Joining A Gym Jitters

Going into an unfamiliar atmosphere of any kind can be intimidating, confusing, and uncomfortable for everyone.

As a personal trainer and someone who has been in the fitness industry for five years now, I have heard from countless people about how scary going into the gym can be. Often, I have people tell me that they don't know what they are doing. They don't feel comfortable with all the people or instantly start comparing themselves to others. These are just a couple of things I have experienced personally as a regular gym-goer and someone who works in the fitness world. 

 The first piece of advice that I can offer to people who have no idea what they are doing when they come into the gym is to

go in with a plan. What I mean by coming in with a plan is to have a workout ready to go, whether it's in your notes on your phone, on a notepad, sticky note, or anything. If you go that route, you can look up some good workouts on the internet and those exercises on YouTube. Another way to feel more comfortable starting out in the gym is to hire a personal trainer once you begin. They can help you out so much by knowing exactly what to do when you come in and also help you perform the exercises correctly and safely. Even if you don't plan on staying with a trainer forever, I would recommend to anyone starting out in the gym for the first time to hire a trainer first. 

When it comes to not being comfortable around people at the gym or if you feel like people are watching you and judging

you, they probably aren't. However, I remember when I first started going to the gym, I was so nervous about what other people thought about me. My friends were all stronger than me and frequent gym-goers, so I would ask to tag along with them so I wouldn't have to go by myself. It really helped that I was with one or two of my friends that I was comfortable with, who I knew wouldn't judge me or care how much I lifted. It will always help to go with someone who you can rely on to help you out. After being "gym buddies" for a while, you guys will start to hold each other accountable for being consistent. 

 This last point kind of ties into the previous one about comparing yourself to others. It can be natural to think, "whoa, those

people are way too hardcore for me," or "I'll never be able to do that, so why even try." Still, in all reality, everyone started not knowing how to do anything. Everyone started out learning with just the bar and learning from someone else. Every gym will have a different vibe, so it is essential to find the right one for you. When picking out a gym, you should go in and right away go from how the front desk treats you. If they are warm and welcoming, offer you a tour, answering all of your questions and inquiring about your personal and fitness journey. 

In conclusion, my advice would be to find the right place for you! Find the place where the staff and other members make

you feel comfortable and offer help. There is a gym in North East Wichita called GoTimeTraining, and I really think you should check that place out. :)

Tregg Rodriguez