Killing Gymtimidation
18th of June 2018
People don't go to the gym for many reasons. One of those reasons is being shy around other gym goers that have been going for a long time. Not only being around them, but new gym members are often under the feeling that they're being judged. New gym goers look at the work these regulars put in and get discouraged (when they really should be encouraged). The new members don't talk to the regulars because of this. In avoiding the regular gym goers, do they really know what regulars are thinking or what irritates them? I feel like this is a valid question. While regular gym goers shouldn't judge the new ones, the new members shouldn't judge the regulars. The regulars were new gym members at one point in their fitness journey. Most of them know what the new members are thinking (in case they don't, here's a few): 1. How am I going to be able to do that?!
Most new members look at someone doing an exercise they've never seen before (or they have), and they feel discouraged because they can't do it. Without even trying the exercise, they've decided that they can't do it. How will one be able to do something? Just keep at it. Don't give up. Nobody in the gym will laugh at you. Actually, someone might even give you some pointers on what to work on. Example: I once was able to do cartwheels, but I wasn't since I let myself get out of shape. Now, while I don't do the greatest cartwheel, I'm much better at them since I started doing them again.
2. I'll never look that good.
Do you. Worrying about how others look is discouraging, but you can only control yourself. It's not wrong to want to lose the belly, flabby arms and what-not, but work on making the best you and not a replica of someone else, whoever that may be.
3. I don't know how to use this machine, so I won't use it.
While it's a good idea to not use a machine you don't know how to work, at some point, ask someone. Ask another member if you want, but the best person to ask is a trainer. They're certified to know the equipment in the gym, and not all members use all the machines or equipment. Never leave out a piece of equipment just because you don't know how to use it. You might be missing out on a great workout.
So that's just a few of what new members are thinking. I know I'm missing a bunch, but nobody really asks what a regular member is thinking. While I don't speak for ALL of them, the ones I've run into while on my journey have not thought what I predicted. In fact, it was far from what I thought was going through their heads. They're more worried about gym etiquette. 1. Rack your weights.
This seems to be a common pet peeve. When weights aren't put back, it's an indication that the equipment is still in use. It's annoying to wait for the equipment a long time only to stare at it for about 10 minutes untouched and not put back. 2. Wait until I'm done with my reps before asking or telling me something. Ever get in one of those zones where you don't want any distractions, yet you get one anyway? It's a buzzkill when someone interrupts a workout for something that could have waited. It's ok to ask if they're done with a piece of equipment AFTER they're done with a set and not using the wanted equipment. The work done in the gym requires lots of focus because lots of people challenge themselves by increasing weight and intensity. Basically, don't be a gym ninja and wait around to take it when you think they're done. Ask first. There's plenty to do in the gym.
3. Wipe off your sweat from the equipment!
I'm a big guy that sweats heavily in the gym. My clothes are dripping when I'm done. That's how I do it in the gym. However, I wipe off my sweat off of the equipment when I'm done. Nobody wants to use what I just finished with my sweat all over it. NO! They want to cover it with their own sweat. Hopefully, they in turn wipe off their own sweat.
4. Stay off your phone!
Yes, listen to music. Listen to whatever you listen to through your workout. However, don't take a call on the equipment. It's distracting to other gym members. Don't text while on the equipment. You're keeping others that want to do actual work on it.
So most of the time, the regular gym goers aren't really judging you by what you're doing. They're more focused on their workout. They get in, start the workout, and once it's finished, they leave. Don't get me wrong: there are ones that have their comments. I've had a few say some to me. However, I've had more compliment me on my progress than on how I look.
So the gym shouldn't be as intimidating as it's made out to be. If it's something you want to do, do it. There's more people on your side than you think. You're going to meet lots of people to help you along the way as well.