How to Stop Being Embarrassed of Working Out in the Gym

With the New Year right around the corner, many of us may be thinking of joining a gym for our New Year’s resolution.  And while doing so is an admirable resolution, the creeping feeling of anxiety and embarrassment may sometime be too much to overcome.

And while feeling slightly embarrassed at the gym is completely normal, there are steps you can take to help avoid and subdue those feelings.  That is why, below, we are going to discuss the best ways to stop being embarrassed of working out in the gym and to begin feeling more confident while at the gym.

Why do we Feel Embarrassment or Anxiety at the Gym?

While feelings of embarrassment and anxiety are completely normal, particularly at the gym, it can often be a perplexing feeling.  On the one-hand, we should feel proud of ourselves for even making it to the gym, particularly with the nearly endless level of responsibilities and errands on our plates.

However, the gym can feel like a foreign space, especially if it has been a while since you last went to one.  With other patrons in seemingly unrealistic shape, lifting weights, running with full-steam, and completing stretches that would make even a Yogi jealous.

And the true reason that so many of us feel embarrassed and anxious at the gym is due to our relative inexperience at the gym.  In fact, we would posit, that nearly every other patron at the gym has, at one point or another, felt embarrassed or anxious to go to the gym, especially when they first started their gym journey and routine.

And again, while these feelings are completely normal, they are temporary.  As you begin to go to the gym more often, and as you begin to get in better shape, you will find the confidence needed to continue on your health journey.

Focus on Yourself and Your Workout

Perhaps the single best way to stop being embarrassed of working out in the gym is to, quite simply, focus on yourself and your workout routine.  Although it can be easy to focus on other gym patrons and their workouts, you should try not to.

Rather, focusing on yourself and your own workout, will help you to reach your workout goals.  And, consequently, by reaching those goals, you will gain the confidence to stop feeling any levels of embarrassment or anxiety that you may have once felt.

Pump Up the Music

We’ve previously discussed how, and why, gym music is so bad.  However, music is one of the best motivators and can help you to reach your goals.  Scientific studies have shown that music can help improve your motivation and can cause the brain to release dopamine, a chemical which works to regulate both motivation and goal-oriented behavior.  

By listening to your favorite tracks, you can increase your own focus, help your brain to release dopamine, and increase both your own motivation and goal-oriented behavior.  If you’re feeling embarrassed at the gym, then music may just be one of the best, quick solutions.

Plan Your Workout Beforehand

Knowing what you are going to do at the gym before you get to the gym can help you to focus on your goals and will keep you honest with yourself.  In addition, by planning your workout beforehand, you can simply checkoff each workout as you complete it, allowing you to focus solely on the workout at hand and the upcoming one.

Bring a Friend with You

Similarly, going to the gym with a friend, particularly one with more gym experience, will help you to feel more confident in your abilities and in your workout.  Not only will your friend help to motivate you, but they will also help you to perform the exercises and workouts correctly and properly.

In addition, bringing a friend with you to the gym will keep you honest while at the gym.  Not only will bringing a friend force you to the gym, but a good friend will also ensure that you complete your planned workout, not allowing you to skip any exercises or take any shortcuts during your time at the gym.

Get a Personal Trainer

If you’re newer to the gym and don’t know the proper exercises to complete, then signing up with a personal trainer may be a smart decision.  Personal trainers will help you to evaluate your gym and lifestyle goals and will create customized workout plans to help you reach them.

In addition, by signing up with a personal trainer, you may feel more confident in your abilities and routine while at the gym.  Personal trainers will help you to perform your exercises correctly and properly and they will help to motivate you to complete your workout while at the gym.

Dress Appropriately for the Gym

As the old adage goes, dress for the job you want, not the one you have.  And similarly, at the gym, you should dress in a manner that will help you to feel comfortable and confident.  And while you can spend hundreds on an outfit to do so, you don’t necessarily have to.  Heading down to your local Target store and finding comfortable, practical gym clothing is a great option and will help you to feel more confident while at the gym.

Turn Jealousy into Motivation

While it may be easy to compare yourself to others, particularly other patrons at the gym, you should not only avoid doing so, but turn that jealousy into motivation.  Don’t forget, for all those other patrons at the gym with nearly impeccable fitness levels, they all started at the exact same spot as you.

So, rather than feeling jealous, envious, or upset, turn those feelings into motivation and allow it to fuel yourself to reach the goals that you set for yourself.

Give Yourself Credit

Getting to the gym and beginning a lifestyle routine is never easy.  And even going to the gym is a great first step.  Don’t be too hard on yourself and take it slow-and-steady while reaching your goals.  You should give yourself credit for your efforts and know that in the long run, with consistency, you will also reach your gym goals.