As the New Year approaches, we can estimate that almost everyone has some intention of losing at least a few extra pounds built up over the holiday season (unless you’ve stuck to Fitz’s Exact Formula for Weight Loss). Your local gym will be acutely aware of this fact, too, and no doubt has been encouraging sign ups by offering super discounts and deals left, right, and center.
Once memberships are bought and the cards are dispersed, some people are simple too intimidated to actually go exercise in the gym. For some reason, the idea of being surrounded by people who are possibly “fitter than me” make them intensely uncomfortable, and they suffer from what is known as ‘gymtimidation.’
It’s a major issue that means a couple of things. First of all, your fear is stopping you from getting fit and leading a healthier lifestyle. And second, of all, it means that you now have to pay hefty monthly fees to your local gym for the next year, without getting any return. But there are some simple tactics you can employ to make sure your fear of the gym stops getting in the way of your success. Let’s take a closer look.
Request a visit
Most gyms offer newcomers a chance to take a look around the gym before signing up; you should take them up on this. Check out the equipment, of course, and ensure you feel comfortable, but also look at the people. What you’ll likely find is a diverse crowd of regular Joes and Janes who are just like you. Some may be super fit, but the majority will likely be trying to lose some weight and firm up whatever type of body they have. Plus, most folks are genuinely focused on what they’re doing at the gym; they likely won’t have the time, energy or interest in starting at you.
Hire a personal trainer
Hiring a trainer at the gym is a quick way to get familiar with the equipment and a routine designed just for you. You don’t have to continue it forever or invest thousands of dollars. However, it’s a superb jumpstart; something you should could consider if you really are unsure of yourself. Researching and finding the local personal training gym for your needs will not only get you comfortable at your new gym, it should boost your results as well!
Go early or late
If self-confidence is still a major issue, try going to your gym during quieter times. It might mean getting up an hour earlier in the morning or developing the dedication to go later on in the evening. But it will ease your self-confidence issues, and you’ll meet many others in your situation, too.
Get practice in at home
Part of your confidence issue arises from the fact that you don’t feel like you are already a fitness pro. It makes sense, then, to start exercising at home in private. All the exercise you do will increase the number of endorphins in your brain, making you feel a lot better about yourself – and more capable of taking on the challenge of starting some serious gym sessions. There are hundreds of excellent home workout DVDs out there, so take a look around and see what you can find.
Do you have any more confidence-boosting tips to help people get down the gym, lose weight, and develop their fitness? Share them in the comments section below!
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