Have No Fear

Fear is defined as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

This post will go into the fear that often surrounds working out.

We’ve witnessed people fearing:

• calling a gym to schedule an appointment
• walking into a new fitness facility for the first time
• showing up to a training session to perform movements they don’t perceive themselves as “good at”
• failure

Yes, this fear is real and we’ve seen it hundreds of times over the past 12 years.

There are so many reasons why a gym or workout can incite fear - new people, new movements, new lingo, thinking you aren’t good enough, thinking everyone is going to be looking at/judging you, a lack of self-confidence, and more.

We try to be as warm and welcoming as possible, but we often see the deer-in-headlights look when we meet someone at the gym for the first time. One hundred percent of the time, it was much worse in the person’s mind. And, in fact, a comment I’ve heard many times over the years is “It’s nothing like I thought it would be. I was so scared!” Luckily, those people faced their fears and committed to getting curious.

A little fear is normal - it happens to everyone in some way, shape or form. But, those that achieve great things are the ones who have been able to overcome fears and anxiety.

If getting started at a new gym or even showing up for a class is a struggle, I hope some of these tips will help:

• Think it through really sit with your fear and any negative self-talk and identify the reasons why you are hesitant. Talk yourself through it. Consider the pros and cons.
• Realize that you’re not alone. So many people have been in your shoes and can empathize.
• Envision the end goal. What will happen if you move past your fear? And, conversely, what will happen if you don’t?
• Similarly, ask yourself, “If I overcame this fear six months ago, where would I be now?”
• Think about your past accomplishments that were hard to attain, yet you conquered! Know you have it in you to make this happen.
• Remove “can’t” from your thoughts.
• Realize that no one is perfect.
• Relax and breathe.
• Take that first step.

Fitness professionals get in the business because they want to help people…they want to help YOU.

By showing up, you are showing up for YOURSELF.

And it’s just a matter of time before you start feeling comfortable, even “at home,” in the gym.

I wish you courage!

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