I like to work out. I wouldn’t call it love. It’s possible, “like.” Getting used to it might be the case. I am going to love it. I like to move. Working on myself and getting in better shape is something I enjoy doing. Being able to push my body to limits is something I enjoy. I enjoy the time to myself.
It is a unique experience for people to go to the gym. The experience of working out next to so many people is unfortunate. It felt like the most casual gym-goers were watching me closely. The guy by the squatting rack was judging my form, or the girl on the treadmill was laughing at me. Everyone is too focused on themselves to even look at you, that’s the advice people give when trying to get others to go to the gym. I wanted to share my experience about going to the gym, and what helped me to keep going, even though I was once terrified.
- have a look around
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Before I picked up a dumbbell, I went to the gym. I wanted to get a feel for the environment and it helped me a lot. When I went back for future workouts, I found that walking around and getting a sense of where equipment was, what machines they had, and just being in that environment alleviated a lot of my stress. I was at ease from the beginning.
- go with friends
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I asked my friends to go with me to work out. Luckily, I have a few friends who are very into the gym, and they took me with them. They kept an eye on me to make sure my form was ok. It’s the most important thing to go with someone who is willing to work with you at whatever pace you need.
- Create your own plan
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When I went to the gym, I felt a lot of anxiety because I was not prepared. I didn’t have a strategy. I borrowed the workout plan my friends had given me. There are many ways to make your own. Think about your favorite exercises or just ask around. There are many websites that give example plans for workouts you are interested in. It has helped me greatly that I feel like I know what I am doing when I walk into a gym.
- realize that, yes, No one is looking
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Do you remember that advice? It is classic because of that. While the words may seem hollow to someone terrified of setting foot in a gym, once you start working out regularly and with intention, you realize that it’s true. When someone takes a break between sets and looks around the room, I can assure you that they are thinking about their own workouts. Is there any left? What machines are currently open? Is that person done with the leg press? I don’t know if I can use it. Most of the time, at least one of these is in my head, as well as the heads of everyone else.
- enjoy yourself
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Is the gym my favorite place to work out? Some things about the gym I like. I can take an hour to better myself. I did it even if I didn’t work out well. I devoted my time to myself. Do it, whatever makes that experience more enjoyable. At the end of the day, you are doing this for yourself by listening to your music and wearing what makes you feel good. There aren’t any people in that gym who know what’s best for you. You should keep that thought in your mind. Don’t let anyone else influence how you achieve your goals because you know your own limits.
