You’re Not Alone If You’ve Thought This
You’ve finally done it – you’ve been avoiding the gym for days, months, maybe even years – but today is the day that you’ve decided to pull those sneakers out. Why was this such a challenging place to get to? Why has it been so long since you’ve walked into the gym?
Hesitance in joining a gym lies in the worry that you are not “fit enough.” While this is an extremely common thought, the reality of returning to a regular fitness routine has no measure for “not fit enough.” The culture that surrounds going to the gym is often clouded by societal pressure to be “fit first.” We are made to feel that we need to look a certain way or lift a certain amount of weight before we get our foot in the door. This idea prevents progress.
Everyone starts somewhere. No matter where you are, the gym is a place for everyone to make progress. While societal pressure feeds the narrative of who or what you should be in the gym, there is no way to make the progress you seek if you do not first decide to meet yourself where you are at.
The Truth About Starting at a Gym
The anxieties and misconceptions that surround starting at the gym when you feel out of shape may be daunting. However, there are several key thoughts to consider, to not only ease the sense of pressure, but to manage your expectations once you’ve decided to jump in.
The Hardest Part is Showing Up. The first step, walking in through the gym doors, is often the toughest. Once you’ve made it past the doubts that had held you back to this point, everything else falls into place.
You Don’t Have to Be Perfect. You Just Have to Show Up. There is no need to be ‘perfect’ on day one. In fact, there is no need to be perfect on day two, three, or up until the very last day you go to the gym. No one within the gym, whether it be the coaches or fellow gym-goers, expects perfection. Oftentimes, aiming for perfection can prevent action. Perfection should never be an expectation that you set for yourself. It’s the small, consistent efforts that add up over time. Though it may not feel like it after one week, give in two or three. You will see the small actions compound to large progressive steps made.
Learn as you go. If you started a new job or picked up a new hobby, would you expect to know everything instantly? Absolutely not! The same is true for the gym! You don’t need to know everything before starting. (A secret for you: At a good gym, you actually don’t need to know anything! That’s what coaches are there for.) The gym is a place to learn and grow, not to be flawless from day one. Embrace the journey. One of the best parts of actioning your fitness journey is enjoying the process of getting better. There is power in crushing your goals.
What a Good Gym Actually Feels Like
A “good gym” can be defined by 3 key attributes – atmosphere, environment and energy – which while each distinct, exist in synchrony and define a gym’s reputation.
Atmosphere: The atmosphere of a gym is determined by undertones created by the coaches. A good gym has an atmosphere that’s welcoming and warm. This is a place where coaches are your guides and offer instruction that helps you stay on track and progress at your own pace.
Environment: The gym environment is best described as conditions created by members. A good gym should feel like a judgment-free zone where no one is looking down on anyone else. Whether a brand new member or a five year veteran, you should feel equally embraced within the community by fellow members.
Energy: The energy of a gym is defined by both the coaches and members collectively. A good gym is grounded in positive energy. Positive energy looks like high fives after a tough workout, fist bumps after hitting a personal best or smiles on members faces. This energy begins with coaches and spreads to each new member who walks in the door. There is no exception. This is just “how it is.”
Above all, a good gym should feel like a good fit for your personality, goals, and values. If you haven’t yet realized, a “good gym” is not defined by the material qualities or the brand or the equipment. It’s all about the people.
If You’re Thinking About It… You’re Ready
Take the first step. For some that presents as looking up gyms near me. For others this may be literal, as in lacing up the shoes and heading out the door. There’s never a “perfect” time to start. The best time is right now. It’s a matter of putting your desire for perfection aside, posture yourself to learn something new. It’s the small, consistent steps that will bring big changes. Taking action is the only way to move forward.
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