Gym-timidation no more.
So it’s that time of year again and are you thinking about joining a gym, or maybe just want to start some sort of physical fitness? Do you have the jitters? Well guess what? It’s normal….AND you’re not alone.
What if this time it can be a different experience? What if this time you actually find something you love and you stick with it? Then, what if it becomes your lifestyle (give or take life experiences rolling in and out of your life derailing you from time to time)? Can you imagine that for yourself? Is that what you truly want? Let’s go on a journey together.
As your fitness lifestyle bestie I’m going to give you several myth busters to help you live your best life.
#1 Here’s a little secret about the gym, (nobody cares about you). Nope. Nobody cares what you look like, how coordinated you are, how long you’ve been doing that thing (treadmill, bike, free weights, group fitness class). #truth
Every person in the gym, whether big box or boutique is “only” concerned about themselves. They’re there for their own fitness goals, that’s it. How do I know you’re asking, right? I’ve had a gym membership for over four decades. All sorts of gym memberships, big box, spin, boot camp, step, barre, hot yoga, kickboxing. There isn’t a gym membership out there (other than CrossFit) I haven’t joined or tried. Why? Because I love it and have a short attention span. Haha. I get bored and need to challenge myself so I kept trying different places and even when I moved to a new city, the first question to my real estate agent- “where’s the local gym?”
#2 Know that every single person who ever stepped into a gym has had their first day. They had the jitters not knowing where the equipment is, how much to lift, how to set the treadmill/bike up, who to talk to or what to do. Many places have free orientations, where they walk you around or provide ‘free personal training sessions’ WATCH OUT” for those and the fine print…. However, despite making sure you’re only getting what you truly want from a personal trainer, this might be the easiest way for you to get comfortable with a gym. (Talk more about this later). But, if you’re one of those people getting the tour and you feel like everyone is watching you, guess what? They’re not. Yes, members may look at you, but all they’re seeing is a person, one of many who have done exactly what you’re doing in that moment. So it’s common place. To a regular gym (when I say gym, I’m mean all fitness businesses) member you’re just another person joining the family of fitness.#truth
#3. People come and go in the fitness world. #fact They’re either looking for a reason to stay or a reason to leave. The latter is the easiest for a newbie who’s not committed because they don’t feel comfortable or haven’t found the right form of physical activity for themselves. This is key. As your lifestyle blogger friend I’m going to help you here. When you decide to check out a fitness place, do exactly that, you check them out. That’s right, you’re on a mission for yourself attitude. “I’m here to check out what you have to offer that will work for ME”. With that in mind, this is what you need to do.
Do your homework.
Check out fitness in your area. What is available? How far is the travel from your home or workplace?
Think about when you plan on going to the gym, during the day, weekend, after work? This is also key, because if it’s not a convenient location, you will not stick with it. Trust me.
Call or check out their website for free class pass. (Insert YF hyperlink). Every single gym will offer a free class pass or more. Sometimes you have to ask. Don’t be afraid to ask what specials are coming up and don’t be afraid to say you’re just looking. Yep, tell them you’re checking out different places. If you’re not interested in a gym “membership” ask about class passes. Usually you can buy a package. Remember this is ALL about you. Not the folks working in the gym. You’re in the drivers seat navigating these roads that will lead you to your best life destination.
Dress for the experience.
#4 Meaning, wear the right clothes and shoes so you’re comfortable. Sports bra for women, hair in ponytail, if you want it out of your way. If you want to feel good, you have to also look it. No need to buy something new, but I can tell you it WILL motivate you. Knowing these are my new clothes/shoes to wear to the gym. The “new” experience for now. I’ll provide some shopping links.
Check out the equipment.
#5 Does it look new and all in working order? Does any of that equipment interest you? Have you ever tried any of it? If no, try all of it. That’s right. Try every single piece, treadmill, bikes, elliptical, all for at least 20 minutes. Don’t be afraid to ask staff members to help you set up your equipment so it’s correct for you to maximize the experience.
Check out the group fitness schedule and classrooms
Take a class
Take a the same class with a different instructor (take the same class 3 times)
Try all the classes that seem appealing
STAY FOR THE ENTIRE CLASS (repeat this) STAY for the ENTIRE class. I’ve seen far too many people quite on themselves here. If it’s your first class, you have no idea of what’s coming, what the plan is, what the playlist is, therefore. STAY! You will feel a sense of accomplishment afterwards.
Check out their trainers, one on one offerings
Check out their personal trainers. Usually gym will offer free personal training sessions. These are very helpful because the trainer will give you their undivided attention. They will show you good form (key), they will teach you how to set up equipment and so much more. This is where you build the foundation of your journey and lifestyle.
If you’re looking at a boutique type fitness center, sign of for their orientation class, they always offer them. Ask for assistance in setting up your equipment I.e. cycle.
Once you’ve decided, GO. Just GO at least three times. Again think “lifestyle”. You’re going to be sore if you haven’t worked out. (This process is waking up your muscles). Trust me that soreness goes away. For me, I look at it as progress, when I switch something up, to this day, I still get sore. (Waking up new muscles). All good. #lifestyle
#6. The gym is a community of like minded people. Ultimately, every person is there achieving their own goals. Do not be intimidated by those who are all dressed in flashy trendy gym garb. Do not be intimidated by large muscles. Do not be intimidated by those who know what to do in group ex classes. You want to know why? Because all of those people have been at it a very long time. Their personal goal is to look exactly how you see them and how the rest of the world sees them outside of the gym. The saying “practice makes perfect”, well body builders are an example of that and just setting a goal for yourself and committing to it, you will see a difference in yourself.
Baby steps… it’s all just baby steps.
#7. I’ll say another thing that really works to help keep you motivated “after you’ve found what you like” is to reward yourself. That’s right. Set a goal for yourself like “I’m going to try this for one week”. If you succeed, then reward yourself with something you normally don’t do. Get a message, or buy a new workout top. Then, set the next bigger goal. Rinse and repeat this process. Bigger goals, bigger rewards. Log it, track and make yourself a journal with photos. (For your eyes only)
#8. No matter your personal situation, whether you’re a college student, full-time stay home mom, professional, empty nester or retiree, there are new friends in the gym for you to meet. Even if that is not your goal, it is inevitable your schedule will align with others and you will strike up a conversation and potentially make a new best friend.
Are you ready? Change happens outside of your comfort zone. What we think in our minds is always far worse than reality.
Here is a nugget that I shared with my class for 8 years.
“The hardest part of having a gym membership is walking through those doors. You walked through those doors today and that’s better than all the other people who are home sitting on their couches right now.”
No matter how well you think you did or didn’t do in the gym, you went and that’s ALWAYS a win and how lifestyles begin!
Quote to remember:
“Sorry I went to the gym, no one said EVER.”
Go getter done and tell me about it. I’d love to hear your story because I know for sure it’s going to be a good one. Over the years many people who stayed consistent had many positive results. So many happily shared their results with me in class here are some:
“I just have to tell you, I went to the doctor and he took off my medication”. “My blood pressure has dropped” “I’ve lost 100 lbs”, “My clothes don’t fit anymore” “I love coming here” “I feel so much happier” “I’ve made new friends”. “I can hold a plank” “ I didn’t think I had rhythm “ “I love the way sweat feels” “look at my biceps”
What if getting over gymintimidation helps you become a better version of yourself? Isn’t that the ultimate goal? Follow me on social media so you can tag me in your gym selfies. That would make my day!
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