Maybe it’s because of what you’re wearing, a lack of fitness or uncertainty about how a group class will operate. These negative feelings — dubbed “gymtimidation” — are real, and they can prevent you from achieving your fitness goals. In addition, exercise is a powerful force in combating stress, anxiety and depression — a real irony when it comes to the issue of gymtimidation. “Gym anxiety affects people who are young, old, male and female,” said Brookelyn Suddell, director of group fitness strategy and development for Crunch Fitness in New York City. Once you’ve identified your fears and concerns, see if one or more of these options, shared by Nitschke and Suddell, help alleviate them.

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Persons: You’re, —, That’s, ”, Brookelyn Suddell, Erin Nitschke, “, Nitschke, Suddell, ” Suddell, you’re, you’ve, there’s, ” Melanie Radzicki McManus Organizations: CNN, Crunch Fitness, Laramie County Community College, CNN’s, intel Locations: New York City, Laramie, Cheyenne , Wyoming