Posted on 03/18/2023 9:44:12 PM PDT by nickcarraway
ou’ve wanted to join a gym for ages, but the thought of being the new kid on the strength blocks makes your palms sweat. You worry everyone will be sporting six packs, lifting heavy weights and sharing high fives – not to mention watching and judging you. Rest assured, you are in good company.
A 2019 survey, conducted by the market research firm OnePoll on behalf of a company that makes protein drinks, polled 2,000 Americans and found that around half of them experienced some form of anxiety about joining a gym, or what some playfully call “gymtimidation.” Another survey found that women in particular report having concerns about working out at the gym. The phenomenon is so widespread, even Planet Fitness has created a tagline promoting a “judgement-free zone.”
The reasons for such fears are myriad, including not feeling fit enough, poor body image, a lack of knowledge about fitness equipment or terminology and social anxiety. “The sense of intimidation layers over top the fact that you’re entering a new environment,” said Meghan Wieser, a certified strength and conditioning coach at Recharge: Modern Health and Fitness in Maryland.
(Excerpt) Read more at cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com ...
The only one I remember mainly for women in recent years was Curves but I think they all went out of business????
Lucille Roberts is still up and running here on LI.
“David Paulides”
Aliens hate dogs—don’t walk in the woods without one!
Even now, I still wear use headphones with the volume loud enough that I can ignore others.
We don't go to the gym to make 10 new friends, we go to lift 10 more pounds and to exchange 10 pounds of goo for 10 pounds of gold. Keep the focus, keep the cadence and minimize social interactions. 45-90 minutes of focus and goals. Don't allow anyone or anything distract you from the goals. This YOUR time to accomplish YOUR goals.
When I first started going to the gym the most intimidatingly fit guys were the most encouraging. The huge burly guys always had a kind word, always noticed that I was back again. It probably helps that it was kind of an old crusty gym, nobody fashionable there, nobody treating it as a singles bar. But really most gym folks are quite nice. Or they just ignore you entirely.
“Six words for you: David Paulides!”
I have hiked many of the areas he talks about in the Smokies. Alone.
no we have a Curves by us, but legally it can’t be a “ladies only” gym.
I don’t want to pay $$ to have guys show up.
I love my gym. Being retired, a lot of us seniors go mid-morning after the die-hards have already been there and went on to go to work. We have two swimming pools, one a small pool for arthritis and fibromyalgia people. The large pool is used for lap swimming and water aerobics classes. Also a great jacuzzi. Friendly supportive atmosphere, bonus is that I’ve made so many wonderful women friends there.
Not interested in being bulked up just trying to keep some strength in my limbs,being 73 and all. This sounds kind of silly
“That said, if people form any opinions about others, it is about respect. If you work hard, people respect you whatever your shape. And they respect you if you don’t let them intimidate you.”
This is my attitude too. When someone comments (rarely) about somebody overweight or barely able to walk doing exercises, lifting or cardio I like to tell them that at least they’re trying - and that everyone has to start where they are at.
It’s the ones that just sit on the equipment and chat or look at their phones for 10 minutes while you’re waiting to get on that machine - that make me want to go crazy.
Who cares?
I go to the gym to workout. I don’t pay attention to those other people there
Make no mistake, it’s women judging other women that’s the issue, just like outside the gym, but that destroys the narrative.
I'm a man, but I think it's ridiculous their can't be a ladies only gym. I remember Curves lost business because the founder was pro-life.
Good advice for protection from various dangers.
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