Everyone experiences gym intimidation at one point. Whether it’s due to size, a fear of using equipment, or concerns about body image, it can make many people avoid exercising altogether.
Personal trainers should recognize gym intimidation and help their clients overcome it in order to get the most out of their workouts. Here are some tips on how to do so.
Be Prepared
As a personal trainer, it is your job to help clients feel confident in the gym. This is one of the best ways to ensure they’ll stick with their gym plan and see results over time!
One of the most common causes of gym intimidation is feeling like you don’t know what you’re doing. This is completely normal, and something that everyone feels from time to time. Luckily, there are some easy things you can do to help your client overcome these feelings of inadequacy.
Start by introducing your client to the gym staff and giving them a tour of the facility so they feel at home from the very beginning. This will help them break down any walls that have been up around themselves. It is also helpful to show them proper gym etiquette and explain what each piece of equipment does. This will help them to feel more confident when using the machines by knowing that they are doing it correctly and not causing a disruption.
It’s important to remember that everyone has to start somewhere and that their fitness journey is personal to them. This will help to take away the sense of judgement that can come with entering a gym full of more experienced members.
Be sure to leave the detailed workout advice to the pros – people aren’t usually receptive to someone they don’t know offering unsolicited advice. However, you should always be available to help out if your client is having trouble with a machine or needs assistance in any way. You can also suggest that they attend the gym at an off-peak hour, as this will be a lot less crowded and give them some extra confidence.
Know Your Limits
The gym can be a place that can inspire confidence or leave a person feeling de-motivated and discouraged. This is particularly true for those who are new to the gym space or who may be in a different perceived state of physical fitness than others in the gym. For this reason, it is important for personal trainers to make their clients feel comfortable in the gym and not like they are being judged by others who may be more fit than them.
A good way to do this is by being there for the client throughout the workout. This means getting to the gym early and making sure you have everything you need prepared before your client arrives. It also means staying with them throughout the entire session and not leaving them alone for too long to scope out the gym – this could make them feel abandoned or nervous about their training.
During the session, it is also important to teach them how to listen to their body’s signals and know when they are pushing too hard. Pushing too hard can have serious health repercussions, so it is vital that they learn how to sustainably challenge their limits without overdoing it.
This is also why having clear goals for them to work towards can help and allow you to charge more as a PT. Setting a goal of running a certain distance or lifting a certain amount of weight will give them something to focus on and work towards and, once achieved, can boost their confidence. In turn, this will help them overcome the feelings of intimidation in the gym and continue to come back regularly. The goal can be a great motivator, but it is the process of getting there that will help them conquer their fears.
Be Honest
There’s a lot to be said for being honest with your fitness professional. Your trainer is there to help you achieve your goals, and they won’t be able to do that if you’re hiding things from them. It can be hard to open up about your feelings, but being truthful will benefit you in the long run.
If you’re new to the gym, it’s normal to feel intimidated by other members and their knowledge of equipment and exercises. If you’re feeling unsure of yourself, it’s helpful to ask your trainer for clarification and guidance.
You can also take the time to get to know other members in the gym to create a supportive community. This may be done by joining a Facebook group, or simply by making friends with people who work out at the same gym as you. This can help to boost your confidence and make you feel more at home in the gym environment.
For many, overcoming gym intimidation is all about finding the right motivation. Having a clear goal, whether it be to run a certain distance or lift a specific amount of weight, can help you feel confident about your abilities and encourage you to keep going.
For some, overcoming gym intimidation is all about changing their body image and self-confidence. Achieving a healthy weight and appearance can help to reduce the feelings of inadequacy that are often triggered by an inactive lifestyle, according to the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. Being aware of the reasons behind your own personal struggles is important, as it helps you to understand why other people struggle too. Being understanding and accepting of others’ challenges can be a powerful motivator for you to continue your own journey towards better health.
Have a Plan
Whether you’re returning to the gym after a long break, or striking out on your own for the first time, gym intimidation is completely normal. Studies have shown that body image issues, a lack of knowledge about equipment and classes, or concerns about fitting into gym culture are the three biggest contributors to feeling anxious in the health club.
One of the best things you can do to help overcome your gym intimidation is to have a plan and stick to it. This means avoiding comparing yourself to others and focusing solely on your progress and the gains you’re making. It also helps to have a reason to go (like an upcoming event or a new personal goal) and to wear comfortable workout clothes that aren’t too tight or revealing.
Another great way to reduce your gym intimidation is to bring a friend. This will not only keep you accountable and motivated, but it will also help you feel more comfortable in the new environment. If possible, find a gym buddy who already attends the gym you’re visiting, as they will have the 4-1-1 on how to use all of the equipment and will be able to show you the ropes.
Finally, you may want to consider hiring a personal trainer or scheduling at least two free personal training sessions when you sign up. These can be a great way to learn how to use all of the equipment and will give you a sense of confidence at the gym that will last well beyond your free workouts. You can even ask if your gym has specials for new members that include these kinds of sessions for free.
Take It Slow
The most effective strategy for overcoming gym intimidation is taking it slow and being patient with yourself. Remember that the feeling of discomfort is a normal part of the process, and it can be an even bigger motivator to work through it.
Some people are more affected by gym anxiety than others. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including the size of the gym space, feeling unsure about how to use equipment, or worrying that they will be judged by other gymgoers.
Regardless of the reason for their gym intimidation, there are many ways that personal trainers can help clients overcome it. First, they should try to understand the reason for their client’s discomfort. This will allow them to better prepare their client and make them feel more comfortable at the gym. Additionally, they should avoid leaving their client’s side during their workout session unless there is an urgent need.
In addition, it is important for personal trainers to not compare their clients to other gymgoers. While it is okay to mention an experience from a previous client to explain an exercise or make the client feel more comfortable trying something new, constantly comparing them to other people can be intimidating and demotivating.
Finally, it is a good idea for personal trainers to encourage their clients to take a little time for themselves outside of the gym. Whether it is going for a walk, getting a massage, or simply having a cup of coffee – these acts of self-care can help to remind the client of their worth and increase their confidence in the gym. This can also improve their workout as they will be less distracted by social interactions and more focused on completing their workout.