Getting started: the not so big jump

The how to guide on getting over gym fear and transforming your life through exercise

It's either one day or day one the choice is with you.

GYM fear and its root

The fear of starting the gym typically starts due to something I like to call beginner syndrome. What is beginner syndrome I'm glad you asked, BS is the fear of struggling at a new skill and feeling stupid due to lacking the knowledge and experience. But who can blame a beginner for being a beginner it's like bullying a child for not being able to drive a car it's ridiculous but today is your lucky day, it's time to grab the wheel and drop the BS we are learning how to drive.

3 ways to get over gym anxiety

1. Grab a friend

The first and easiest of the three is grab a friend to train with bonus points if they have been training for a while and you are sure they know their way around the gym. This is a great way to get yourself over the fear as you now have a familiar face to take some of the edge off with the added benefit of someone to hold you accountable. I ideally advise training with someone who has a similar goal to you or a similar physique to you this way you should be training to reach the same point.

2. Hire a personal trainer

Hiring a personal training can literally be a life changing decision if done correctly. Imagine having a friend whose main goal is to help transform your body and constantly motivate you to be your best self that's what having a trainer is but be warned not all personal trainers are created equal some just want to make a quick buck. A good personal trainer should aim to present you with value before signing you up, even the sales process should feel smooth with no pressure.

Benefits:

• Correct form

• Structured plan

• Accountability

3. Go solo: the trial and error method

The Solo method is ideal for people who have the time and patience to educate themselves on how to train correctly and who enjoy going to the gym on their own. This makes for quite a fun adventure for people who like to train loads of different methods of exercise and seeing what works for them but the big con with this is it takes longer to see results as you are bound to make a few mistakes on your own.

Conclusion

No matter what method you decide to start with you can change, mix and start again the progress for training is never going to be linear. Health is not a privilege it's a right and responsibility, so use the gym with pride, trust me to many people are looking at themselves to be focused on you, so don't stress and have fun with it gym should help you destress not add it.