I have so many great experiences at the gym, it’s like a playground for adults! Once, while doing a workout for soccer, an older man approached me and started a conversation. He was a Navy veteran and said my routine reminded him of the exercises he used to do. He mentioned he had hope for my generation because of how hard I was working, which was encouraging. Now, we chat every time we see each other at the gym, and sometimes we run into each other at the grocery store, which is always exciting.
Another time, I noticed a woman who seemed a bit nervous, so I complimented her outfit and asked where she got it. We had a brief but pleasant chat, and now we always exchange smiles and waves whenever we see each other at the gym. I hope it made her feel better, and it certainly made me feel good to offer a friendly gesture. Gym-goers are usually either focused on their own workout or friendly and welcoming and if anyone is judging, it’s likely more about their own insecurities.
People are often quietly supportive and proud when they see you putting in the effort to improve yourself. When I notice someone new at the gym trying to figure out weights or machines, I’m cheering them on in my mind.
Begin gradually. I was nervous about going to the gym too. I started by walking on the treadmill for an hour a few times a week, then progressed to lifting weights, mainly using dumbbells on my mat. Now, I use almost every machine with confidence. It took me about 9 months to a year to reach this point.
I was a little nervous about going to the gym, but after maxing out on the home weights, I decided to give it a try. When I was a teenager, I used to walk around the city late at night, and a friend advised me to act like I belonged and walk with confidence to avoid trouble. I apply that same attitude to the gym now, walking in with confidence, and it’s been a great experience!
I enjoy it because working from home, I need a change of scenery. I also admire the people at the gym; seeing them get stronger motivates me. I love challenging myself too.
Consider it from a different angle: if you were at the gym, would you spend your time observing what others are doing and thinking about it? Likely not, and the same goes for almost everyone else at the gym.
