I got super-fit at 62 after a lifetime of no exercise - here's how
Read MoreThis is the anxiety that many of us feel about entering a gym or undertaking exercise in public, especially if it’s your first visit or you’re new to exercise.
Dr Audrey Tang is a psychologist, performance coach and TEDx speaker who wants to see more people overcoming their fear and owning their fitness journey. She spoke with The i Paper to share her tips on growing your confidence and getting fighting fit in 2025…
“Instead, find a class or type of exercise that works for you. Some gyms offer a taster session before you sign up for membership, which can be a good way to get a feel for what a new place might be like. You can also watch classes online, such as HIIT or Zumba, before you give it a go. Once you’ve found a style of exercise you enjoy, you will be more focused on what you are doing and less self-conscious.”
Consider your kit
“While you don’t want to be the proverbial ‘all the gear and no idea’, make sure what you are wearing is fit for purpose,” says Dr Tang.
Make sure what you are wearing is fit for purpose (Photo: Emilija Manevska/Getty/Moment RF)
Spending some time reflecting on what motivates you and your likes and dislikes when it comes to fitness can pay dividends.
“For some, enlisting a personal trainer can offer you reassurance that the exercises you are doing are effective. If that’s a cost you can’t afford, almost all gyms offer free inductions and training plans.
Be selective with social media
While social media can be a source of exercise inspiration, it can also have a damaging effect on our wellbeing and progress.
“Limiting scrolling not only enhances self-esteem, but also reduces the potential for harmful comparisons to curated and often unrealistic representations of life online, making it an effective step toward better mental wellbeing.
Distance yourself from toxic influences (Photo: RealPeopleGroup/Getty/E+)
According to the 2024 State of the UK Fitness Industry Report, 15.9 per cent of Britons are members of a gym – but it’s far from the only place to work up a sweat.
“Exercising in an organised context may be more helpful for beginners, because there is always someone who can help you keep yourself physically safe, but this doesn’t have to be traditional exercise in a fitness centre. You could opt for a jog in your local park or sign up to classes such as laughter yoga or pole exercise. And local community centres are often home to a host of different classes. The key is finding a group where age, demographic or teaching style helps you to feel most comfortable.”
Is it gymtimidation – or something more serious?
“There is a massive difference between feeling self-conscious and actually being harassed,” says Dr Tang. “If the latter is happening, make sure you speak to someone in the space and let them know what is happening. Even if it turns out to be a resolvable misunderstanding, at no point should you ever feel threatened by the actions of others.
“Most establishments should have formal procedures in place for such occurrences, so don’t suffer in silence. You have as much right to be there as anyone else.”
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