When I was first lifting many moons ago, I was too excited not to go in there.
I was tired of running - I was a horrible runner, it wasn't good for my body. I picked up a Oxygen Magazine, a Muscle & Fitness hers, and other Magazines that focused on Strength Training, and I was hooked. Those women had muscle and they looked STRONG!! I wanted that!
I couldn't help myself. So, I wasn't scared of the weight room; I was more worried about the execution of the exercises so that I wouldn't get hurt.
I also went to the gym when it was not as busy.
Which brings me to how to start to feel comfortable in the gym! It'll take some reps - practice, but you'll get more and more comfortable over time.
I have few tips to give you, and a few articles, and a FB Live that I did on gym intimation.
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First things first, , you have every right to be there! You belong! It's not just a place for men, nope! Strength Training is the best thing that we can do for our bodies, my friend!
- Along with belonging, everyone is so consumed with themselves, trust me. You'll see Jo Shmoe over at the mirror flexing between each set and taking a hundred selfies, you'll have Sally over there doing her Glute Kickbacks. No one is worried about you, and if they are, it's not your business. You are there to get your Lift on, just as they are. Everyone is there to better themselves.
- So, when you do go and venture into the weight room, look around, and you'll notice no one is worried about anyone else.
- Go with a friend! That's always helpful; Y'all can support and help each other!
- Scope out the gyms in your area. Pick one to go to every week. Get a tour, ask a lot of questions about their gym. You'll get a vibe from the moment you walk in that you feel comfortable there, and if you'll like it there.
- Find out when it's slower and when the peak times are! I used to go when it was slow so that, one, I didn't have to fight for equipment, and two, to experiment, figure out how machines worked and such.
- Hire a trainer to show you how to use the equipment, or get a few sessions with them to teach you various lifts, like Squats, Deadlifts, Bench Press, etc.
- Education! Read, watch, experiment. I found reputable sources and consumed everything I could get my hands on about Strength Training. I started off with exercises that were applicable to my fitness level - like a dumbbell squat; then when I got stronger, I progressed to barbell squat.
The Dumbbell Squat, for example, is easier to the learn and you can walk right up to the Dumbbell Rack, grab the dumbbell without much setup and start your squats. This will build confidence and have you feeling comfortable!
Check this Facebook Live out here; it's inside my Sisters in Strength group, so you'll have to join. Search "gym intimidation and it will pop up.
An article from my friend Michelle from Ripped by Rycroft. Her article is fantastic, she breaks down all the equipment for you!
-- It's time to get over gym intimidation.
And this one from Girls Gone Strong
Gymtimidation No More: How to Feel Like A Boss in Any Gym
To close this
out, take Action, even when you're scared, keep going (reps) because Actions leads to competency, which then leads to confidence, and more competency. Boom!! Before you know it, gym intimidation will be a thing of the past! Whoop whoop!
