Fighting gym anxiety

Gyms here ditch mirrors, conduct small classes and have private pods to help beginners ease in

- Amrita Kaur

For many, stepping into a gym can feel like wading into uncharted territory.

From the intimidating sight of seasoned gymgoers confidently lifting heavy weights to the overwhelming array of bulky equipment, the anxiety that comes with navigating such an environment is a common hurdle for beginners.

Often referred to as "gymtimidation", this anxiety involves feelings of nervousness or discomfort when exercising in a gym setting.

Ms Eesha Shah, a performance psychologist at psychology services clinic Psynaptica, says it often stems from psychological barriers that make the space feel overwhelming or unwelcoming.

These barriers include feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, fear of failure and lack of knowledge about using equipment or structuring workouts.

For instance, thoughts such as "I'm not good enough to be here", can discourage some from starting. Or seeing others who appear more fit or experienced can lead to self-doubt and avoidance, with thoughts like "I'm not as strong as them, so I shouldn't be working out here", says Ms Shah.

If a person feels that he or she does not fit the demographic of the gym due to age, body type, race, gender, ability or fitness level, he or she may assume they are unwelcome or feel out of place, Ms Shah notes.

To cope with such feelings, some may engage in avoidant behaviours. These can include going to the gym only during off-peak hours, avoiding eye contact in the changing room or while moving between stations, rushing through workouts or skipping planned exercises altogether.

These behaviours provide temporary relief but can reinforce anxiety over time, says Ms Shah.

Research on gym anxiety in Singapore is limited, but there are studies elsewhere that highlight the anxiety many individuals experience at the gym.