The Viral “Shy Girl Workout” Trend

WHAT PERSONAL TRAINERS CAN TAKE AWAY FROM THIS TREND TO INSPIRE THEIR FEMALE CLIENTS

By ABC Trainerize

MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE EVER BEEN NEW TO A GYM HAVE PROBABLY FELT A LITTLE STRESSED OR ANXIOUS.

It could be the unfamiliar environment, what they are wearing, or maybe some uncertainty around how a new class will operate.

These negative feelings are known as “gymtimidation”, and they are very real. Sadly, these feelings prevent so many people from achieving their fitness goals — particularly women.

Combating Gymtimidation in Women — Is the Shy Girl Workout the Answer?

One survey found that one in four women shy away from exercise for fear of being judged, while one in three worry that other gym users would view them as a novice.

A new social media trend—the Shy Girl Workout—is all about helping gym goers overcome the fear and anxiety that comes with working out around others.

This trend includes demonstrations from experienced gym-goers and personal trainers of simple, easy-to-follow exercises that can be performed with minimal equipment. This trend is not about being shy in the traditional sense, but rather it is an approach to fitness that emphasizes inclusivity, accessibility, and building confidence from the ground up.

In fact, in some ways you could say that the Shy Girl Workout reflects a broader shift in the relationship between women and the gym. More women are claiming their space in the fitness world that has been dominated by men for decades. Not just as gym-goers, but as trainers too.

For example, according to IHRSA, there was more than a 32% increase in female members of health clubs between 2010 and 2019. During this same period, the percentage of female personal trainers in the USA increased from 54% to 62%.

Should Personal Trainers Embrace the Shy Girl Workout?

By understanding the unique needs and concerns of new female clients, trainers can tailor workouts that inspire confidence and celebrate progress, no matter how small.

So, in a way, yes. Trainers can use this trend with new clients who are just getting started on their fitness journeys.

Good personal trainers know the importance of meeting new clients where they are. For many, the thought of lifting heavy weights or performing complex exercises can be intimidating.

By starting with simple, achievable goals, trainers can lay the foundation for success and gradually introduce more challenging techniques as confidence grows and strength builds.

A strong start is half the battle, and once your clients become more confident and start to work out on a regular basis, you have not only helped them overcome gymtimidation, but you have also brought them to the next step of their fitness journey.

Build and Deliver Personalized Training with ABC Trainerize

At ABC Trainerize, our goal has always been to make fitness accessible – to everyone!

We know that every body is different, and that everybody has different fitness goals. That is why we have made it easy for trainers who power their coaching with us to build bespoke training plans for their clients for online, in-person, or group training.

With fitness, nutrition, and habit-coaching features, plus in-app messaging, progress tracking, and more — it is everything you need to motivate and inspire your clients, no matter how new to fitness they may be.

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ABC TRAINERIZE is a member engagement mobile app and software platform that allows coaches and fitness businesses to expand their reach beyond their physical space, better connect with members, and digitize the training experience. By combining fitness, nutrition, and habits with online coaching, ABC Trainerize can help coaches drive deeper behavioral changes and healthier lifestyle decisions.