Gymtimidation –
New year, new you, right? After days or possibly months of contemplating joining a gym, you manage enough courage and tell yourself “this is it, I’m finally going to do it.” You enter the building to the sound of weights banging on to the rubber floor and grunts from the guy who looks like the hulk but probably doesn’t know the alphabet. As you make your way through the obstacle course of machines and weights, you ask yourself, “What am I doing here?” Well, you are not alone. Many people avoid joining a gym for this exact reason. The constant slamming of weights, comparing yourself to the fit girl or the buff guy on the bench press, thinking all eyes are glaring at you and judging your every move. As a personal trainer, I’ve had clients who at first were terrified of this place. The first few sessions, I would grab a couple weights and take them to an empty section of the building where we would proceed with the workout. From working with those people, I’ve learned a few things that helped them and might help you get over “gymtimidation.”
First of all, what I always told my clients before almost every session is, “Congrats, you just completed the hardest part of the workout—showing up.” Don’t let your fear get in the way of your goals. You are doing this for the future you. You and your health are too important to not overcome this fear. If you need to, have a friend join you to help keep you on track and motivate you throughout your program.
Second, I know there is a majority of people out there that do not know what exercises to do or what any of the machines even do, which in itself keeps people away from gyms. Here’s the thing: you are not the only one. In fact, if it wasn’t for that, I do not think I would have a job. All the different contraptions and pulleys and bars can be pretty intimidating. First I would ask myself, how is that particular machine or exercise going to benefit you? Am I doing it correctly? Most gyms staff their own personal trainers who are there to show how these different pieces of equipment work, and some even offer beginner classes with new members for that reason.
Neal Henderson
If you are more of the reserved type like me, do some research. Look up how the equipment is used properly and, most importantly, safely.
Third, nobody is watching you or judging you. Unless you are wearing blinking Christmas lights or doing cartwheels through the gym, everyone is too concerned with what they are doing to really care. Why does anyone go to the gym? We all have our reasons, but ultimately we all have the same purpose to better ourselves and feel good about ourselves. Yes, maybe you see someone who is in much better shape than you and that makes you feel somewhat discouraged. Realize that they started at the exact same place as you. Instead of discouragement, use it as a goal moving forward. It helps to have a support system behind you-whether your family, friend, or a personal trainer, keeping track of your routine and making sure you’re on track with your goals. As for the grunting hulk, don’t mind him, put some headphones in and get after it.
Remember, you are too important. The future you is too important. We are all in this for the long haul. Don’t let these excuses keep you from what you’re trying to achieve. This time around, you’re going to stick to that promise you made to yourself. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
Don't Let It Stop You