If you’re tempted to exercise in an indoor gym but are put off by thinking you’ll feel judged if you do so, you’re not alone. Indeed, a survey of 2,000 adults published earlier this year, and commissioned by Ordnance Survey, found that one in four (25%) felt too embarrassed to use a gym. Even if in reality no one is watching you as you exercise at a regular facility, it can be hard to convince yourself of that fact.
22nd April 2025
Slightly more (27%) worried how other users would view them, and more than half (53%) were deterred by high membership costs, while almost a third (32%) were simply unmotivated to exercise this way.
Over a quarter (28%) feared they wouldn’t be able to use the machines correctly and nearly one in five (18%) felt nervous about requesting help in an indoor gym.
Another reason some people may find some indoor gyms intimidating is the number of users filming and photographing themselves, and the concern that you could be captured in the background. Privacy concerns aside, according to the survey, almost a quarter (23%) were annoyed with selfie-taking in busy parts of the gym while others were trying to work out. Meanwhile, a whopping 74% said the cost of gym membership would be likely to have a big impact on whether or not they registered at one.
The study also revealed that common gym irritations included not wiping down equipment after use (30%) and hogging machines while phone-scrolling rather than working out (24%).
All of this can prevent the enjoyment which 95% said was important to experience when exercising – after all, a workout shouldn’t feel like a chore. Additionally, more than three-quarters (80%) said they exercised for their mental wellbeing, compared with 40% who stated that they exercised mainly to enhance their physical health.
However, staying inside isn’t the only way to get the workouts you need. Nearly half (46%) said they’d feel motivated to exercise outside, rather than just 22% who felt the same about a standard gym. Most respondents (55%) reported feeling inspired to exercise outside having spent time in nature.
When you think about it, the great outdoors is everywhere, open all hours and free to access. So why not swap weights and spin classes for a literal breath of fresh air?
Fresh Air Fitness is a leading, award-winning provider of open-air gyms UK-wide, in myriad settings. We’ve previously written extensively about the benefits of working out under the sky and its many advantages to your physical and mental health.
What’s more, outdoor gym equipment is free at the point of use, and you’re far less likely to feel watched or judged while exercising. But you will feel part of an inclusive community. And you can visit one near you at any time near while, for example, walking the dog or collecting the kids from school.
At Fresh Air Fitness, we offer a wide range of outdoor exercise equipment to suit all ages and levels of ability and fitness. We’ve installed outdoor gyms at schools, businesses, residential homes and health and council settings such as parks, among other locations. We’ve also fitted them in more specialised places, from prisons to holiday parks, motorway service stations and hotels.
So if you want to swerve ‘gym judgement culture’ while still getting and staying fit, and enjoying all the many benefits of outdoor exercise, make for your nearest outdoor gym. Equally, to learn more about providing a facility like this in your own community, get in touch.
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