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Coping with Anxiety About Joining a Gym

Would you like to join a gym like our Greenville sports club — but you’re inexplicably nervous about it?

It’s completely normal to feel a little anxiety about starting a new activity that may be outside of your comfort zone. Gyms come with a lot of stigmas about the kind of atmosphere they offer and the kind of people who use them. But don’t worry, we’re not one of those pretentious fitness clubs with only model-sized people working out like graceful athletes. We have classes and activities for every preference and skill level, plus a staff that can walk you through getting started and answer any questions you have until you feel perfectly at ease at our Pivotal Fitness Greenville gym.

Here are a few of the most common concerns we hear from new and prospective members, as well as ways you can get past the intimidation:

  1. I need to look thin to go to the gym. A lot of people get the idea that everyone else at the gym will be in perfect shape and they’ll stand out. But fear not — even the sveltest athletes had to get started at some point. Our gym boasts every shape and size. No one is here to judge you. Our staff and members welcome and celebrate anyone who’s just starting out. Joining for the first time means you’re committed to a healthier lifestyle, and it’s one that every member shares and enjoys — so you all have something in common right from the start, no matter what level someone else is at right now. And remember, in a matter of time you will get to your best body, too!
  1. I’m not going to know anyone there. It is great when you have a buddy for the gym. But if you don’t have a friend, family member or co-worker who’s willing to sign up with you, don’t worry. You can easily make friends at the gym who shared the same workout schedule as you. The more you come, the more you’ll chat with new people and recognize some of the same faces. One great way to build your gym community is by joining weekly classes. It’s one of the most social aspects of Pivotal Fitness Greenville gym, and we have a wide variety!
  1. I won’t know how to work the equipment. When you walk into a gym for the first time, there might be a lot of machinery that isn’t familiar to you. But that’s no reason to turn around and walk back out. When you’re exploring our space and thinking about membership, it’s a great idea to ask someone on our friendly team to escort you. You can talk about the types of exercise you’d like to do and what your fitness goals are — and then your guide will introduce you to some of the equipment that fits. Over time, a personal trainer can teach you how to work out expertly and use the machines in the correct way to achieve those goals. Sooner than you might think, you’ll start to feel like an old pro.

Next week, we’ll offer a few more easy tips about how to come in and get started.

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April Showers Bring …

Just when it’s starting to finally warm up outside, this month’s deluge of rainstorms may put a damper on your outdoor workout routine. Instead of getting frustrated or using this as an excuse to take a little month-long break, think of it as motivation to finally join a Greenville gym and make a habit of visiting it.

Although most health professionals are extremely supportive of supplementing gym time with an outdoor sports regimen, the best structure may be a blend of both. Those who exercise outdoors do gain some additional benefits, such as excess exposure to sunlight, and therefore Vitamin D. You also get to take in the fresh air and experience a change of scene each and every time you head outside. Meanwhile, those with a gym membership can also partake of the gym community, gym classes, personal training and plenty of diverse, top-rate equipment.

Other tips for beating the rain in order to work out this month include:

  • Start early: April showers are more common in the afternoons, so getting an early start can help you avoid many storms. Plus, you have the rest of the day to reschedule your exercise if need be.
  • Prep your gear: Whether you’re jogging with your headphones in or wearing your new top-dollar running shoes, getting caught in the rain can mean more than a minor annoyance. Having a towel, parka or plastic baggy on hand can be the difference between a successful (but slightly damp) rainy day workout and the frustrations and high costs of property damage.
  • Remember the perks: Whether it helps you keep a positive attitude by thinking about the beautiful flowers that are about to arrive or just being grateful it’s not snowing anymore, a sunny attitude can go a long way toward combating gray skies. Plus, if you work out in the rain you can skip the shower afterward–just kidding!
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