I've been 1, 2 and (nearly) 3 and, believe it or not, as someone who spends hours in the gym environment and can use pretty much all the equipment you
see.....I still get a bit nervous walking into a strange gym.
We ABSOLUTELY shouldn't but we do!
It is a very testosterone fuelled environment and can come across as a place where people go to show off their physical prowess and strength. This
shouldn't threaten us, it should spur us on...you are only in competition with your own physical limits.
Like any new environment, it really isn't as bad as it seems, and actually some of the scariest looking dudes and dudettes in the gym are really the nicest and most willing to help. They have worked hard to be like they are but know where they have come from, they were new too, once
upon a time.
I've seen it countless times, there is a direct correlation between someone who is clearly really athletic and balanced and knows what they are doing and how friendly they are.
They truly love training and are there for the right reasons and nothing will excite them more than having a
chance to help a new person to lifting...strike up a conversation and you will find out for yourself.
One of my absolute proudest moments as a PT is when I see the look on the face of a client nailing a lift and them getting nods of approval from the giant of a man in the corner!
Obviously there are exceptions to the rule.....you will spot
these as the ones who push people out the way and leave kit all over the place (because mummy isn't there to tidy up after them of course!).
The barbell, dumbbells, kettle bells, and all the other bits of iron you see about, are tools that can make you super strong. They are beautiful, exciting and can heal your body more than your realise...give them some time.
No one is expecting you to walk into a gym, clear an area and start flinging barbells about from day one..so how can we get ourselves comfortable and start off right?:
- choose your gym well. Often the smaller one off gyms or set up as part of a racket or golf club are often the best with the most authenticity. The
area obviously can also make a difference
- learn ONE lift (like a goblet squat or sumo deadlift) and ONE lift only. Make this your project for your first few weeks and make this all you do and research (see email archives for my 'learn to squat email' as a starter). Having one thing that you are confident in will give you head space to get comfortable in the environment and the move itself (plus get you stronger of
course!).
- learn gym etiquette...see more on this on tomorrows email
- get a gym induction from the fitness/ PT manager...ask for them as will be the most experienced
- remember that you are a paying customer so have every right to be there. Everyone else does too, but you may find some that feel they own the space. Avoid confrontation though as remember you
will see these people often and can get awkward!
- smile at everyone. Sounds silly but you plan to be a regular so make a good impression. You meet far cooler people in the gym than you will ever meet in a pub (IMO) so be ready to share :-D
- Start with lower weights than you think you could lift. It is about the MOVEMENT not how stacked the bar looks (you will see this mistake nearly every
day!)
- don't go at peak times, eves and Saturday mornings can be a pressure cooker and can put you off, the early morning crowd are my favourites and it is much less busy
Overall, remember that NO ONE of worth is judging you, if fact most will be applauding you for getting in there in the first place. There is a real togetherness in working out with others so make sure you have a
open mind to this. Don't waste energy on worrying what others think, put it into the weights!
I'm here to help so if starting out hit reply and I'll help out if any questions.
Use that free weight space!
J
PS. Still hate the idea of the gym.
