Gymtimidation is the feeling of anxiety or self-consciousness that some people experience when working out in a gym or fitness center. It's a common psychological barrier for beginners who fear being judged by others or feel overwhelmed by unfamiliar equipment.
The word gymtimidation is a portmanteau of gym and intimidation. The term entered the mainstream around 2013, when a well-known fitness franchise launched a "No Gymtimidation" ad campaign. Whether it’s worrying about improper form, feeling out of place among "fitness pros," or simply not knowing how a machine works, gymtimidation can make people reluctant to go the gym. Even professional athletes sometimes report feeling gymtimidation when going to a new, unfamiliar gym for the first time: It's a pretty universal feeling!