Getting Back In The Gym

The gym can be intimidating for most people, from your most experienced gym goer to a beginner. I myself sometimes get pre-gym nerves, and I have been training in gyms for 15 years. Why does this happen?

Mainly, it is one of the main reasons most people go to the gym in the first place, to look better.

We build up our expectations of ourselves far too much to please other people. Instead, we should be thinking more along the lines of that going to the gym makes me healthier, happier, stronger, and fitter, and once you switch to that mindset, you get the added benefits of looking better in the process.

Yes, I agree that vanity plays a huge part mentally in pushing you to go to the gym in the first place. Everyone wants to look better physically.

In Dubai, or any country with great weather all year round, there is that added pressure to look good when you go to the beach or the pool. In Ireland, we can get away with a few extra pounds or kilograms on our frame because we are wrapped up most of the year. I used this analogy when living in Australia. In Ireland, we can get away with our weight being a little bit on the fluffy side for a longer period because our clothes are on for 12 months, whereas in Australia, your clothes are off for most of the year!

The same applies in Dubai. With the warmer climate, more beach days and pool days arise, meaning fewer clothes are worn. That vanity side gives you a kick up the arse to say I need to get myself in better shape, but it should not be your main driving force to go to the gym.

To help with those gym nerves or anxious feelings we all experience. Ask for help next time you go to the gym. It will make you feel more comfortable when you know what you are doing.

Even the more experienced weightlifters ask for help with a spot when lifting heavy weights or just some motivation. Remember, everyone is there for their reasons; everyone is there to better themselves and will most likely not even notice you.