People might laugh at me.
People might talk about me.
People might stare at me.
I might stumble.
I might look stupid.
I might not have proper form.
I don’t know what I’m doing.
I can’t jump as high as other people.
I can’t lift as heavy as other people.
There is no limit to gym anxieties. The “what ifs,” the “I can’ts,” the “I’ll look”… and so many more!
Let me ask you this: What if you are on a treadmill walking 2.5 mph and the person to your left is running 6.0 mph and the person to your right is walking 3.5 mph with an incline of 5%? So what? You’ve gone from not walking to walking 2.5 mph. That’s great! It doesn’t matter that other people are going faster or walking up an incline. It doesn’t negate your workout. And think about it, what if someone else is walking 1.5 mph? Are you judging them poorly? I would hope not!
Okay, say you are deadlifting the barbell, 45 pounds. There is no shame in that. The person to your left is lifting 145 pounds, 100 pounds more than you! Yet, they started out at 45 pounds, too. The person to the right is lifting 245. Again, they also began at 45 pounds.
Some begin their gym journey at 8 years old, and others begin at 18, 38, or even 58 or 68 years old.
We don’t know other people’s stories. They don’t know yours either.
Take the chance. Walk into the gym. If you are lifting dumbbells and aren’t sure about the form, ask a trainer. Trainers are happy to talk to you and share their knowledge. They aren’t going to charge you or try to sell their services just because you asked a question.
If you are still anxious about walking into the gym, watch a few YouTube videos on specific exercises you want try. When you go to the gym, you will go with a plan.
If these ideas aren’t enough to get you there, go with a friend.
Or hire a trainer. They usually have limited packages in addition to longer term programming.
Just take the step. Go. If someone laughs, what happens? Nothing. You still keep working out. The world keeps spinning. And you get stronger.
What are some of your gym anxieties?
Stay…fit for FUN + fit for LIFE
Coach Cindy
Fit for FUN + Fit for LIFE 