Overcoming Your Fear of Exercise

If you don't enjoy sports and exercise, it'd be good for you to think again. Dive right into the wonderful world of fitness by overcoming your fear of exercise! Keep reading to learn more.
Overcoming Your Fear of Exercise

Last update: 23 April, 2019

Fear of the unknown might be causing you to avoid exercise. In this article, learn which steps to take to make exercise a positive thing in your life. Learn how easy overcoming your fear of exercise can be with these helpful tips!

As time goes by, more and more people are beginning new sports. Still, there are others who aren’t comfortable with training for various reasons.

Indeed, not liking exercise shouldn’t prevent you from trying it. Once you try it, it’s likely that you’ll change your mind since everything is about attitude. As such, overcoming your fear of exercise is important otherwise it’ll keep you from being active.

So, exercise isn’t bad because you don’t like it. On the contrary, your negative thoughts are what make you think you dislike it. The reality is that it’s the best thing you can do. So get ready to start overcoming your fear of exercise by following the tips below!

Overcome your fear of exercise with these four tips

1. Forget what they say

Insecurity is your worst enemy when it comes to self-esteem and your environment. Some people tend to think about how silly they’ll look exercising or what people will say if they see them doing something they’ve never done before.

The truth is that you have to leave behind your fear of what people will say. It’s crucial that you focus on yourself and what you really want. Maybe what you don’t like about exercise isn’t so much the activity itself, but everything that involves doing it?

As such, there are people who think negative thoughts and others, positive ones. Still, what’s important is that you encourage yourself to do it for yourself, regardless of whether others try to distract or discourage you from reaching your goals.

Overcoming your fear of exercise

2. Don’t shy away from failure

Fear of failure is very common in any aspect of your life. You can fear failure at work, love, friendship, failure in your studies, and also exercise. Indeed, we create expectations that we want to fulfill and, when things don’t go the way we plan, we consider it a failure.

In reality, failure is just a chance to learn, grow, and become stronger so you can try again. Don’t worry about what could happen; don’t be afraid that everything will go wrong.

Rather, focus on training hard and think about all the benefits. And if things don’t go as you planned, don’t look at it as the end, but as a point to gain momentum. Then, evaluate what you should improve and try again.

3. More confidence and less fear

The unknown can stir different emotions such as fear, anxiety, curiosity, or excitement. At first, these emotions may take over your mind when you face the unfamiliar.

Here, trust is important to curb your fear of trying something new. Also, most people who don’t like exercise don’t take the time to really experience it.

Gain the faith and confidence you need to dive into sports as much as possible. Gradually, the fear and discomfort will disappear and you’ll have a different take on exercise.

Man with arms up in the air

4. Positive changes

When you start exercising, physical and mental changes happen in your routine and in yourself. A lack of confidence or not having the will to take on those changes completely can make you reject exercise.

As such, you need to understand that most of the changes exercise will bring to your life will benefit you. Some of those changes may be hard; however, the rewards are much more positive than life without activity.

Conclusion: overcoming your fear of exercise

Start overcoming your fear of exercise and start to see its benefits. Sometimes, you’ll have to repeat an activity or situation a few times to integrate them into your routine.

So, stop thinking about it and give exercise a chance. What’s more, it’s a great way to grow, mature, and overcome other fears or worries that you might have. As a result, you’ll strengthen your best qualities.


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This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.