Gold's Gym SoCal Blog

How To Overcome Your Gym Anxiety

Summer is almost here—and while you’re ready to get fit, the thought of working out in public might give you anxiety and make your stomach churn. You might even find the comfort of the couch hard to leave when the gym seems overwhelming. 

But your first workout doesn’t have to be nerve-wracking. With the right preparation and a solid plan, you can walk in with confidence and actually enjoy your gym experience. Here’s how to make the gym feel like a place you belong.

Let’s clear up a common misconception from the start: self-care is not synonymous with selfishness. In fact, it’s the opposite of that. In order to do your job, attend school, connect with friends and care for family, you have to care for yourself first. International Self-Care Day, which takes place on July 24th, acknowledges the importance of charging your physical, mental and emotional batteries and reminds us that self-care is an ongoing practice.

We don’t want to see you breaking a sweat every day of the week. No, we’re not April fooling you. If you want to make gains, you should build in rest days and active recovery into your workout routine. Without a little bit of both, overtraining can actually set you back by leaving you perpetually sore and fatigued. It can even lead to injury. So what’s the difference between a rest day and active recovery, and when should you deploy them? Let’s get into it.