How to Get Over Your Fear of Walking into a New Gym
Written by Invictus Member Rachel Ragosa
Imagine your very first day of school. While you may not remember the exact details, I’m sure you may recall feelings of anxiety, fear, along with a lot of excitement. For those who are just starting their fitness journey, walking into a gym may elicit a lot of those same feelings. It takes a lot of courage for many to walk into a typical gym, let alone a gym like Invictus. If you have been telling yourself that you would stop in to “check it out” but haven’t been in yet out of fear or apprehension, this is the blog for you. Here are a few quick ways to get over your fear of walking into a gym for the first time.
Walk By and Watch
There is nothing wrong with stopping by the gym just to watch and see what it is about. Chat with a few people who are waiting on their workout or have just finished. Talk with the people at the front desk and ask questions. Your first time in, you don’t have to participate. While jumping in is fantastic, it isn’t required, take things at your own pace. Pick up a schedule and some information to take home.
Place the Gym’s Schedule Where You Will See It
After you have grabbed the gym’s schedule, place it somewhere you will see it each day. This is a physical reminder about getting started. Highlight a few times a week that would work within your day. It is helpful to treat it like any meeting you have at work; put it on your phone’s calendar with an alert. This way you are holding yourself accountable.
Buy Yourself a Treat
If you can, buy yourself a new workout shirt or pants, or even a whole outfit. You don’t have to invest in a completely new wardrobe, even just one or two pieces of clothing can make a big difference in your attitude. Feeling comfortable and sharp will give you additional confidence and motivation to get out there.
Bring a Friend
We can’t always rely on others to drag us to the gym. However, for your first group session it can be helpful to bring a supportive person with you. Invite a friend to check out the gym with you. Who knows, you may both end up signing up and working out together on a regular basis. Invictus and a lot of other gyms have amazing communities of people too. When you come to the gym, it is almost guaranteed you will make new friends who will keep you coming.
Just Come In and Work Hard
Many people are nervous about joining a group fitness gym because they are worried about looking weak or not being good enough. The competition you have is with yourself, no one else. Base your progress solely on your own past performance. If you come into group sessions on a consistent basis and work hard, you will improve. The more you walk into the gym, the easier it will be.
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