Dealing with Gym Intimidation

This time of year, the gym becomes full of new people looking to get in shape for the new year. If you are one of them, you find the gym a little intimidating.
Many new people deal with this intimidation. Comparing themselves to others who have been working out longer. Perceiving that they are being watched and judged for what they are doing (or not doing). Concern that they don’t really know what they are supposed to be doing. For some, this is enough to get them to abandon their quest to get fit. Don’t let that be you!
Not knowing what you are doing is the easiest thing to fix. Most gyms will offer you an orientation training session for free with your membership. Take advantage of it. A trainer will walk you around and show you the equipment, and how to use it. There are many programs to be found online for you to follow. Have a plan before you step in the gym. If you’re unfamiliar with the exercises, there are many videos on the web to watch to get a feel for the movement.
The rest is just a mental barrier to be overcome. Comparing yourself to others is human nature. I still look at others who are further along than I am and feel inadequate. You need to remember that they were once like you, new, out of shape, and unsure of what to do.
It is also normal to feel as though others are watching what you are doing. The truth is, they probably aren’t paying as much attention to you as you think. Of course regular gym goers notice the new people. But for the most part, they aren’t there to judge. Again, they all were just like you and they remember it.They may be skeptical that you are going to stick it out. After all, the same thing happens every year. The gym is full of new people in the new year and very few are still there at the end of the year. But they are not judging how much you can lift, or not lift. Everyone starts somewhere.
The more you go to the gym, the more comfortable you will become with it. Remember, fear is what stops you, courage is what keeps you going!