#NEWYEARNEWYOU
With the New Year comes Resolutions and Goals, both which tend to revolve around health, wellness and fitness. When I read this article about Gym Intimidation by Haley Young, someone I look up to and someone that I could never imagine being intimidated by anything, I knew I had to have her guest blog for The Southern Atelier for our #wellnesswednesday series.
It was almost reassuring to know that this beautiful, outgoing, confident gorgeous and perfectly fit woman felt what I can gym-timidation. Knowing that Haley occasionally felt that way means that it is natural for someone like me – someone who does not make it to the gym as frequently as I should – to feel that way, too (which I often do). Here are Haley’s 10 Tips to Avoiding Intimidation at the Gym that I will be applying to my life ASAP. Enjoy!
From Haley:
Have you ever walked into a large gym, confused on where to go, and intimidated by all of the people lifting weights?
Automatically thinking you are surrounded by super hunks and gorgeous women…
That was ME today and it totally threw me off! I have been in fitness for over 12 years training every different type of person, in charge of their workouts from their form to routine, as well as reassuring the client they are doing things the “right” way in the gym… I knew there was a way to overcome this barrier!
It was raining, so I decided to go to a local gym which is a franchise so it was busy. There were so many different people, I felt like everyone was staring at me, and I didn’t know where anything was. SO… all I knew was to go straight to the thing I felt most comfortable with. The treadmill!!
While running I was planning my workout which consisted of light weights and fat burning cardio exercises. I started to run, looking around the gym for equipment I needed, etc. This made it even worse- people were either in the area I wanted to be in or using a piece of equipment I needed. I felt TOTALLY lost!
Long story short… I walked in the gym, ran 7 miles, and walked straight out. The only thing I knew to do!
10 tips to not being intimidated at the gym:
1. Overcoming just GOING- You have already made the hardest decision about working out, GOING to the gym!! Most people procrastinate or do not go at all.
2. You Are Not Alone- Everyone in the gym has been in your shoes. They have walked in for the first time and felt that same feeling.
3. Take a Tour- When you sign up, even though you think you know what you are doing- agree to let the staff take you around and show you the gym. This will help with getting acquainted with equipment and floor placement.
4. Pay Attention to just YOU- Your workout is YOUR workout. So don’t look around at others, compare yourself to others, or let yourself wonder “I hope they are not watching me”. Because I guarantee they are not.
5. Wear Headphones- Wearing headphones, listening to my music, and getting in the zone helps me stay concentrated.
6. Have a workout plan- Before going in, know what you want to accomplish by being there
7. Don’t be afraid to communicate- This is a tough one because you dont know if a person is using a piece of equipment or just forgot to re-rack the weight (that is the case 90% of the time). You can simply say “are you using this” or “are you in the middle of a set?” And they will kindly let you know. You will also be asked this question often.
8. Take a buddy- Research has shown you get more accomplished and feel more comfortable working out with a friend.
9. Do Not Compromise- Just because someone is using a piece of equipment you need or in the space you need, Don’t skip that exercise! Move on to the next one. Then come back.
10. Have Confidence in Yourself- If anything, Be confident in the way you carry yourself, watch your form, and be polite… People will think you are a pro!
SO GRAB YOUR GEAR, PLAN YOUR WORKOUT, BE CONFIDENT AND HEAD TO THE GYM! Remember you are doing this for YOURSELF!
-If you need exercises, workout plans, or workout tips you can go to my blog www.haleyyoung.com or order my workout DVD at www.fit-workouts.com
Email me with any questions! Have a great workout!
XO Haley
haleyeyoung@gmail.com
Follow Haley on Instagram by clicking HERE for fitness motivation and tips.
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