Did you buy a gym membership, but you’re too scared to go? If you’re filled with fear anytime you step in the gym, you’re not alone. Research shows that one in four women feel too intimidated to go to the gym, suffering from what’s known as “gymtimidation.”
According to the study, 37% of these women feel they’re not good enough to go to the gym and a third worry that others will think they don’t know what they’re doing. But fitness expert Natalee Barnett has a hack to help ease those fears so you can workout without worry. And it all starts with heading to the Stairmaster first.
Why start with the Stairmaster? Because it’s the tallest piece of equipment in the gym and when you’re on it, you have the best view of the whole gym and where every machine is. “You can see how people use it and it will help with your gym anxiety so much because you know where everything is,” Natalee explains. She adds that it’s best to start with a “nice, slow walk” so you can do a little people watching and take in your surroundings, all while building your confidence so you can relax and enjoy your workout.
Source: Metro
Scott's Thoughts:
- As long as your gym’s Stairmaster doesn’t face a wall or away from the rest of the gym, this sounds helpful!
- I go to the gym as an overweight middle aged man. I don't care what other people think! I am not there for them.
- Not afraid to ask the nice folks at Planet Fitness when I need help!