It is not uncommon for most of us to have gym trepidation. There are many people who are referred to as “gym rats” who are extremely comfortable in the gym and who practically live there. However, there is also another group of people who are the complete opposite. We could refer to them as “couch rats.” It takes a great deal of confidence for those who don’t typically go to the gym to get up the courage to go. 

Imagine you finally muster up the motivation to go to the gym after weeks of not going. You walk in and suddenly people are surrounding you. They are lifting weights, running on treadmills and working out on the other various machines. It freaks you out because everyone appears as if they are professional trainers and bodybuilders. As you look around anxiously trying to decide what you are going to do first, you notice people looking at you and it suddenly seems like everyone is staring at you. 

This is exactly the feelings that people feel when they enter the gym, so it is typical for people to feel intimidated when they go. Speaking as someone who does not go to the gym on a regular basis, I can understand how it can be a bit scary when you go to the Rec Center and it feels like all the big buff guys and toned girls are staring at you. It feels like everyone is looking and thinking to themselves, “What is this idiot doing here? She doesn’t even look like she knows what she’s doing?” It is thoughts such as these that cross our minds that have the potential to make people never want to step foot in the gym ever again. However, it is crucial to look past this intimidation if you are determined to get in shape.

There are various steps you can take in order to get past gym intimidation and get closer to a better, healthier you. You can start by getting a gym buddy, this way, going to work out with a friend will take your mind off any intimidation you may feel as you go in to exercise. Also, you can make a calendar to plan out work outs and set a goal, so then you have motivation to go and therefore will help you look past any fear of the gym. Hiring a personal trainer is another great way to overcome gym intimidation. Having someone who knows the gym backwards and forwards will boost your confidence because after a while of having a trainer, you will know the gym almost as well as they do.

In the grand scheme of things, having confidence is the root of success when dealing with practically anything. Being motivated and confident in yourself will help you overcome any fear. It may be difficult to discover confidence in yourself, and everyone is different, but that does not mean that you are not capable of overcoming your fears. So, get up off the couch and walk in the gym with confidence and do your thing!