The Rise of Gymphobia in New Zealand
Have you ever been afraid or anxious going to the gym? Imagine not being able to bring yourself to workout because of a grippling sense of fear and overwhelming sensations brought by anxiety. A new research has proven fear and anxiety is affecting the way New Zealanders work out. The Rise of ‘Gymphobia’ unveils gym induced anxiety nationwide. New consumer research released by Curves New Zealand concludes people are failing to exercise for fear of being judged over their appearance, ability and dress sense. Curves New Zealand raises awareness of Gymphobia with the launch of New Zealand’s first gym therapy classes to re-introduce women to a healthier lifestyle.
Some of the research findings include:
- Over 1.3 million New Zealanders have had feelings of anxiety at the thought of attending the gym.
- 41% of females fear looking silly in front of other gym goers followed closely by not knowing how to use the equipment (39%).
- 45% (or over 1.3 million) of New Zealanders have had feelings of anxiety at the thought of attending the gym.
- Almost a quarter (21%) of New Zealanders consider someone they know a gymphobe.
- While at the gym New Zealanders greatest fear centres around being hurt.
- 1.4 million New Zealanders (or 47%) say they are not effective with their gym workouts.
- 72% of New Zealanders currently own a gym membership or have owned one in the past.
- Females are 41% more likely than males to have felt feelings of anxiety about attending a gym
- Curves New Zealand raises awareness of Gymphobia with the launch of New Zealand’s first gym therapy classes to re-introduce women to a healthier lifestyle
The research concludes that 32% of New Zealanders have avoided going to the gym because they felt anxious about the gym and over 65% of them still avoid going today for the same reason. The survey of over 1,200 Australian and New Zealanders has unearthed a severe anxiety complex with over a third (32%) of New Zealanders admitting to experiencing gym-induced anxiety.
The survey found on average, females are likely to list up to 35% more fears than males about going to the gym and women are twice as likely than males to often feel fears of:
- Not knowing how to use the equipment
- Wearing unsuitable gym attire
- Looking silly in front of other gym goers
- Feeling like they need to look great in gym gear to workout
18 – 24 year olds were the group most effected by gym induced anxiety with over half avoiding going to the gym because they felt anxious, the highest in the survey. 63% of 18-24 year olds confirmed that they have felt feeling anxious at some point (the highest in the study) and 45% of still feel it currently.
Clinical Psychologist Bernadette Bywater said, “The research shows how dominant a role anxiety now assumes in the way we approach health and wellbeing. Fear of Judgment has been the main attributing factor to the rise in gym related anxieties. Most concerning is the impact we’re seeing in the younger generation, 18-24 year olds are most prone to gym induced anxiety.”
Almost half (49%) of 18–24 year olds surveyed acknowledge that the reasons to these feeling were looking silly in front of other gym goers. This was also the highest fear for 25 – 34 year olds at 35%. Both groups acknowledged that not feeling confident on the equipment was the one of the next fears with 44% and 30% respectively.
Bywater continues, “Current media and celebrity status are all contributing factors to the constant pressure among young people to look a certain way.”
Committed to strengthening women Curves New Zealand is encouraging ladies to take a positive step forward to a healthier lifestyle. Known for its unique 30-minute total body workout the women’s only gym will be launching New Zealand’s first gym therapy classes to tackle ‘Gymphobia’.
Selina Bridge, Marketing Manager, Curves Oceania says “We’ve seen a high level of members who have been affected by some form of gym induced anxiety in the past. Our clubs have been designed to assist in making their transition back (or for the first time) into group exercise a liberating one. We pride ourselves on personal service.”
Curves New Zealand will be offering unique gym therapy classes this winter for members of the public suffering from Gymphobia, The classes will provide tips for dealing with gym induced anxiety with the aim to re-introduce New Zealanders to a healthy lifestyle and most importantly rediscover self confidence.
Bridge continues “with a Curves Coach on hand at every circuit to teach and motivate, this is important to ensure that each member is confident using the equipment but also feel less self conscious and more included. There have been some inspirational fitness journeys from women of all sizes and ages that have thrived in the unique and supportive community of women that Curves Clubs foster.”
