In the 2022/23 UK Fitness Report, commissioned by Puregym, 56% of gym-goers revealed they suffered some form of gym-related anxiety. Human nature is a broad science, and there is no hard and fast rule as to how anxiety affects each individual. But for men in particular, the gym can be an intimidating place. A 2021 study, published in the journal Wellbeing, Space and Society, for example, found that men often try to out-compete each other in the gym to adhere to stereotypical masculine images, which can lead to increasingly toxic atmospheres.
While most of the men I spoke to identified with this narrative and worried about not being strong enough, I heard other, more nuanced stories. One man told me that he felt intimidated setting foot in a gym unless he was wearing the latest, branded gym clothing. Another told me that he knew he was unfit, knew that going to a gym would lead to a healthier lifestyle, but wouldn’t go because he was worried about being judged by others. A further theme that came through was not knowing how to use certain bits of equipment, or feeling stupid when having to ask how to set up a machine.
LIFT OFF
New to weight lifting? Here’s how to work out smarter and harder
1. Pick the right weights
Esta historia es de la edición July 2023 de Men's Fitness UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición July 2023 de Men's Fitness UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
DOUBLE TROUBLE
Get race-ready with this two-part session from HYROX master trainer and Represent 247 athlete
NEED-TO-KNOW NUTRITION
From sugar intake to gluten intolerance, performance nutritionist Dr Laurent Bannock gives the no-nonsense answers to your food-related questions
"I DON'T GO CHASING PBS AT MY AGE-THERE'S NO POINT"
England and Harlequins legend Danny Care talks rugby fitness, the power of positivity, and the one session he never wants to do again
FILL YOUR BOOTS
Hyperice's Normatec Lower Legs offer instant relief for sore calves. But with an RRP over £400, are they worth the punt?
BUILT TO LAST
If you're looking for a military-grade bag that can withstand some rough treatment, the KNKG Everyday Tactical Backpack is worth its weight in dynamic durability
FINGER ON THE PULSE
Pulseroll's premium massage gun is a smooth operator but does it do enough to sway Theragun fans?
TAKE YOUR TIME
Maximise muscle gains by leveraging the concept of time under tension
WALK & TALK
A new wave of outdoor therapy services are transforming how we look after, and discuss, our mental health. Joe Minihane heads to the Peak District to find out more
Beach Body BLUEPRINT
Thought you'd blown your chance to shore up your physique before summer? Think again. We've got a clever plan to help you get fitter and leaner in no time
20 WAYS TO BURN BELLY FAT
Ignite fat loss and maintain your newly sculpted physique with these expert strategies for lasting effects