For regular gym and studio rats, our exercise spaces of choice tend to become like second homes! We make friends or at least settle in with other regulars; we become familiar with the space and at some point, stop caring about much besides fighting through our daily regimens!
That being said, someone signing up for say a beginner yoga class or entering a gym or studio for the first time will likely feel a little different!
Gym/Studio Shyness
What is gym shyness? Many of those reading might be able to relate to that awkward feeling of entering a new space. This could be a classroom on your first day of university, a new job or a party where your only friend is the host.
It doesn’t matter who you are in your own space, many of us can relate to the feeling of shyness. Gym shyness is no different!
The Voice in Your Head
Gym shyness can manifest in self-deprecating or defeating thoughts. These could include; ‘these people are so fit, look at me’, ‘I’m never going to be able to keep up’, ‘they must think I’m so unhealthy’, and so on.
How to Deal with It
Whether you know it or not, there are ways to deal with gym shyness, silence that insecure voice and get on with what you entered the space for. To break a sweat!
Over the course of this blog we’re going to go over 5 tried and tested ways that you can counter and overcome your gym shyness. Here they are.
Silence the Voice
The thing about the shaming voice in your head is this. It’s YOUR voice. Psychologists discuss something called projection. One form of projection is when you feel inadequate but put those feelings on other people. You then proceed to assume that that is in fact just how they feel about you!
If you’re at the gym and someone looks your way, followed by that voice in your head suggesting how they must be judging your form or stamina or anything else, remember, it’s not really them. Those are your insecurities.
Given that it is your voice you can proceed to ignore it or tell it to shut up (literally) and get on with your business. This might be hard at first but given time and practice, it becomes pretty easy. You can extend this approach to other areas of life that trigger your insecurity!
Avoid Peak Hours
For the shy newcomer, another thing that might help one ease in is to avoid rush or peak hours at the gym. Advantages of this include you get to learn how to use the equipment without being looked at. You might get one to one attention and initiation from your trainer. Last but not least, if you do run into one or two people, you might actually find it easier to engage with them in a quieter setting!
Dress Easy
Maybe hold up on the fitted tanks and lycras for a bit. Maybe until you’re settled in and its starting to show physically as well! In your early days, it is best to prioritize comfort and movement over everything else.
In other words, wear something comfortable that allows easy movement. Do not wear something that is going to keep you distracted and wondering how you look to others at the gym!
Buddy Up
Most daunting tasks become a lot more manageable if you do them with a friend! If you really can’t do the new gym, studio or class alone, rope in a close friend, neighbor, colleague or anyone who shares your fitness ambitions.
This will not just take the edge of for you; it will likely be a lot of fun. Besides, working out together is a great way to strengthen an existing friendship!
Own It
The fact that you’re taking a class or entering a gym for the first time means you’re there to learn. In truth, no one expects you to rock up fully fit and equipped with fitness knowledge. On a flip side, many of them are possibly just as clueless as you are or at least started that way!
Own the fact that you’re new and have no shame. The idea is to be there and get the best of it for you and no one else!
Upshot
Just like the first day of school, university or your first job, initial entry into a gym, studio or class could be a slight bit daunting. On a flip side, above are some powerful ways to nip that shyness in the bud and have one less obstacle between you and your fitness goals!
For those of you looking for warm, friendly and effective workout classes in NYC, give us a shout! Alternatively, find an exercise form that works for you and get started!
