Gym newbies

sunsnstatheart
sunsnstatheart Posts: 2,544 Member
in Motivation and Support
There's been a few posts on this topic lately and I'm also seeing posts from people who are starting their journey and are very intimidated or have even been mocked at the gym. I just want to say that if you're a regular gym goer like me and you see someone in seriously bad shape and struggling, then walk over, smile and say "hi". That's all. No need to volunteer too much or interfere with every teenaged kid working with crazy form. I'm just saying smile and say hi. Take the edge off for them, and make them feel more comfortable. Anyone else have any suggestions?

Replies

  • harlanJEN
    harlanJEN Posts: 1,089 Member
    I think that's a great idea. I've found that a genuine HI and a smile goes a long way .....
  • Matt_Wilken
    Matt_Wilken Posts: 188
    There's been a few posts on this topic lately and I'm also seeing posts from people who are starting their journey and are very intimidated or have even been mocked at the gym. I just want to say that if you're a regular gym goer like me and you see someone in seriously bad shape and struggling, then walk over, smile and say "hi". That's all. No need to volunteer too much or interfere with every teenaged kid working with crazy form. I'm just saying smile and say hi. Take the edge off for them, and make them feel more comfortable. Anyone else have any suggestions?

    Tomorrow you will see posts about this random creeper hitting on them in the gym.
  • christy3565
    christy3565 Posts: 349
    I was terrified when I started going to the gym, thinking "Im to big to be here". Silly right? That's WHY I was there. I have to say there were a few that gave me the look that I was expecting but for the most part everyone kept to themselves. Now I have friends that are there every morning when I am and we do talk. I do make a point to say good morning and smile to EVERYONE there that I pass, whether they respond or not.
  • Angiemo3
    Angiemo3 Posts: 20 Member
    Huh, funny to hear the other side of it. I have had a gym membership for about 4 months now...I bought it online and have never even been to the place :(. I just feel so insecure and fearful of judgement. This year I just want to get the courage up to go. Thanks for the post, it makes me feel better.
  • christy3565
    christy3565 Posts: 349
    Huh, funny to hear the other side of it. I have had a gym membership for about 4 months now...I bought it online and have never even been to the place :(. I just feel so insecure and fearful of judgement. This year I just want to get the courage p to go. Thanks for the post, makes me feel better.

    What got me through the first few times was making sure I had my phone and ear buds, blasted my music and stayed in my own little world. You can do it! You will see that 99% of the people there are there for the same reason you are.
  • Cr01502
    Cr01502 Posts: 3,614 Member
    There's been a few posts on this topic lately and I'm also seeing posts from people who are starting their journey and are very intimidated or have even been mocked at the gym. I just want to say that if you're a regular gym goer like me and you see someone in seriously bad shape and struggling, then walk over, smile and say "hi". That's all. No need to volunteer too much or interfere with every teenaged kid working with crazy form. I'm just saying smile and say hi. Take the edge off for them, and make them feel more comfortable. Anyone else have any suggestions?

    Tomorrow you will see posts about this random creeper hitting on them in the gym.

    Give them a wink and offer them a back massage at the end of their workout.
  • nj303
    nj303 Posts: 11 Member
    I was also intimidated about going to the gym. I'm 72 and imagined a place full of "hard bodies" with me in their midst.....old, fat, and huffing and puffing!! The reality is......no body pays attention to you!! Everyone is there, going through their personal exercise program. Many have earphones on, listening to music, others are just "doing their thing"!! I spoke to another person with a smile and got the response "I don't come to the gym to make friends or talk during my workout." Suddenly a light came on as I realized the only person watching me at the gym is me, GET OVER IT!! The only exception to this rule are the boys and girls looking to find a mate or hook up. Since I'm 52 years married, I'm not part of that dynamic!!
  • jayche
    jayche Posts: 1,128 Member
    There's been a few posts on this topic lately and I'm also seeing posts from people who are starting their journey and are very intimidated or have even been mocked at the gym. I just want to say that if you're a regular gym goer like me and you see someone in seriously bad shape and struggling, then walk over, smile and say "hi". That's all. No need to volunteer too much or interfere with every teenaged kid working with crazy form. I'm just saying smile and say hi. Take the edge off for them, and make them feel more comfortable. Anyone else have any suggestions?

    Tomorrow you will see posts about this random creeper hitting on them in the gym.
    This

Categories