The gym – fear, shame, effort and results
Starting or restarting training is always difficult. Even athletes and coaches find it difficult to get back into training after a break. Losing self-discipline and motivation after a long training break is completely normal and can be overcome.
However, my practice has shown that it is much more difficult for people who are starting from scratch. I often see overweight clients who are ashamed to come to the gym because they are not happy with their bodies. They compare their bodies to mine or other exercisers and feel guilty and ashamed. They also have a fear of working out in the gym and often of the difficulties involved. This means that even if a person is actually able to do more, they give up and take the path of least resistance. This in turn prevents them from reaching their desired goal and increases frustration.
Another big fear people have is that they won't be able to do it. They lack the knowledge and skills to know what to do in the gym, how the different machines work, and how to do a squat with a barbell, for example. Out of ignorance, people decide that it is wiser not to go to the gym at all. However, along with this, one of the most effective and versatile training styles is being abandoned because people don't even bother to try it.
Since I was once a beginner myself, my recommendation is - don't be afraid to make mistakes, come to personal training and we'll put together a plan and suitable weights that suit you. Purposeful workouts are always the most enjoyable and effective. However, if independent training in the gym is not suitable at the moment, then the gym also offers various forms of group and joint training. For example, MotionCage, where popular gym exercises as well as more interesting combinations and variations are performed in a circuit training format on a special device. However, if you want to use more machines, then the ABC of the gym is a training where you will learn how to use different training machines and the correct technique.
Before starting training, it would be a good idea to do a body analysis. This is a test that provides an overview of the current state of the human body and the so-called starting position. The analysis results in the body's biological age, fat percentage, and the distribution of fat and muscle in different parts of the body. We can see how much fat-free weight, basal metabolism, and recommended daily calorie intake are. Taking into account the results of the analysis, the trainer will provide instructions during the consultation on how to improve your physical fitness and which exercises to choose. The results of the body analysis are 99% accurate, and the recommended result indicators are coordinated with the World Health Organization (WHO).
So, even if you are just at the beginning of your journey and are still exploring your abilities and limits, there is nothing to fear! The reality, however, is that no one in the gym has “time” to observe or judge anyone else. Your only competitor is looking back at you in the mirror, and you should try to be just that person. There's room for everyone in the gym!
Customer success story:
Maret: “In 2020, I decided to take charge of myself and start training properly. The reason for starting training was primarily to improve my well-being. I chose a trainer and at the first meeting we did a body analysis, set goals, and then together we created a training plan and improved my nutrition. This began my new and exciting journey with a good trainer who is right for me. It is important for me to train with a trainer who makes sure I do the exercises correctly and who will definitely discipline me to go to the gym, because once the time has been agreed, there is no going back. The beginning was very difficult for me, because I had not exercised for years and I was already used to being in my comfort zone. But the feeling that comes over me after training is incredibly good and addictive. Now my body, soul and mind are in good shape, I have a lot of energy and what is even better – I have also lost weight. I will definitely continue training and I am sure that my body will say THANK YOU for the effort!”.