Gym Fear © Dr. Eileen Silva 2006
Are you the only one in your group who didn’t make a New Year’s resolution to start a daily workout? Do you cringe every time someone says, “Let’s go to the gym,” because the gym is a scary, uncomfortable place for you? You aren’t alone!
State of the art equipment! Wall-to-wall mirrors! Skinny women and buff men in spandex! Eyes on you everywhere you go! . . . Gyms are scary places!
However, let me encourage you that the mental and physical benefits of regular gym workouts are much greater than the risk you take trying something new. Maybe I can help. Here are a few ideas that may help you step comfortably into your neighborhood fitness center.
Join with a friend! You won’t feel nearly as lonely or intimidated if you go with a friend. You can face the spandex set with a buddy by your side, visit back and forth, as you work out, and spot each other on weights.
Work in the arena of your choice! You don’t have to trudge your way through the weight room or pedal miles on the machines if the very thought bores you to yawns. Sign up for cardio dance classes, strength and conditioning classes, yoga, or Pilates mat, and cha cha your way to fitness. Music and routines will distract you from the drudgery of 1-2-3-4, and you will find yourself actually having fun.
Feel free to pick and choose your workouts! Make the rounds and experiment with different machines, classes, instructors, and build your routine out of your favorites. A trip to the gym should be exhilarating and beneficial, not as dreadful as a trip to the dentist. The most important thing is that you work your body, move your muscles, and get rid of stress.
It’s OK to take your exercise in small bites! If going to the gym is like facing the proverbial elephant with fork and spoon, minimize the event. Tell yourself you are just going to scope it out the first time. If you wear your work out clothes “just in case,” you may feel inclined to try something. Once you get started, it won’t be so bad.
Remind yourself that this is something you are doing for yourself, not because it’s “10:15 A.M. and time for Miss Futznell’s P.E. class, and you have to wear those dreadful bloomers and endure Bouncing Betty’s rude comments.” Your choice to work out is for your health and fitness success. You owe it to yourself to give it a try and enjoy yourself.
State of the art equipment! Wall-to-wall mirrors! Skinny women and buff men in spandex! Eyes on you everywhere you go! . . . Gyms are scary places!
However, let me encourage you that the mental and physical benefits of regular gym workouts are much greater than the risk you take trying something new. Maybe I can help. Here are a few ideas that may help you step comfortably into your neighborhood fitness center.
Join with a friend! You won’t feel nearly as lonely or intimidated if you go with a friend. You can face the spandex set with a buddy by your side, visit back and forth, as you work out, and spot each other on weights.
Work in the arena of your choice! You don’t have to trudge your way through the weight room or pedal miles on the machines if the very thought bores you to yawns. Sign up for cardio dance classes, strength and conditioning classes, yoga, or Pilates mat, and cha cha your way to fitness. Music and routines will distract you from the drudgery of 1-2-3-4, and you will find yourself actually having fun.
Feel free to pick and choose your workouts! Make the rounds and experiment with different machines, classes, instructors, and build your routine out of your favorites. A trip to the gym should be exhilarating and beneficial, not as dreadful as a trip to the dentist. The most important thing is that you work your body, move your muscles, and get rid of stress.
It’s OK to take your exercise in small bites! If going to the gym is like facing the proverbial elephant with fork and spoon, minimize the event. Tell yourself you are just going to scope it out the first time. If you wear your work out clothes “just in case,” you may feel inclined to try something. Once you get started, it won’t be so bad.
Remind yourself that this is something you are doing for yourself, not because it’s “10:15 A.M. and time for Miss Futznell’s P.E. class, and you have to wear those dreadful bloomers and endure Bouncing Betty’s rude comments.” Your choice to work out is for your health and fitness success. You owe it to yourself to give it a try and enjoy yourself.
posted by Eileen Silva, Ph.D.,N.D. | 10:57 AM
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