So that’s kind of gross but it’s true. Sorry for the people standing behind the elliptical machine that may have previously been unaware, but the point is that everyone feels a little weird or embarrassed at some point in their gym habit. What is important is that you don’t let that awkward experience, or general feeling of self consciousness to get in your way as you achieve your fitness goals.
Every single person who walks into the gym for the first few times feels a little weird. They have to get to know the layout, decide which machines work for them and how the darn things work and they have to get to the point where they feel their flow. It is kind of like the first day of school, but maybe even a little more intimidating, because you might feel like you’re putting your physical self out there to be judged.
The truth is, whether or not you have the audience that you’re worried about, that doubt or worry in your head is holding you back from getting the most out of your work out. The great majority of people complain that they don’t really have time to dedicate to work out… so if that is the case, then the great majority of people should want to do everything they can to squeeze every last drop of productivity out of the workouts that they do manage to fit in. This definitely points to getting over those self-conscious butterflies.
I’ve listed the top ten things that everyone does at some point at the gym. Maybe you’ll only nail one or two of these, but there’s also the possibility that you may be the unlucky (albeit kind of adorable) nincompoop that is really familiar with all of the things listed. Either way, enjoy, smile, don’t take yourself too seriously, and above all- don’t let it get you down!
“Everybody, at some point…”
10- Missed your mouth just a little bit with your water bottle.
9- Bonked yourself on the top of the head with the pull down cable bar.
8- Accidentally walked out with a gym towel (whether you brought it back or not!)
7- Forgotten to wear deodorant.
6- Done a few sets of something totally bogus on the weight machine (and immediately saw the person who was waiting for it use it correctly right behind you).
5- Had malfunctions with the super-low water fountain that caused you to look like you wet your pants (or sweated somewhere that no one should be working out at the gym).
4- Realized that you were singing out loud to the music in your ear buds (and it’s Hansen’s MMmbop song)
3- Gotten caught checkin’ out your bad self in the mirror.
2- Farted on the elliptical machine.
1- Gone into an ambitious set and had to stop.
These are, of course, just silliness that is supposed to make you smile. That being so, I did want to talk a little about #1. I think the great majority of people who feel a little funny at the gym are way overestimating how much other people are looking at them. It would be way more weird for someone to be counting your set than for you to not make it to the end of an ambitious set. And I would always choose writing myself a workout that was, in retrospect, a little over my head than to write a workout that I knew for sure I would be able to complete in front of my perceived audience. I assure all of you, the other people in there really aren’t watching. And you will get a lot more out of your workout if you stop watching for them watching J
That being said, since I am definitely the nincompoop that has invariably accomplished more than just that top ten list, I have also listed some tactics for helping you to get over any self conscious fears that you may be experiencing and that may be holding you back in your workouts:
- Really listen to your music. Make sure that you organize a special playlist beforehand (so you aren’t wasting time fiddling with your player when you could be working out) that is made of music that gets you pumped and also really engages your attention. Beware of #4 J
- Actually write your workout plan (or print it) on a piece of paper or notebook that you carry with you. For people who stick with the gym long term, it is not weird or novice to do that. Knowing what comes next can help you avoid that awkward ‘scanning the room, what now?’ look and it will help you keep track of your progress anyway.
- ASK. I cannot possibly say it enough. If you don’t know how to use something, ask a gym attendant how to do something or if you are doing it right. I promise you, they will not think you are stupid- they will appreciate you not hurting yourself or breaking the equipment. And, that is what they’re there for! I would not ask other patrons because you want to be considerate of their limited time as well.
- Be considerate of others, but stop being so cognizant. They’re probably getting weirded out by you looking at them to see if they’re looking at you J
- Laugh it off… of yourself only. If something weird does happen, I guarantee you that if someone saw it, they probably have been there and done that anyway. We are all human and if we’re in the gym together, we probably have some parallel goals going. Do your part to promote the positive environment by not teasing/laughing at others, and at the same time, be willing to laugh at yourself.
Basically, there are a lot of obstacles that we face as women as we strive towards our fitness goals. They might be demands on our time, energy and other resources- so anytime we are able to squash something that is holding us back, let’s do it! Feeling awkward is not necessary. No one is cool 100% of the time and the closest thing to it is not worrying too much when you do something goofy.
Got a funny story from something that has happened to you at the gym? Share it in the comments section and I will feature it in this blog in the future!
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