5 Reasons beginners shouldn’t fear training in a public gym.
During the consultation process with new clients, something we often discuss is barriers preventing the individual from reaching their personal fitness goals. More often than not people tend to discuss a fear/resentment towards attending the gym, with individuals often discussing how they find gyms intimidating. As someone who started as a complete beginner and has trained in public gyms for years now, I firmly believe that beginners especially should have nothing to worry about when joining a new gym. Here we will discuss 5 reasons why you shouldn’t fear training in a public gym.
Everyone started somewhere.
Everyone you see in the gym started as a beginner. Whether you see someone lifting heavy weights, or running fast on a treadmill they once would have started as a complete beginner. Speaking to clients and other people about their personal fitness journeys, it is often an assumption that if you are a beginner in the gym, you are being judged. I believe this could not be further from the truth. Everyone has made the same mistakes when starting their fitness journey, and as I will discuss in point number 2 realistically most people aren’t paying attention anyway. If you are reading this and still apprehensive about looking “stupid” in the gym check out the video below. I’ve been a personal trainer for over 3 years, and been training on and off close to 10. But below you’ll see a short video of some bloopers and mistakes I’ve made whilst training.
2. Everyone is focused on themselves
Everyone who is in the gym has their own specific goals, workouts, and progress that they are primarily focused on, this leaves very little room to pay attention to others. I believe there is an incorrect perception that your are being judged or ridiculed in the gym. In my eyes this could not be further from the truth, everyone in there is on common ground, specifically focusing on themselves rather than others. In truth people are so focused on themselves and in their own bubble, they probably won’t even notice you are in the gym.
3. Gyms offer a supportive community
It’s important to highlight that more often than not if you are having interactions in the gym, these are usually someone trying to provide encouragement or advise, rather than judgement. Whether this is other gym goers or staff, the gym will provide a very supporitve community. Below you can actually see a video of me receiving some encouragement from another member of the gym. There is a common perception that the gym is an intimidating or judgemental place, and in all honesty I believe this couldn’t be further from the truth.
4. Access to professional advise
Staff will be there to provide inductions and can often give you fitness advise also. These inductions can be a great way of teaching you specific machines in the gym, and will also make you more comfortable knowing your way around the gym. Often these inductions will be included in your membership and are a great way of making you more comfortable. As a personal trainer myself I offer everyone a free session, this can also be a great way of gaining some knowledge about the gym itself, and using the time to learn any specific fitness tips you may need. If you are reading this and are interested in one of these sessions, click the button below.
5. An opportunity for growth
Now the alternative to training in a public gym is either training at home, or breaking the bank on a private personal training studio. Now although these are both very good options for a lot of people I believe that overcoming your potential fear can be great for your confidence. If you are fearful of training in the gym (which although understandable I believe you have no reason to be fearful) then facing your fears and training in a public gym can be great for feeling a sense of accomplishment. Training at home or in a private studio, I believe you aren’t going to quite get this feeling, therefore decreasing the impacts that training can have on your mental health. With my experience training myself and others, I have seen first hand the positive impacts that training can have on your mental health.
In conclusion
Training in a public gym for the first time can be nerve-wracking, but remember that everyone started as a beginner. With time, you’ll find your rhythm, build your confidence, and maybe even inspire someone else who’s just starting out. Don’t let fear hold you back from achieving your fitness goal. Take that first step today, and you’ll be glad you did.
If you are ready to take that leap and start your fitness jouney but still feeling apprehensive, I’m here to help ! Contact me to book a free consultation and workout, and we can make your first gym experience a positive one!
