When I was in high school in the ’90s, swimming class was a gym requirement. It was worn, see-through, and worse, color-coded by size. They provided commentary on our bodies at a time when we were already feeling self-criticism.
As students, we had no choice but to endure school-sanctioned humiliation.But even most adults show little interest in reviewing the anxiety associated with groups and public exercise. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2022 studies found Less than a quarter of American adults meet cardio and strength training guidelines.
Social scientists describe anxiety about exercising in public as “real horrorResearchers are learning more about exercise anxiety and the barriers that keep people from feeling burnt.
read more: What is Anxiety and How Worry Overwhelms Us
gymtimidation
Many people who want to start exercising are intimidated by gym goers or worried that others will judge them for their appearance or lack of fitness knowledge. Seed anxiety “gymtimidationAnd it turns out that it helps explain why so many people pay gym memberships but rarely go.
Gymtimidation is a kind of social evaluation phobiaResearch shows that these fears are complex and vary from person to person.
2021 survey of well-being, space, society We conducted ethnographic fieldwork at four gyms in the UK and conducted in-depth interviews with 18 gym users and staff. The authors identified common themes surrounding exercise anxiety.
For example, some people have “personal walls” and fear embarrassing themselves when exercising in public. I’m worried about being scolded for breaking etiquette in the weight room.
Others clarified the issue of “social level barriers”, such as not knowing how to use the equipment or feeling like staff had a negative attitude towards the equipment.
“Environmental level barriers” also kept people away from gyms. These barriers included overcrowding and concerns about gym construction. The bright lights and mirrors in the fitness center made people uncomfortable and made them feel like they were on stage while exercising.
The thought of being seen while exercising can be stressful for many people, and researchers have found it to be greater among those with anxiety.
avoid exercise
a 2019 article in the journal mental health and physical activity It turns out that people with anxiety disorders tend to avoid exercise, and there are complex reasons why.
For this study, researchers recruited people who experienced at least one symptom of an anxiety disorder, such as agoraphobia. generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or social anxiety disorder.
In addition to experiencing symptoms of an anxiety disorder, participants had to report that they were between the ages of 18 and 65 and exercised less than 2.5 hours per week. After completing an online screening questionnaire to measure specific anxiety disorders, 16 participants proceeded to an in-person interview process. All participants identified as female. The average age she was 26.13 years.
Nearly all — 87.5% of participants — had symptoms of social anxiety disorder. Seventy-five percent had symptoms of multiple disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
All of the participants had movement anxiety, and the researchers were able to analyze the interviews and identify several emotional reactions. Participants were not judged for doing the wrong exercise or criticized for how they looked while sweating or panting. I was afraid.
Another emotional response categorized as physical was anxiety about how the person would feel during a workout. Some participants were concerned about pain and discomfort during exercise. found to reflect the The idea of these bodily sensations was anxiety-inducing, and for some people, avoiding their workout routines provided temporary relief.
read more: Can you predict panic attacks?
All study participants reported having negative experiences that triggered movement anxiety and felt their anxiety disorder was exacerbated by their anxiety disorder. For example, one participant stopped going for a walk because he was afraid he would fall and injure himself outdoors. She considered walking in an indoor environment like the mall, but she didn’t want to see anyone she knew while working out.
However, participants said social support helped. Having a friend to take a walk with or attend a spin class helped reduce anxiety symptoms. rice field.
The authors concluded that while exercise can be a tool to reduce anxiety for some people, it can be a significant source of anxiety for others.
Apparently, officials at my former high school realized the same thing and stopped forcing embarrassing teenagers to wear color-coded swimsuits. Allowed.
