Hiring a personal training or joining a gym for the first time should be an uplifting experience. The gym or studio should be inviting and create a pleasant atmosphere. But guess what? Not everyone feels that way. Did you know many people are still intimidated at the gym and for some it’s the reason they stay away.
That’s sad, but I know it continues to happen. For some, the hardest part of working out is not the cardio, the weight room or even the aerobic classes -- it's walking into the gym. It's very difficult to make the first trip to the gym when you're unsure whether you're doing things correctly or when you're conscious of your body and ability. Making the transition from working out in the privacy of your home and into the public eye is a big step for you and you’re not alone.
You should not let those fears hold you back. Overcoming this intimidation is key for fitness success. I think if you took a survey, you’d find that many of us have been there. We've all been beginners at one time or another at the gym. And I can almost guarantee you that every one of us felt the exact same feeling - pure intimidation.
Okay, so how do we get past this? First off, don’t be fooled by some of the marketing that goes out. You know what I’m talking about. Some of these health club ads only show the super-fit and most beautiful people. You almost never see overweight people sweating hard to lose a pound or two in gym ads. The Super Buff, that’s what sells. But in reality, you’re going to see all kinds of people -- young, old, skinny, heavy, male and female. Keep in mind, everyone at the gym is in the same situation, and not everyone is a 25-year-old Fitness Model. Think back to your first day of school (I can’t it was too long ago). It was tough, may not have liked it, it may have seemed strange and lots of people hate it. But you got through it and you will do fine.
Another reason I always hear is that everyone else will already be in great shape. So basically you’re saying we’re not 'in shape enough' to go to the gym! Think about that, does that make any sense? But I can see this happening, it’s unfortunate, but when folks are out of shape, especially when they are overweight, they feel self-conscious. The truth is no one's perfect. And everyone is at the gym for the same reason – to make changes and improve. In reality everyone there is as self conscious as you! When you are worrying about what THEY are thinking they are sitting there worrying about what YOU are thinking. So relax chill out. Nobody cares.
Go in with a plan. Knowing exactly what you're going to do and the equipment you plan to use gives you focus, which takes your mind off of what other people are thinking and eliminates those awkward moments of wandering all over the place.
Set yourself up. If you still can’t get past this, try exercising outside of the gym. Start out just walking or set up a small gym in your home. If you don’t want to buy anything, start doing push-ups, squats, sit-ups, dips, etc. at home every day. Once you feel more comfortable with yourself, get into the gym and get over your fear.
Grab a partner. Another way to ease into it, get a small group together or grab a partner. Working out with a friend or in a group also helps some people gain confidence at the gym. And it's another way to motivate you to show up for your workout.
Workout during off-peak hours. Most gyms are busy in the early morning, lunch time, and after work. To avoid the crowds, schedule your workouts for mid-morning, mid-afternoon, or late at night, which could make you feel more at ease.
You should not let those fears hold you back. Overcoming this intimidation is key for fitness success. I think if you took a survey, you’d find that many of us have been there. We've all been beginners at one time or another at the gym. And I can almost guarantee you that every one of us felt the exact same feeling - pure intimidation.
Okay, so how do we get past this? First off, don’t be fooled by some of the marketing that goes out. You know what I’m talking about. Some of these health club ads only show the super-fit and most beautiful people. You almost never see overweight people sweating hard to lose a pound or two in gym ads. The Super Buff, that’s what sells. But in reality, you’re going to see all kinds of people -- young, old, skinny, heavy, male and female. Keep in mind, everyone at the gym is in the same situation, and not everyone is a 25-year-old Fitness Model. Think back to your first day of school (I can’t it was too long ago). It was tough, may not have liked it, it may have seemed strange and lots of people hate it. But you got through it and you will do fine.
Another reason I always hear is that everyone else will already be in great shape. So basically you’re saying we’re not 'in shape enough' to go to the gym! Think about that, does that make any sense? But I can see this happening, it’s unfortunate, but when folks are out of shape, especially when they are overweight, they feel self-conscious. The truth is no one's perfect. And everyone is at the gym for the same reason – to make changes and improve. In reality everyone there is as self conscious as you! When you are worrying about what THEY are thinking they are sitting there worrying about what YOU are thinking. So relax chill out. Nobody cares.
Go in with a plan. Knowing exactly what you're going to do and the equipment you plan to use gives you focus, which takes your mind off of what other people are thinking and eliminates those awkward moments of wandering all over the place.
Set yourself up. If you still can’t get past this, try exercising outside of the gym. Start out just walking or set up a small gym in your home. If you don’t want to buy anything, start doing push-ups, squats, sit-ups, dips, etc. at home every day. Once you feel more comfortable with yourself, get into the gym and get over your fear.
Grab a partner. Another way to ease into it, get a small group together or grab a partner. Working out with a friend or in a group also helps some people gain confidence at the gym. And it's another way to motivate you to show up for your workout.
Workout during off-peak hours. Most gyms are busy in the early morning, lunch time, and after work. To avoid the crowds, schedule your workouts for mid-morning, mid-afternoon, or late at night, which could make you feel more at ease.
Don't worry about impressing anyone. You're there for one reason – you and you only. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks, says, is wearing, how they look at you, how much you lift, etc. It's all about you and this is just the place you go to get your health on track and reach those fitness goals.
Hire a personal trainer. Even just one session with a personal trainer can set you up with a full workout based on your individual goals. The trainer will also educate you on good form, teach you how to use the equipment, and support you as you learn new exercises.
Find a smaller Training Facility. This is where I say try MarkOne Fitness! But seriously, there are many smaller studios that focus more on one-on-one training, where it’s just you and your trainer.
Schedule an orientation. Take advantage of free training sessions – these are great resources that will help you learn more about the equipment, classes and everything your gym has to offer. Getting familiar with the equipment and what’s available to you will make you feel more comfortable and you’ll have more confidence working out.
Once you’re in the gym. Don't be afraid to ask for help. They have staffs for a reason. If you’re not comfortable with someone at first, go to the next.
Remember that saying. A Journey of Thousand Miles Begins With a Single Step. Take that first step!
Always keep in mind that you have to start somewhere. You also have to start sometime, and what better time than now! Get yourself into a gym or hire that personal trainer and put your fears behind you!
Keep Training!
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