5 Ways to Overcome Gym Anxiety & Get Active
HarborChase Of Sarasota
For more information about the author, click to view their website: HarborChase of Sarasota
Dec 20, 2022
Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties
Email US
Click to Email Us
One common factor that can intimidate even the most experienced athlete or workout buff – going to the gym. Gyms are often hailed as safe havens for those who want to keep up a healthy lifestyle, work on their physique, or simply stay active, but in reality, many things can deter people from showing up to their local fitness center. For example, cliques, hardcore weight-lifting enthusiasts, and sculpted Pilates class attendees can contribute to gym anxiety.
Many older adults might initially feel uncomfortable with going to a gym because of age. They might not know how to work the equipment or feel that their fitness center only caters to a younger crowd. But here’s some good news: gym anxiety is common in people of all ages. In fact, a RECENT STUDY showed that about 50% of Americans have some form of gym-timidation that keeps them from developing a workout routine around other people.
HARBORCHASE SENIOR LIVING understands the importance of a fitness routine. Our communities focus on healthy aging and feature amenities, programs, and classes designed to give residents the tools they need to feel their best and stay active! Here are our top five tips for overcoming gym anxiety:
1. Remember Why You’re There
Firstly, it’s important to take an introspective look at why you might feel anxious about going to the gym.
Are you uncomfortable going into a new environment?
Are you unsure how to use gym equipment and don’t want to look foolish?
Are you unhappy with the way your physique might look compared to other gym-goers?
“Irrespective of body size, there can be a sense of self-consciousness or vulnerability in fitness facilities,” says NATASHA SCHVEY, an assistant professor of medicine and clinical psychology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.
Working out in a public setting can be an exposing experience. While you might feel susceptible to the opinions of others (or even negative opinions of yourself), try to remind yourself why you want to start working out in the first place.
When you remind yourself why you’re committing to this fitness journey, you’ll soon realize that everyone else at your gym is there for the same reasons!
2. Get Familiar with Your Surroundings
If you’re new to a fitness facility, ask for a tour or speak to one of their team members. This exposure will allow you to feel more comfortable in these new surroundings, and gym employees can help you better understand what to do and how to use the equipment.
Some gyms even offer sessions with personal trainers or fitness classes for members. This is another great way to find a routine or exercise you enjoy while giving you an option for a more private experience.
3. Workout with a Friend
Studies have shown that motivation is an excellent key to healthy habits and healthy aging, regardless of your fitness end goal. Bringing a friend is an excellent way to keep each other motivated. In addition, creating a sense of community, even amongst two friends, can do wonders for your accountability.
For instance, it can be easy to stay home and avoid your workout routine if you go to the gym alone. However, if you plan on going to the gym on specific days with a friend, it is harder to break any plans. Plus, you’ll have a support system to help increase your self-confidence and give you some company to get through your workout.
4. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
We’ve all been in this situation; you see someone effortlessly completing a task or a hobby, and you instantly begin harboring feelings of jealousy or insecurity. At the gym, perhaps the person on the treadmill next to you starts to increase their speed or incline and seamlessly transitions into an intense cardio workout.
When it comes to physical fitness, we tend to be very hard on ourselves, especially when it feels like those around us are on higher levels of physical ability than ourselves. However, it’s crucial not to get caught up in the workouts of others: not only is it detrimental to your self-confidence, but it can lead to dangerous fitness behavior.
Comparing yourself to others might cause you to attempt high-intensity workouts that are too strenuous on your body, leading to injury.
5. Don’t Rush Yourself
Gym anxiety won’t disappear overnight; it can take time to feel comfortable and confident in your routine and abilities. If you aren’t sure where to begin with a fitness routine at the gym, try taking small steps at first. These steps create healthy mental habits and get your body used to being active in small increments, eventually making way for more extended periods of activity.
Here’s an idea: if you get to the gym and begin to feel anxious, start with ten minutes of walking on the treadmill. After ten minutes, you might decide that you want to walk for ten more minutes, or you can start again tomorrow with another ten.
By giving yourself realistic goals, it becomes easier to achieve your objectives. This is a great way to feel accomplished without putting too much pressure on yourself, especially when you begin to see your results.
At HarborChase Senior Living, our communities provide the tools needed to enrich your body, mind, and soul. Our fitness classes and wellness programs are designed to promote healthy aging and improve your heart health, serotonin functions, and cardio to reap all the benefits – physically and mentally. From YOGA to chair exercises, there is a fitness class for everyone!
Other Articles You May Like
Understanding Your Digital Footprint
Digital what? Footprint? You may be thinking thats what you leave behind at the beach. While that may be correct, it is also what you leave behind every time you provide your email, set up a new online account, or allow your data to be tracked. Your digital footprint is the trail you leave behind with Location services on your phone. It is the data you leave behind when commenting on Aunt Sallys Facebook page, sharing your familys vacation pictures on Instagram, or traipsing around the internet to various sites looking for that cute Lladro figurine your mother wanted for Christmas. All of it tells something about you whether you realized it was happening or not.Most of the time, the sharing of your data what you do, how you do it, etc. may not be a big deal. Or is it? The reality is that your data supports big business every day. It is collected, bought and sold (mostly without your knowledge) by data brokers (i.e., Acxiom, Epsilon), credit and identity bureaus (i.e., Experian, Equifax, TransUnion), and Big Tech Companies (i.e., Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Apple) that share your data with their partners and ad networks.The danger to you is when there is a data breach at one of the many sites that has your data and your data is captured and posted on the dark web. This enables nefarious characters to better target you for scams and potentially steal your identity. Call Lily in the Details today 941-237-0157 and schedule Understanding Your Digital Footprint, Navigating the Online World Safely and Wisely for your community.
