What To Do If You Can’t Enjoy The Gym

*Collaborative Post

Gyms are incredibly resourceful and useful spaces. Even if you have an at-home workout routine, it’s generally recommended that you occasionally go to the gym to get outside, be motivated by others, and be part of a fitness community.

That said, there are many reasons why people visit these spaces less often today. Social anxiety may play a part, as well as things like gym closures, membership fees being too high, or schedules simply being too full. One of the most common reasons is that people have their own exercise regimen outside of the gym. 

Whatever the reason you can’t enjoy the gym, you should try to fix it rather than admit defeat. Here are some things you can do to help with that.

Practice at Home

Many people don’t enjoy the gym. You can now bring the gym to you instead.

The equipment you need is more affordable and accessible than ever before. For example, you can buy treadmills and running machines for the ultimate cardio experience that will greatly enhance your fitness from home. There are handy foldable designs to help you make room after use or larger units that can be just as easily found in gyms. Prices are low, delivery can be fast and free, and there are many positive ratings for each unit if you need additional assurances.

Rowing machines, exercise bikes, ellipticals, weights and nearly everything else can be easily procured too. Convert a room into your home gym or make space where you can and get started. As you refine your technique in private, you may feel less self-conscious about your efforts in public. Splitting workout time between home and the gym makes things more manageable too.

Try New Exercises

The equipment in your home can introduce you to exercises you may not have encountered before. Try to have the same open mind as you head to the gym.

After all, there may be classes underway about exercises and techniques that are new to you. Consider enrolling and learning what you can. Take small steps and embrace all the new experiences gyms offer.

Remember, every athlete has a preferred method of exercise. You may not be able to find yours until you step out of your comfort zone and find different ways of working out that really resonate with you.

Take a Friend

Try not to exercise in isolation. The right company can set the tone and change the whole atmosphere of your workout.

Therefore, even if you have social anxiety in gyms, it could be a good idea to take a friend along who might help you to ease those symptoms. After all, nearly half of adults who went to the gym last year did so to socialise with friends. It may be worth leaning into that strategy yourself, especially if you feel bored or uncertain about things.

You may be taking a friend already and feeling no better about things. Try to reevaluate your dynamic and consider if the right friend is with you. Do they encourage you? Are they reliable and on time? Would they share advice with you if you asked for it? Is there any socialising before or after? The answers to these questions can change the experience entirely.

Always remember that if there’s a will, there’s a way. Just because you can’t go to the gym shouldn’t stop you from exercising altogether. You’re only exercising for only a tiny part of your day, so don’t ruin it with bad habits during the other parts. Be conscious about your food choices and incorporate supplements like l-glutamine or protein to help with your gut health and macros. Don’t forget to take your vitamins and minerals to boost your immunity. And as much as possible, don’t torture yourself to stay healthy. 

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.