I can spot a new member of the gym. Often coming in pairs, clutching a towel and their water bottle tightly and whispering to each other ‘what shall we do first?’
We’ve all been there. And I have massive respect to those that make that huge step. And for some people it is a huge step. Gyms can be a daunting place. So I have put together some ideas of things that might help you in your first few visits.
* Plan at least your first exercise. The first 5 or 10 minutes are the worst. You walk into the gym and you feel like all eyes are on you. Confidently walk up to your planned exercise and go for it. Once you get to your second exercise the nerves have gone.
* Try out a few moves before you get to the gym. If you are following a programme there will be stuff on there that you can do in the comfort of your own home. If you lose balance or feel silly then nobody will ever know. Keep practicing those that you can do at home for when you take them to the gym.
* Ask somebody who knows. I’m going to be brutal here because I don’t believe that just because they have a ‘Trainer’ top or a PT shirt on that they know what they are doing. If you see them cleaning the equipment more than using it, then ask them how to get your mirrors clean at home, not how to squat. Gyms like to employ people who will work for a set hourly rate or for nothing at all and in all honesty if my car breaks down I won’t start opening the bonnet myself to try and fix it nor will I ask the apprentice in the garage who is making the teas how to fix it, I’ll ask the mechanic. You can spot a trainer or a gym member who knows what they are doing a mile away and they’re usually approachable.
* Keep going back. It becomes less daunting and more enjoyable when you get chatting to a few people and the results start to come. So don’t let the first or second nervy visits put you off. It’s your time to shine!
Never Give Up PT 