So, let’s be honest with each other. The gym is awkward. It’s a social encounter that you don’t necessarily want. You want to get in, do your workout, and then leave. At least, that’s how I view the gym.
Let’s explore the social dimensions of the gym, shall we? For girls, the gym involves a constant comparison to the other girls in the gym. Because, of course, there is always that girl at the gym who looks like a Victoria’s Secret Model. I mean, really, do you sweat? And then, there is the girl who seems like she can do just about anything perfectly; she runs for hours on end, she can do any arm exercise you throw at her, and she can do squats all day long. But don’t worry girls, I promise you, each girl in that gym wishes she had at least one thing she doesn’t have. So hang in there.
And then for guys (yes, even guys feel uncomfortable at the gym), there’s the concern about how big he can get. I mean, you can’t go to the gym without looking around and seeing at least one guy who is throwing around 100 pound weights and grunting like it’s nobody’s business. And we all wonder how grunting is going to help him lift the weights any more. But I promise that no matter the amount of weights you’re lifting, you are still being healthy and making progress.
Now that I have explored how difficult and awkward the gym can be, I want to offer you some suggestions. The gym should not be a place you fear. Rather, it should be a place where you conquer your insecurities and grow even stronger. The gym is a place where you can both enjoy a good workout and enjoy some time either alone or with friends.
Personally, when I go to the gym I play my music as loudly as I can. And this is not a means to avoid people. Rather, it’s a way for me to get motivated and focus on the task at hand. It can be any music, too. Whether you want musical theater blasting in your ears or the latest Drake album. It’s your choice. Second, wear comfortable clothes. You most definitely don’t need to find the latest fashion trends in gym clothes. Instead, you can wear whatever you want, so long as you are comfortable and confident. You should not be concerned with what other people are thinking about. You are working on you at the gym. And anyway, if you wanted their opinion, you would ask them.
Finally, I want to suggest that if you are especially uncomfortable at the gym, bring a friend with you. It can be someone who is already comfortable with the gym, or someone who is at the same level as you. This way, you have a support system with you, making it a friendlier environment.
I promise you, those daunting doors that lead to the gym are as friendly as you choose to make them. You can become healthier and enjoy yourself at the gym, without as much worry as before. Obviously this all will not happen overnight. But I assure you, in time you will become more and more confident at the gym, regardless of your prior experience.
