By Shauneen Miranda 

Some University of Maryland students struggle with gym anxiety — a sense of discomfort in fitness spaces based on fear of body judgement, their perceived lack of knowledge on how to exercise, and feelings of being watched and judged. 

“Gym anxiety can manifest in several different forms, depending on the individual,” said Tami Lee, the assistant director of this university’s Recreation and Wellness program. Gym anxiety can include feelings of embarrassment, awkwardness and self-consciousness.

Students who experience gym anxiety limit their opportunities to work out, which prevents them from getting the exercise their bodies need to stay healthy, said Sarah Grace, the coordinator for RecWell fitness programs. RecWell offers two fully equipped gyms (Eppley Recreation Center and Ritchie Coliseum), free exercise classes for students and various programs to stay active. 

“I love going to the gym, but I often find myself feeling self-conscious or intimidated by other people there, especially the guys,” said sophomore public health science major Alexandra Puglisi, who avoids the weight room. “I have no clue what I’m doing and feel like because the weight room is so male-dominated, I don’t belong there,” she said. 

Mary Kate Crawford, the associate director for RecWell programs, said that gym anxiety is not unique to students, women, faculty or staff.

“Anybody can experience it,” Crawford said, who related gym anxiety to imposter syndrome, a psychological pattern of individual doubts in one’s accomplishments. 

“I consider myself a person who is in good shape and when I work out, I’m constantly comparing myself to guys that are bigger and more fit than me,” sophomore public policy major Grant Handley said. “It’s definitely made me more body-conscious, which doesn’t make me want to go to the gym, but then I feel guilty for not going.” 

RecWell recently launched the UpLift program to help students struggling with gym anxiety. “We have dedicated hours in the weight fitness spaces on Saturday mornings, where anybody who feels uncomfortable in our weight room or just wants to learn more about how to use the equipment can come,” Crawford said. 

Although RecWell’s efforts cannot fully address the problem, some students still try to combat their gym anxiety. 

“One day, I built up the courage and just went for it,” sophomore marketing major Eileen Fang said. “I have learned that if I do what I need to do, there is really no judgement.”