anxiety over time as the environment and the people become more comfortable.
- Engage with the Community
Building connections with fellow participants can create a supportive environment and help reduce feelings of isolation or self-consciousness.
In a group fitness class, participants should go at their own pace without worrying about others. The class coach's role is to motivate, guide, and make participants feel welcome. If any concerns arise during the class, it's better to ask the trainer early to avoid confusion during demonstrations.
Group fitness classes can be intimidating for beginners due to the presence of regular attendees who seem to know what to do. A good trainer should provide extra attention and care to newcomers who let them know they are nervous. Making a new friend during a group fitness class can help alleviate nerves and provide motivation during the workout.
Joe Williams admits feeling self-conscious during his first group fitness class. He encourages participants to embrace a growth mindset, as it allows them to embrace discomfort and push through challenges. He also suggests introducing oneself to the class coach before the session, as they may not know it's the first time for the participant.
By applying these techniques, many people find it easier to overcome initial anxiety and enjoy the benefits of fitness classes. Williams also emphasizes the importance of researching the class beforehand, especially for F45, as they use a standardized set of classes and video previews are available online.
- Researching F45's class format and watching video previews can help familiarize yourself with the 'fitness-and-exercise' exercises and pacing, reducing 'fitness class anxiety'.
- To ease the initial 'lifestyle' awkwardness, get to the studio early, allowing time to settle in and have a brief chat with the instructors or other participants.
- By focusing on your own 'mental-health' progress instead of comparing yourself to others, you can overcome 'fitness class anxiety' and improve your 'health-and-wellness'.
