Two million fewer women than men get regular exercise and 13 million women and girls want to play sport, but there’s something stopping them. In a recent survey, it became clear that fear of judgment was to blame, or ‘gymtimidation’ as it’s recently become known.
The fear of being judged on their appearance and their ability in the gym are up there with the biggest reasons as to why less ladies are heading to leisure centres and gyms and getting involved.Getting red faced and sweaty is something to be proud of. It’s not a sign you’re overweight or unfit (in fact it’s often the opposite!), it’s a sign that you’re pushing your body to its limits and ultimately that you’re going to be reaping in the rewards. The sweats going to do you good. Not only will it cool you down, it’ll help flush out the toxins in your body, open up your pores leaving you with clearer skin and it’s a natural pain reliever! Proudly rock your sweat patches and pink cheeks, they’re not something to be ashamed of!
If you’re reading this knowing you’re someone who would avoid the gym because you think you’ll turn up and be surrounded by Herculean men and Greek goddesses, with airbrushed bodies, judging you because you might not be doing something like they’d do it or you’re not lifting as heavier weights as they are, then think again. Everyone had had to start somewhere. No one was born to crack out 100 sit ups followed by a 10 mile run on the treadmill.
People are far too invested in themselves and what they’re doing to worry about you. We’re harder on ourselves than others are- pop in some headphones, put on a killer playlist, focus on your body and your goals rather than what’s going on around you. Once you’re in the zone, there’ll be no stopping you.
With 36% of women wanting to go to the gym for the sole purpose of losing weight, it comes as a surprise that 15% of those women don’t think they’re fit enough to go to the gym.. But surely that’s partly why you signed up for a membership in the first place? You have to take that first step outside of your comfort zone in order to gain your confidence and reach your fitness goals. Going to the gym is only going to get easier the more you go.
If you’re thinking of getting yourself a membership or even just trying out a new class at your current gym, there’s a few things you can do to give you that extra boost:
- Do your research before you go: what to wear, any special lingo that might be used and what equipment you might expect to see. This will give you a bit of a head start and won’t leave you looking lost when the time comes.
- Get there early: Introduce yourself to your instructor and make them aware that you’re a newbie- they are there to help and they’ll know to keep an eye on you in case you need any help
- Ask for help. Instructors are there to show you how to do something correctly so you don’t risk an injury. If there’s no instructors available, ask a fellow gym goer. No one wants to see you struggle and will more than likely be happy to help.
- Ensure you’re in a comfortable environment. 14% of women worry about being watched by male counterparts in their gym. Eliminate this problem by going to a gym where you’re surround by ladies enabling you to be less insecure and focus more on your workout. Head down to East Ham Leisure Centre’s new women only gym where you’ll be surrounded by like-minded ladies with a sense of camaraderie surrounding you. The new gym will be opening on Monday 2nd October. Click here for more information.
When you’ve got your favourite songs set up on a playlist and you’re ready to take on the treadmill, just remember that everyone was a beginner once, the first days the hardest and that you’re taking the first step in becoming your best self. You can do this!
