Whether you are walking into a gym for the first time or changing gyms, there is a great deal of anxiety and fear. Because you have never been there, you don't know people or the staff - let alone the variety of new equipment and how to properly set it up for maximum results and performance.
Just recently, I had this experience for the second time while on my weight loss journey. I have nothing but good things to say about my precious gym. I’ve enjoyed my workouts and my interaction with the staff and club members. Leaving was bittersweet as I have met so many people and shared my story about how God brought change, transformation, and restoration to my broken life. However, for me to achieve my next set of goals I need to be at a gym that has more equipment that will help me target my body more effectively and assist me in reaching these goals.
I want to share 3 keys to help you when walking into a gym. These are very basic keys. Because of fear or anxiety, many people tend to feel overwhelmed and often, after starting at a new gym, give up and stop going. My prayer is that this will be an encouragement to you.
KEY #1 - BE CONFIDENT
Before I get out of my car, I pray. I set my mind on the workout I am about to do. Often I plan my workouts in advance and know a day or more ahead of time what I want to do, the equipment I want to use, and that I am not going into the gym to socialize, but to work out. The social component is a byproduct that comes with time and consistency, as you get familiar with the people & staff of the gym. Also remember, no one who is an expert started out that way. Everyone starts out as a beginner. So relax and breathe. You will be ok, I promise.
KEY #2 - OBSERVE EVERYTHING
Observe and take note of where everything is. Walk around and get familiar with the gym - the location of the cardio equipment, free weights, strength machines, locker rooms, classrooms, heck even the tanning beds or smoothie bar. The point is, the better you know the layout of the gym the better and more effective your workouts will be. In the 80’s, the cartoon G.I. Joe had a slogan, “Knowing Is Half The Battle.” This is true even for the gym. Learn where everything is, and don’t get frustrated if other gym members look at you weird. Their looks don’t matter because you are the one who has bought the membership, and you have every right to know where everything is located.
KEY #3 - ASK QUESTIONS
The biggest downfall, and why people tend to give up on going to a gym, is not due to a lack of motivation. It’s because they don’t know what to do in the gym. I have seen, time-and-time again, many people who are inspired, motivated, and gung-ho to start working out or losing weight give up. They are afraid of looking stupid or uneducated when it comes to nutrition, how to set up the equipment, what kind of clothes to wear, or what exercises to do for maximizing their efforts. There are tons of reasons and questions that grip at the heart and mind of a person that simply go unanswered because the questions are never asked.
My Thot: Confidence comes because of observations and asking ALL the questions. Walking into a gym doesn’t have to be a fearful, or frightening experience. If you make the investment in purchasing a gym membership then you have every right to feel like you own that place when you walk in the door. My prayer is that these three keys will help you when walking into a gym for the first time, or if you're are a seasoned gym goer. Post a comment if you have ever had Gym-Intimidation and comment on how you handled it.
Until next time grab a FREE Refill of the Kings Brew @ the Soul Cafe.
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