Gymtimidation
The most common excuse that I hear when it comes to people not wanting to start their fitness journey is the concern of judgement from other gym-goers. Concern over staring, judgement, and looking stupid. Today I’m going to address what I think about tis and some potential solutions to this very common problem.
Now as someone who was once pale skinny and completely uneducated on what I was doing in the weightroom, I can see the concerns that bigger people might stare at, or judge you. It was once my concern too, but I was lucky enough to have a bigger coach when I started out so I felt okay since I was with him. I totally get that it can be scary to start a new journey, especially when you don’t feel accepted and welcomed. I get that, but let me tell you from experience as someone who regularly sees new people and is friends with lots of regular gym-goers, my perspective.
The Reality
The truth is though that bigger and more experienced people don’t care at all what you’re doing or how you’re doing it. They care much more about hitting their weights, or getting their pump. If anything I know a lot of guys might look intimidating, but they would be more than happy to help you out or answer questions (to an extent). No one really notices the new guy or really cares what they’re doing. The internet is full of workout tutorials and exercise guides to give yourself a good starting place if you don’t know what you’re doing. Even if you don’t believe me let me put it this way If you’re looking back 50 years from now, are you more likely to be happy you made sure no one judged you, or mad you never got the health and body you wanted?
I think most people would say the latter. Even if the gym was full of judgemental assholes, it still shouldn’t stop you from achieving what you want with your body. Don’t let what others might think of you stop you from doing what’s best for yourself. It’s better to step out of your comfort zone than to remain scared and afraid to become a better version of yourself. If you do happen to encounter someone who’s being rude or creepy go ahead and tell them to fuck off, being more experienced doesn’t give anyone the right to be an asshole. And remember, one of the things the gym does best is build confidence. So chances are you won't give a rats ass what anyone thinks once you start making progress anyways.
Summary
99% of the time, your fear of judgment is all in your head. People don’t really care what you’re doing at the gym, and some can even be helpful when asked.
Hopefully, this post helps you to at least start to believe in your ability to get the health and body that you’ve always dreamed of!
Let me know if you have any experience with this or learned anything new down below!