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Bodybuilders. Strongmen. Hulk Hogan. Huuuuuge dudes who strut around in sleeveless shirts, grunting, sweating, flexing, posing and lugging around Mjolnir, Hammer of Thor. When most people think of the gym, they think of guys just like that. I’m sure many of you are getting a nervous rash already.
I was absolutely petrified the first time I ever stepped into a gym outside of school. Granted I was a decent athlete in high school, the world of bodybuilding/powerlifting was a completely new animal. Thoughts that went through my head... People are going to laugh at how weak/small/skinny I am. At 5’7” and 160lbs on a good day, I’ve never been the biggest guy. It was intimidating to see all of these Macho Man wannabees grunting and chugging white concoctions of powder and milk . I was afraid I’d just be in the way. I have no idea what I’m even doing/how machines work. Yep, there are some weird looking contraptions for sure. Medieval torture device/strap Theon Greyjoy to it kind of things (Not Theon, Reeeeeek). Am I really going to stand there and read the microscopic ‘instructions’ on these machines like I’m staring at paintings in an art gallery? NOOOOO thanks! It’s going to be too hard, and I’ll just give up anyway. Waste of money/time. Fact: It’s going to be a grind. No two ways about it (There’s a reason why there are so many New Year’s resolution memes). And yes, depending on where you go it can be expensive. As a beginner high school/college student I was definitely strapped for cash. I’ve learned a lot since I stepped foot into what was a World’s Gym at the time. The gym can be a scary place for a beginner. Here are some things I’ve learned to help you overcome your fear of fitness. Grab a protein shake and listen up. ![]()
What is your main objective?
There are obvious physical benefits to joining a gym i.e. increased strength and better aesthetics, but you’ll develop a mental toughness to boot. A man learns a lot about himself when he’s at the bottom of a squat with 315lbs on his back. It’s important to prioritize and set some goals before you even touch weights. Going into the gym without a plan of attack is like going to a job interview in your underwear. Not going to end well. Unless you're interviewing to be an underwear model. Do you want to lose weight and improve your aesthetic appeal? Try out some bodybuilding routines. Do you want to increase your overall strength? Try out powerlifting or strongman exercises. Training for a sport? Football, baseball etc.? Calisthenics and plyometrics are par for this. Each style of training has its differences. It’s up to you to identify what it is you want to get out of your training. Which brings be to my next point…
Do your research!!!
Let’s say you’ve decided “I want to drop a few pounds and put on a little muscle. Not saying I want to compete but I’d love to look better in a bathing suit!”. Sweet! You’ve identified what you want to accomplish! All gyms are not created equal. Some cater towards the serious athlete, whereas others are more commercial and appeal to those of us who just want to improve their all-around health (think LA Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, some Gold’s Gyms or other ma and pa gyms). Heck there are even boxing gyms, MMA gyms, Crossfit gyms… you name it it’s probably out there. So you have a gym in mind. Now go take a tour! Are the locker rooms clean? Are the people friendly? Do they have trainers that are credibly certified? Is the equipment in good condition? Do they have the right equipment/facilities for your training? Is the price right for what you get? What’s the commitment plan? All questions that need to be and should be asked. Most gyms have a day pass or free trial period so don’t be afraid to give it a go for yourself! If there’s something you don’t like, there’s probably another gym nearby. Don’t be afraid to say NO!
The Power of Knowledge!
There’s always someone who knows more than you do about subject A or topic B. Working out is no exception. I thought I was THE MAN walking into a gym fresh out of high school. Cue Vince... ![]()
“YEAH DUDE I OWN THIS PLACE! MY SUPERIOR DIVISION 3 JUNIOR VARISTY FOOTBALL TRAINING IS ALL I NEED! WHO THE MAN NOW DAWG!!!???!”
Flash forward to me stuck under my generously loaded bench press bar. Not a good look when the desk lady is the one helping lift it off me. The good thing about today is information is EVERYWHERE! Now that you have a gym picked out and a training focus, here are some things you can do.
Keeping your mind on the task at hand!
You’ve made it this far. You have a plan, some fresh Nikes and a brand new gym membership. It’s time for your first workout! You may be feeling uncomfortable with yourself and how you look but remember: AT LEAST YOU ARE THERE DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT! That alone there is more than 90% of people can say. It can be scary, but here are some tips to stay focused and tell your brain to enjoy a nice big bowl of Shove-It-O's.
So there you have it. Stay tuned for more gym articles in the future, but this should at least help you make your first move. Yabadoo? Yabadoo indeed.
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