I am in No shape to Exercise

“ I want to get into shape before I go to the gym”

As fitness professionals this is so often heard…Talk about defeating the purpose!!! Most people especially those over the age of 45 have misconceptions about gyms and still have that vision of lycra, Spandex, sweat bands and beautiful, buff bodies.
The biggest challenge for people in a standard gym is feeling different, seeing the big muscly men "pumping iron" or the tanned beautiful aerobics instructor making exercise look effortless and the reality is that most people don't fit these descriptions, so avoid going to the gym.
I asked a few of our current members to share the reasons as to why they chose our more personalized studio rather than that of a larger gym, the responses were quite entertaining , keep in mind they are predominantly over the age of 50.

“It’s great for my self confidence that other clients are just like me-ordinary people with a few extra pounds”
“none of those skinny young things to show me up”.
“I have never been a gym person, I was conscious of my imperfect body compared to the beautiful specimens in other gyms”
“At my age I don’t like going to some of those big gyms where you have to compete with the Spandex Botox body building crowd”.

Recent studies indicate that between the ages of 30 & 70 many of the symptoms & conditions that were traditionally associated with normal aging are in fact the result of sedentary lifestyles. Exercise is clearly the best weapon we have to combat disease, to slow down and or reverse the effects of aging, sadly the biggest barrier to going to a gym is not because of a grueling work out but the fear they are not “body beautiful”.

You can try some of the below tips to help overcome your “Gym Fear”
1. Look for a gym that offers women only sections and programs.
2. Personal training studios are a great way to start, they are more friendly, personalized and comfortable.
3. Work out with a buddy, it’s easier to do something with support especially if you share similar goals.
4. Choose less busy hours, schedule your workouts in the “off peak times” such as mid mornings and afternoons, you may even save a little money in the process.

So take action, conquer that fear and while you’re there I would love to hear how you overcame your “Gym Fear”…

“True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body. The two are united.”
-Alexander Von Humboldt