I was always a fan of exercising either outside or at home until I was given a free gym membership for a month for a fitness challenge.

I quickly changed my mind and signed up to the gym as soon as my free trial was over.

I’m not saying that the gym is the best place to get exercise, because there are loads of ways you can workout, like running outdoors, hiking, following YouTube videos at home, doing one of the many at home work programs you can buy.. but here are some of the reasons why going to the gym has quickly become one of my first choices when it comes to exercise.

• You don’t have distractions like you would if you were at home.
• Being around other people who are also exercising motivates me.
• You can take advantage of all the equipment to vary your workouts.
• You can go to the classes.
• You can set your treadmill speed to help improve outdoor running.
• You can see all the stats on the machines and I LOVE STATS.

Before I actually started going to the gym, I was kind of scared of going! I know it sounds stupid.. well, actually, no, it doesn’t sound stupid. I’ve heard so many people admit to being scared of going to the gym. Which is why I’m writing this post.

There are many reasons you might be feeling scared of going – the biggest one being self-confidence. A lot of people have this idea that everyone who goes to the gym are thin, toned, muscly pros. Though there are some people like that, most are just your average person of varying ages and size.

Here are some tips to help you get over your fear and get to the gym!

• Sign up online. Many gyms let you sign up online, so if you’re anxious about having to talk to someone and signed up, this takes away this worry. My old gym let me sign up online, then I just had to go in and get my membership card. The gym I’m at now sent me a 6 digit pin number when I had signed up – this is the code I have to use to get into the gym and required NO talking. Although you might want to consider at least speaking to someone to ask where the changing rooms are – and have an induction if you’ve never used a gym before so you know how the machine works.
• Go with a friend. If your scared of going along, getting a friend to come with you for the first time will put you at ease.
• Remember people are self-involved. When you’re at the gym, you’ll start to notice that you’re not actually bothered about what other people are doing. You’re not looking at them or judging them. This is because everyone is busy doing your thing. You might come across a few dicks, but mostly nobody will ever notice you, just like you don’t notice them.
• Everyone starts off a noob. Just remember that no matter what we do in life, we’re always a beginner at some point and so is everyone else. Stick to what machines you feel comfortable with at first and then brave the ones newer to you.
• There are personal trainers and staff around. If you’re stuck on how to use something, then just ask. You could even ask another member of the gym if you’re unsure. Most would be happy to help!
• Take distractions. I tend to listen to music loud or I’ll watch YouTube or Netflix – this is a great way of taking your mind of your fear AND the time!

Once you’ve taken the plunge and been, you’ll soon wonder what all the fuss is about!

How do you feel about the gym? Does it scare you at all or has it in the past?

This blog has been nominated for best fitness blog at the Trespass blog awards, I’d love it of you would vote for me!