It's a common feeling many gym-goers experience. You resolve to lose weight by exercising daily and diligently at the gym. But just when you think you are ready to sweat it out, the sight of toned bodies working out next to you, makes you apprehensive. That's what's described as 'gymtimidation'. Recently, a UK-based magazine conducted a fitness study on men and women and asked them their thoughts on gyms. The results revealed that, compared to men, almost twice as many women were gymtimidated. According to the study, women find exercising at the gym embarrassing and uncomfortable, especially when other people look at them. Unlike men, a staggering 84 per cent of women said that if they came across another person using a gym equipment they wanted to use, instead of confronting that person, they would simply walk away!
Why women are more intimidated
Says Neeraj Mehta, fitness professional and nutritionist, "Women are much more conscious than men, about their physical appearances and personal hygiene because of the 'perfect' image of women that media and pop culture have portrayed through the years. Also, in some fitness programmes, there are movements like lying down and bending over, which women feel embarrassed to perform."
Some of the other reasons for gymtimidation, which even men experience, are: being conscious of body odour, dirty machinery, not knowing how to use complex gym machinery, unable to cope up with a danced-based workout and annoying gym goers who dominate the environment.
BEAT GYMTIMIDATION WITH THESE PRO TIPS:
Some people feel insecure at the gym because they don't know what to do or where to begin. So it's necessary you chalk out an exercise plan.
A workout buddy can work wonders for you if you feel intimidated in your gym. Bring along someone you know and trust. When you are exercising with a friend, you will feel more relaxed, will have fun and maybe even share a laugh or two about your insecurities and problem areas.
If you are starting a fitness dance class like Zumba or Sh'Bam, you may find it tempting to slide to the back row of the group and avoid eye contact with others, while you awkwardly attempt to try the dance moves! If that's the case, after the class, introduce yourself to the instructor and clear out your doubts regarding the workout or steps.
This will help you improve your form or master the sequence of moves you couldn't get right.
To avoid exercising in a crowded gym, with hardcore fitness junkies, schedule your workout during off-peak hours. It will make you less conscious and let you focus only on your exercises and fitness goals.
Believe it or not, your confidence will definitely get a boost, if you dress appropriately for the gym! If you are busy stressing about whether or not your leggings are see-through, you won't feel confident enough while working out. So wear the right fitness gear.
Women who feel shy exercising alongside men can go to gyms that exclusively cater to them.
BDST: 1149 HRS, FEB 01, 2015
