Why We Hate the Gym (And How to Overcome This)
Some of us find gyms more off-putting than others. How can you deal with your gym avoidance?
For some of us, the gym is a place we can get used to, and which can become a place of comfort, social contact and good health practices. For others, the gym is akin to the dentist’s chair – and nothing will persuade us that gyms are worth the money or the effort. So what puts us off?
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Wall to Wall Mirrors
In a study published in Psychology and Health last year, researchers from Canada compared how unfit women coped in one of four conditions: to cycle for 20 minutes on an exercise bike alone with no mirror; to cycle alone in front of a mirror; to cycle with two to four other women with no mirror; or to cycle with two to four other women in front of a mirror.
The women who exercised with others in front of a mirror appeared to suffer the most - they felt less revitalised afterwards, more exhausted and more self-conscious.
| Solution: |
| You can shut your eyes and dream on some machines like cross trainers or bikes. Or focus on watching TV or someone across the room and not yourself. |
Poseurs Hogging the Weights Space
“Gyms are often dominated by cliques and really narcissistic types only interested in their own reflection in the mirror,” says Ian Turrell, a personal trainer from Newcastle upon Tyne. "There are more and more gyms which are starting to have a private workout area, away from the normally bustling free weights area, which is encouraging for first time or new users."
| Solution: |
| Find a gym, which has separate areas for weights and stretching. Going at quieter times when cliques aren’t dominating the area can help. |
Not Many People My Age/Size/Weight Go
Shop around your area to find a gym that does cater for your age group or fitness level. Going to classes is another option.
| Solution: |
| “Virgin Active clubs do taster sessions of under an hour,” says Chris Beedie, UK Product Developer for Virgin Active. “So you can try out several to find one that suits.” |
It’s Hopeless: I Still Don’t Know What I’m Doing After Months
Ask questions. Be assertive: the gym staff are there to help you, so find a friendly looking one and ask them to explain what the machines are for and let them know what you find tricky.
| Solution: |
| Having a personal relationship with a friendly face there will really help. |
I Hate the Music
The cheesy dance stuff churned out in most gyms is often cited as a reason people don’t like spending too long there!
| Solution: |
| Every other workout wear an iPod or MP3 player with your choice of music. |
I Just Don’t Feel Like a Gym User
Fake it - buying some cool gymwear and dressing up to go to the gym will start to make the association of feel good feelings with the place.
| Solution: |
| You don’t need to lay out a fortune. Just some nicely coordinated outfits and turning yourself out smartly will make the association of feeling good with looking good. |
Remember, exercise has to be enjoyable if you are going to stick at it. And start small. “Concentrate on what you enjoy doing. Generally speaking, if something requires movement and raises your heart rate, it's physical activity, and if it's physical activity, it's probably better for your health than simply doing nothing,” says Chris Beedie.
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