Overcoming your fear of the gym

When it comes down to it, much of what prevents people from embarking on a journey to become more fit and healthy is FEAR: Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of getting injured, fear of not fitting in, fear of embarrassing yourself…

Years of coaching has taught me that much of this fear is rooted in myths and false assumptions: myths about what people assume the gym will be like and previous experiences that lead them to assume all gyms are like the one they once experienced.

Experience has also taught me many people share similar fears based on the same myths or past experiences.

It’s time to dispel these myths and share the reality of what training with us will be like:

FEAR:

 I’m going to walk into the gym and feel stupid because I wont know what I’m doing and nobody will bother to take the time to recognize that I need help.

OR:

A gym I went to once threw my right into group classes. I had no idea what I was doing and spent the whole time being overwhelmed and intimidated.”

REALITY:

With us, you will not be left to your own devices to figure things out on your own, and you certainly won’t be thrown into the fire of group classes until you’re physically and mentally ready. With us, your journey will begin with a one-on-one introductory session with a coach, who will take the time to get to know your wants and needs, goals and physical limitations. Then you will do personal training sessions with this coach to k prepare you properly for group classes should you eventually want to join them (some people remain in personal training because they prefer the one-on-one attention, while others love the group environment).

FEAR:

 I’m going to be expected to stand on a scale and be weighed and measured publicly within five minutes of walking through the door.

REALITY:

Unless you want to be weighed and given a weight loss or weight gain plan, you do not need to be weighed and measured.

FEAR:

 Theyre going to make me try jumping on high boxes, climbing ropes and doing handstands, and I’m terrified of heights and of going upside down.

OR:

“I have had so many injuries and chronic pain over the years. Im scared Ill get injured because of the intensity.

REALITY:

Nobody is going to push you to climb a rope or do a handstand until you’re physically and emotionally ready. This might mean you never want to learn a handstand push-up, and that’s fine, too. There are plenty of easier ways to build shoulder pressing strength and doing it upside down. Movements for you will be selected appropriately depending on your abilities, your goals and your injury history. The number one priority is to keep you safe.

FEAR:

 Im not a competitive person so I wont like the competitive group class environment.

 OR:

 “I’m not an athlete. Is it even realistic to think I can join?

REALITY:

99 percent of our members don’t consider themselves to be competitive. More than 60 percent don’t even consider themselves athletes. Nobody cares how much weight you lifting or how fast you’re moving through a workout. Our priority is to individualize your experience to help keep you on the path to greater fitness in relation to yourself, not to those around you. And again, I reiterate, nobody will be judging you!

FEAR:

“I have joined gyms before. They never work for me.

 REALITY:

Have you ever had a coach for life? Someone in your corner to help keep you on track with and manage your health, wellness, nutrition and fitness? If you have never worked with a professional coach, it might be time to give the gym just one more try. It’s different here.