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Walking into the gym can be a stressful experience, especially when the festive season has passed and everyone is focused on realizing a ‘New You’.
Healthy revelations about embracing new workouts or a healthy eating plan can create a lot of pressure to get in the gym as soon as possible and make sweeping changes to our lifestyle.
The term “gym intimidation” used to be described as a term that only referred to the use of new equipment or training styles, but now the phrase is more commonly associated with any feeling of intimidation upon entering the gym.
Olivia Tyler, Regional Clinical Fitness Lead at Nuffield Health, told FEMAIL some of the most common scenarios in which ‘shyness’ can manifest itself, as well as ways to recognize it and how to overcome it.
For many, the New Year is seen as a time for resolutions with a focus on health. However, many of us suffer from “intimidation” when we exercise (stock image)
Being intimidated by… the place itself
Whether it’s a gym, studio, classroom, or facility, setting foot in a new environment can be intimidating.
Olivia explained to remember that ‘these are the places where so much positive change can happen.’
Not just the physical changes, but building trust, supporting positive mental health, building and strengthening relationships, and a sense of community are all things that can be worked on.
Olivia said: ‘These things may not happen overnight, but trust me when I say they will.
‘If you’re feeling intimidated or nervous, it’s also worth going in with a plan or an idea of what you want to get out of your session.
“Having structure when you’re not sure can help you move from set to set without feeling like you have to figure out what’s next.”
She advised asking if you’re unsure how to use the equipment, as many fitness and wellness centers will have support on gym floors if you have questions about routines or equipment.
Being intimidated by… your own barriers
‘I’m not strong/fast/good enough’ is a thought we’ve all experienced at one point or another, and this is a common sentiment around health and exercise.
But, as Olivia explained, there are two ways to deal with this type of bullying.
She said: ‘Firstly, it is very important to set personal goals before embarking on a new fitness, health or gym regimen.
‘Make a long-term goal, where do you want to see yourself in a year? Then break it down into month-to-month goals, and further into week-to-week goals if necessary.’
According to the regional leader in clinical fitness, this method gives you manageable goals that you can mark as you go.
“It also makes the whole process feel less daunting, since you’re in charge of what you want to do next.”
Second, you have to remember to be kind to yourself. We all know that life isn’t always perfect and barriers can get in the way, but this is not an opportunity to stop or give up.
Olivia explained, “Setting small goals means that if one isn’t reached, you can revisit or move on to the next one without it affecting your long-term plans.
“It’s much easier to be negative than positive, but recognizing when you’re doing this and changing your thought process means you can focus on the good.”
“For example, if you’re just starting out and feel like your session didn’t go as planned, don’t view it as ‘wasted effort,’ praise yourself for showing up and moving your body.”
Being intimidated by… the fear of the unknown
With so many different workout styles, guides, and formats available to those looking to mix it up or try a new workout, it’s not at all surprising that the number on offer can be intimidating.
So as not to feel overwhelmed or intimidated, Olivia advised reviewing the reasons why you’re looking for something new.
“As before, focus on the goals you’ve set for yourself and now think about how you’re going to get there,” he explained.
‘If you’re unsure about a new training format, do some research or speak to a PT or trainer for additional information on whether or not it may be right for you.
“You can always try something and if it’s not for you, try something else.”
Remember, though, that while exercise can be hard at times, there’s a difference between being hard and enjoying it, and being hard and hating it.
You will be much less motivated and will look for ways to stop. Finding something that works for you can be the deciding factor when it comes to sticking with it.
Feeling confident about what you want to do, how you’re going to do it, and ideally when you want to do it will always help you get back on track.
Being intimidated by… trying something new
It’s not just about what’s on offer, this can also lead to feelings of inadequacy when comparing yourself to those who have been following a guide or style you’re interested in trying for a significant amount of time, automatically making them appear ‘better than’. your.
This ties into the idea of being kind to yourself, but you also have to remember the cliché that everyone has to start somewhere; This has never been more true than in a health and fitness environment.
Olivia said, “If you expect to be the fastest, lift the heaviest, jump the highest, or generally be the best, you’re automatically putting pressure on yourself, which, frankly, is often very unattainable.”
‘In these situations, it is necessary to remember the end result; you appeared and moved your body.
‘Each time you do this, and if you do it consistently, you will make progress toward reaching your goals.
‘Trying something new is always difficult. If it’s a class or workout you can always bring a friend to attend to boost your confidence, or feel free to message the trainer/physio or gym to say you’re new as this may mean adjustments in the exercises to attend to those who are not so advanced.
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