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 ...
At least for me, when I went to gyms, I was too busy on my workout to worry about what others are thinking.
I’ve also had the experience of gym bullies, who make it a point to make you feel inadequate. However, as I said, I’m too busy to think about them.
Gyms suck.
I don’t care about that stuff. I can do ‘fitness’ at home.
But I’ve thought of joining the local gym, because they have ‘Hydro Massage’ tables and chairs. If you have back issues, try it. It’s amazing.
The first time I experienced this in a chiropractor’s office, I laughed my head off. It’s better than a roller coaster:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg9C0eIiao0
I walk for exercise. Alone. Sometimes in the city, sometimes in the woods where I live, but always alone. That’s the best part.
This is nothing new. I have always been intimidated by gyms. I belonged to two at the same time a hundred years ago but never went because I was so self conscious. Stupid me - I was a size 5-7 back then. The only one I liked was an all female gym and I was the youngest so I didn’t mind going.
I have a HamPlanet Fatness Black card and I go several times a week. I’ve never noticed any “gymtimidation”, but then again with my hulking frame I’m often the biggest person in the place. I probably make other people feel better about their bodies.😁
Planet Fitness is a no intimidation zone by policy. It’s great and it does have hydro massage.
I have visited my community gym 37 times since Jan 1st this year. Every person I see at the gym is busy with their own routine. Never had any problem.
I’m so afraid of what people will think of my aging body.
I better go screw myself up with tons of plastic surgery to feel better about it
So, you don't feel "intimidated?"
Come on, Man! Get with the program! Surely you're being victimized in some way!
Regards,
Agreed.
Been going to PF for years and never experienced any intimidation...or saw it. Any “Hans and Franz” types keep to themselves.
I've been a gym rat for most of my adult life and, being a cardio person (runner, biker, rower, cross-fitter), I have always been skinny compared to the bodybuilder types.
They probably looked at me as wiry and I looked at them as vain and unable to tie their shoes.
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.
BTW, no one respects people who give a shiite what others think of them. Grow a pair and get over it.
I suggest you bring binoculars when you walk in the woods. I did yesterday, and saw my first-of-season Black-and-white Warbler.
Spring migration has begun!
Pathetically sad if you can’t do something because you worry about what someone else might say.
LA fitness
Not intimidating at all.
People don’t even look at each other.
The BIG THING ON THE INTERNET is supposedly guys being *CREEPS* .by starring at women.
3 women influencers had to shut their social media down when they lied about being stared at.
I would love a ladies only gym. Can’t find any though.
If someone is really that concerned about the gym, then one solution is that there are plenty of exercises you can do at home with little to no equipment.
In fact (IMHO), you’d be much better served by starting a fitness regimen that way, and not paying for a membership until you’ve maxed out on what you can do at home for free. Especially today, there are plenty of vids on no-equipment workouts and/or building your own basic equipment for little cost.
If you don’t have the ambition and discipline to exercise by walking to the other side of your house, then chances of you getting into your car and driving to a gym frequently enough to justify the cost and/or accomplish any fitness goals are pretty much nil.
But YMMV.
Six words for you: David Paulides!
I try to visit Planet Fitness twice a week. The chosen machines build my leg strength to enable me to get up off the floor
There are words about no judgement zone on many of the machines.
My problem is that when I leave, I must overcome the temptation to go get a tatto
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