Overcoming Your Fear of Joining a Gym

A fitness center is indeed an intimidating place. From an outsider's point of view, it seems like some underground organization that you have no business being a part of. After all, you haven't worked out in years and can't remember the last time you looked good in a bathing suit. To even think that you would go into a gym and workout next to some buff or muscular fitness addict seems like social suicide. Besides the people, the gym itself seems like a world of the unknown, with all the high-tech polished metal equipment that you would need instructions for to be able to operate. There are kickboxing classes, spinning classes, and many other things going on that you wouldn't even know how to get started. Well, I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Those are just excuses!

Starting today, change your outlook on life. Those things that seem so unattainable, like a membership to the gym, should become realities. The benefits of regular gym workouts will help shape and mold not just your physical features, but your mental outlook as well. Of course, I can understand your initial hesitation for trying something new. There is always that fear gene that is embedded into the fabric of our being that makes us reluctant to not excel at something the first time. Here are just a few ways to take baby steps to and inside the gym for a chance to change your life:

Partner up with a friend.

Sometimes all you need is a little support from your friends and family. When I first started thinking about going to the gym, I was nervous because I was intimidated by the guys with more impressive physiques. My wife, a regular at the gym, took me along as a visitor one day for a free session. What I found was the support system I needed to break the fear I had all of those years. Many gyms offer guest passes for first time visitors. I highly recommend finding a friend that is a current member and see if you can tag along one day just so you can experience the gym environment. You'll feel much better if you have someone by your side that can push you and build your self confidence. Once you are inside, you can continue to stay together as you work out on machines next to one another or choose side-by-side treadmills.

Stick to what makes you comfortable.

I will not lie to you. There are certain machines in the fitness center that I dread every time I rotate from station to station. My belief is that if you do not enjoy these machines then do not force yourself to use them. The gym should not only be an intense environment, but a fan one as well. Choosing the machines that make you feel comfortable will keep your motivation up and you'll forget all about the mental hurdle you had for so long.

Take classes.

My wife is an absolute gym nut and would you be surprised to know that she actually doesn't use a single workout machine? The majority of gyms offer a variety of class programs that don't require weights or machines. Cardio workouts will give you just as much exercise and they are very fun to participate in. For instance, my wife and a friend attend the spinning class every Thursday and she always comes home with a smile on her face. She tells me that she and her friend push each other and get the greatest satisfaction from a fulfilling workout. Other classes may include Pilates, yoga, dancing, boxing, and a variety of step classes. These classes are typically an hour long and include a warm up session, the main core of the class, and then a cool down session so that your body can relax as the program draws to an end. The classes feature motivational workout music, and the atmosphere is definitely that of a fun one.

It's a great way to meet new people.

Though this isn't your primary reason for going to the gym, it certainly helps to know that you'll meet a variety of colorful people at the fitness center. My wife and I have made several close friends from our trips to the gym, and it makes it fun to know you'll all be working out together. Besides, you and your new friends can go socialize together afterward, or perhaps shop for new workout clothes. The purpose here is to get you past the mental hurdle that keeps you from jumping in entirely.

Remember, regular gym members do not think anything negative about you when you step foot inside the gym. You are there for the opportunity to change your life and become a much more sculpted person, inside and out. They are applauding you for your efforts on the inside. It takes a special person to take a risk at changing themselves for the better. The question is, do you want to be more comfortable with your body or do you just want to press your hands and face into the glass at the gymnasium and think about what might have been?