How to Get Over Your Fears and Join a Gym

Are you one of those people that would love to join a gym, but are held back by the fears of the unknown? Many of us have been there. In this article, you will learn how to overcome your fears and finally become a gym member!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bravery! Trying new things is scary, but 9/10 times you will discover that it is totally worth it in the end.

1. Lookup gyms in your area. Find as many as you can and look at them online if possible. This way you can preview them without going inside them quite yet. Look for what you may like to do or what you need. Does the gym suit your budget? Do their hours work with your schedule? Do they provide childcare? Do they offer any classes? Do they have tanning, a pool, sauna/steam room, etc? If they don't have what you want/need, don't bother; you will not be happy with your membership.

2. Call them! Ask if they are accepting new members and see if there is anyone available to give you a preview/tour of the gym. Generally they don't mind if you drop in, but if you call and tell them you are coming, you are committing; no chickening out when you pull in!

3. Bust those fears! Here are some very common 'gym fears' and why they are completely bogus! If it makes you feel better, I had ALL of these fears before I joined a gym, but I finally did it and discovered the truth surrounding my fears.
   
   1) People will judge me. No way! Most gym goers are only concerned with their own workout. Everyone goes at their own pace and everyone understands that each person is doing what is comfortable for THEM!
   
   2)People will stare at me. Trust me, it's much to hard to do this while running on a treadmill. Not to mention, nobody cares! When I go to the gym, it's almost as if I'm not there! People are friendly and the most they will look at you is a passing glance and smile.
   
   3)I will be surrounded by slutty girls and jock meatheads. The average gym goer is just that...AVERAGE just like you and I! Sure you will see a few 'intimidating' people, but they are not there as often as you think. You will see people of all kinds. Young, old, big, skinny, pregnant, injured, etc. Everyone is their for their own reasons and any reason to get to the gym is great!
   
   4) Gyms are dirty. I used this as an excuse. In reality, every gym I've been to has been spotless! Many gyms now even provide paper towels and sanitizer to clean your machine/weights before and after you use them. My gym even smells good!
   
   5) I won't know where to start! Many gyms will offer a free tour or even a free orientation session to show you how to use all the machines. Take this time to ask them what a good basic beginner plan may be. I would recommend cardio AND strength/weight training a couple times a week. Start easy and progress as you go! Going to fast will only result in burnout or injury.
   
   6) I'm not fit enough. You don't need to be in any particular shape to join the gym. If all you can handle is 10 minutes of walking on the treadmill a day, that is a great start! Everyone has to start somewhere! Soon enough you will be healthier and stronger than you ever thought possible.
   
   7) I don't have time for the gym. Simply put, if you have time to watch any sort of TV, sit on the computer, take a nap, etc, then you HAVE TIME to go to the gym. You don't need to dedicate hours a day for the gym. 20-30 minutes is a great start! MAKE time for the gym, make time for you!

4. Just do it! You will feel so proud of yourself once you have that gym card on your key ring. I promise you, you will not regret joining a gym!

Tips & Warnings

• Timing- Test the waters, drive by at a few different times in the day to see when your nearby gyms are busiest. Find a time that works for you where there maybe aren't as many people
• Get a buddy- Anything can be less intimidating with a friend by your side.
• Tune out-Bring your music player and just focus on you, your workout and your music. Some gyms even have TV screens on each cardio machine to tune in to. Don't worry about anyone but you!
• Make a plan- Go home, and write out your plans/goals for the week. When you get to the gym you will know exactly what to do so you don't spend extra time wandering the gym.
• Always use proper gym etiquette. There are hundreds of articles about this subject. Simply put, stay quiet, don't hog machines, return things where they came from and keep your area tidy.
• DO NOT push yourself too hard just to 'beat' the guy next to you. Stay at a safe level for yourself. You'll get to where he is soon enough! :-)
• DO NOT use a machine that you do not know how to work. Ask a fellow member or a staff member how to properly use a certain machine.
• ALWAYS warm up/cool down properly. A great warm up is 5 minutes on the elliptical/treadmill, followed by 10-15 minutes of stretching. To cool down, 10 minutes at a slow pace on any cardio machine is great. Stretching after? Even better!

[CaseyCarlton]

on 2/25/2009 Thank you for all these tips. I have been thinking about doing it. 5 stars and a recommend