Let’s face it, the gym is stressful. It’s typically full of testosterone fuelled males, and weird looking machines that look as if they could break you. When there’s a lull in the chart music playing through the speakers you can hear everyone grunting. Sometimes it smells a bit funky. Basically it’s all a bit weird.
But it doesn’t have to be intimidating! Seeing as we are in the midst of FXYouCan (5-13th November!), there’s no better time to head down to the gym considering all of the free sessions taking place. Here are a few ideas to help get you into your groove.
1) Wear something you feel good in.
You don’t have to spend lots of money to do this – you can quite often find discounted sportswear by shopping online in places like Sports Direct or TK Maxx. You are also under no obligation to wear anything neon or skin tight. Whatever floats your boat. The point is, if you’re wearing something you feel comfortable in (or something you feel you look OK in) then you’re far less likely to feel out of place or intimidated. It sounds shallow, but sometimes you can feel so much more confident just by wearing clothes that make you feel like the powerful goddess you are.
2) Get yourself an awesome playlist.
Sometimes that music they play in the gym doesn’t help one bit. I tend to find it distracting and if I’m not totally immersed in the workout I’m doing, I’m more likely to feel self-conscious. Often the best way to block out your surroundings is to get a playlist that makes you forget everything else. Sometimes I’ll find that I need something upbeat if I need energy and motivation. Other times it’s nice to have something mellow, maybe some laid back acoustic tracks for when you’re cooling down or taking it easy. Most importantly pick something that will make you completely forget about who’s staring at you or whether someone is running faster than you on the treadmill.
3) Go somewhere else!
If exercising in a gym really isn’t for you, then there are loads of other ways you can keep active. Living in Falmouth, we have some really gorgeous scenery nearby and going for runs along the coastline when I’m stressed is one of the few things that never fails to make me feel better. You could also take advantage of the opportunities to try out water sports we have here – paddle boarding, surfing and kayaking are all great ways to keep fit without having to even step foot in a gym. There are hundreds of yoga, aerobics and cardio videos online that you can do from the comfort of your own home, either by yourself or with a friend.
Gyms are great. But they’re not for everyone. It’s totally fine to look at other options.
4) Get involved in classes.
A lot of gyms offer either free or discounted classes if you’re already a member. Going along to classes is a great way to get to know some of the people who frequent your gym – even if you don’t become best friends with everyone there, sometimes just seeing a familiar face can help you feel more at ease! FXYouCan is running this week, so there are loads of classes being held at the sports centre from volleyball to body combat. The best bit? Many of the sessions this week are free! Check out what’s on offer here.
5) Realise that no one is looking at you.
It is not your job to look pretty at the gym. You are there to sweat. You are there to get red in the face. You are there to get frizzy hair. No one minds, honestly. Once you get over the fact that no one is actually looking you can concentrate on what you’re there for in the first place – exercising! I’ve had my fair share of embarrassing moments at the gym (the time I dropped my phone whilst running and nearly fell off my treadmill doesn’t even make it into my top ten…) but people are so busy with what they’re doing no one is paying second thought to you.
The gym is YOU time. Don’t let anyone take that from you. So enjoy the thought of exercising, and make the most of what’s on offer this week on campus!