Serving America and our community
By Dr. David RiceSouthwest Florida is home to more than 100,000 veterans, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.They own homes, manage businesses and pay taxes here. They volunteer at local nonprofits and donate to local causes. They are the core of our community.Nearly every day, at least one veteran walks into Advocate Radiation Oncology for treatment. Cancer impacts people from every background, including veterans. Even the most hardened veterans struggle with a cancer diagnosis, which is understandable; no one is invincible and cancer generates a wave of emotions shock, anxiety, frustration, fear and stress.Over the years, veterans in Charlotte and Sarasota counties have found an ally inside the treatment room Dr. Brian Lawenda. A board-certified, Harvard-trained physician who completed medical school at Temple University, Lawenda has all the credentials to help a patient feel confident that they're in good hands, medically speaking. Then they find out something else about their physician. He is a veteran, too, having served this country 13 years with the U.S. Navy and attaining the rank of commander."When I enlisted, I took an oath to serve this country and uphold the U.S. Constitution," Lawenda said. "When I became a doctor, I pledged to dedicate my practice to patients and the community I serve, and it's especially gratifying when those patients are fellow veterans."The best doctors don't just treat symptoms; they connect with patients, usually through shared experiences they're from the same state, cheer for the same sports team or attended the same university. Lawenda's military experience helps create an instant doctor-patient bond that continues during treatment and beyond. In fact, Lawenda has become the region's go-to radiation oncologist for veterans, not just Navy veterans, but those who have admirably served across all six branches of the military."When he told me he served in the Navy, it gave me comfort," said Ret. Command Master Chief Scott Fusco, a North Port resident who recently completed prostate cancer treatments at Advocate. "I had absolute trust in him from that point on."Lawenda wasn't the only veteran on Fusco's care team, either. His urologist also served in the Navy and referred Fusco to Dr. Lawenda for treatment."We served at different times and places, but we're all part of the same team," Fusco said. "They've been there, done that, just like me. There is instant respect, instant trust."Lawenda, who sees patients at Advocate's cancer treatment centers in Port Charlotte and Venice, specializes in the treatment of prostate, lung, breast, head and neck, rectal, liver, bone, cervical and other types of cancers. Although Lawenda doesn't technically specialize in the treatment of veterans, he is especially proud to support patients like Fusco on their cancer journey."A veteran may retire or end their military service, but he or she will never stop serving this country and their community," Lawenda said. "Being able to help local veterans beat cancer is extremely gratifying and certainly rewarding. The military is a brotherhood and a sisterhood, and I'll continue fighting for my brothers and sisters."About the AuthorDr. David Rice is a board-certified radiation oncologist who sees patients through Advocate Radiation Oncologys cancer treatment centers in Port Charlotte and Venice. Visit AdvocateRO.com for more information.
Living Well with Diabetes: How Exercise & Therapy Can Help
Managing diabetes is more than watching your blood sugar. Its about staying active, maintaining your strength, and continuing to enjoy the activities you love.Diabetes affects millions of older adults and can have a significant impact on overall health, mobility, and independence. As we age, managing diabetes becomes especially important because it can increase the risk of falls, nerve damage, muscle weakness, and other health complications.The good news? With the right support, regular physical activity, and a personalized treatment plan, older adults living with diabetes can take meaningful steps toward better health and a more active lifestyle.Why Is Exercise So Important for Diabetes?When you have diabetes, your body has difficulty regulating blood sugar levels. Physical activity helps your muscles use glucose for energy, which can improve blood sugar control.Regular exercise can also help:Improve muscle strength: Maintain the strength needed for walking, climbing stairs, and completing everyday activities.Improve blood sugar management: Help your body use insulin more effectively.Support heart health: Improve circulation and help manage blood pressure.Improve balance: Reduce the risk of falls and injuries.Maintain independence: Make daily activities such as dressing, bathing, cooking, and shopping easier.Increase energy and confidence: Help you feel stronger and more comfortable staying active.Even small amounts of movement throughout the day can make a difference!How Can Physical and Occupational Therapy Help?For many older adults, beginning an exercise program can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with joint pain, weakness, balance problems, or other medical conditions.Thats where FOX Rehabilitation can help.FOX provides personalized physical and occupational therapy designed to help older adults safely improve their mobility, strength, and ability to perform everyday activities.A physical therapist can evaluate your walking, balance, endurance, and muscle strength to develop an exercise program that meets your individual needs.An occupational therapist can help you find safer, easier ways to perform everyday tasks while improving your ability to remain independent at home.Together, these professionals can help address the physical challenges associated with diabetes, including decreased sensation in the feet, muscle weakness, and difficulty with balance.The Benefits Go Beyond Blood SugarResearch has shown that structured exercise programs can help people with Type 2 diabetes improve their blood sugar control, preserve muscle mass, and increase overall strength.Regular physical activity may also improve blood pressure and reduce the risk of certain diabetes-related complications.Most importantly, staying active can help older adults maintain the freedom to do what matters most whether thats spending time with grandchildren, enjoying a walk with friends, gardening, or simply moving safely around their homes.Therapy That Comes to You!One of the greatest benefits of FOX Rehabilitation is that therapy can take place right in the comfort of your own home.FOX provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy through Medicare Part B for eligible individuals.You do not have to be homebound or recently hospitalized to receive services.This means older adults who may benefit from skilled therapy can receive personalized care in their familiar surroundings without having to travel to an outpatient clinic.Take the First Step Toward Better HealthLiving with diabetes doesnt mean giving up the activities you enjoy. With proper management, regular movement, and professional guidance, you can continue building strength, improving mobility, and maintaining your independence.Before beginning a new exercise routine, speak with your healthcare provider, particularly if you have diabetes-related complications or take medications that can cause low blood sugar.Remember: Its never too late to get stronger, move better, and take control of your health!