Half my friends exercise regularly and the other half hibernate at the very mention of the word ‘workout’. Very few have ever set foot in agym. When I ask what they’re scared of, the most common replies are: ‘I don’t want to look stupid’ or ‘Everyone else knows what they’re doing’. This Girl Can, the exercise initiative set up by Sport England to encourage more women to move regularly, conforms our fear of exercise in the UK.
In a survey that was conducted last year, ‘Fear of judgement’ and ‘Lack of confidence’ were some of the main reasons for not moving. I started exercising properly aged 36. Knowing what I know now about the benefits of exercise (clearer head, feeling of calm, the ability to cope with life, let alone gaining a better bum), I wish I’d got into it younger. I also know what it’s like to start from scratch. Here’s my advice on overcoming exercise angst.
Most Gym Fears Are In Your Head
There is actually nothing that scary about a room with squidgy yoga mats, inflatable rubber balls, things you push or pull and people in overexposing Lycra. And like you, most people are counting the minutes until they leave
Ignore The Gym Peacocks
The ones who perform a ‘move’ and then strut around the room hoping to catch people’s attention. They are far more interested in themselves then looking at you. Fact.
Ask For Advice
Don’t ever enter a gym and use the equipment before having an induction or you’ll risk injury. Exercise or gym instructors generally have great people skills so don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if it’s, ‘How do I target my back fat?’
There Are A Million Ways To Move
Ballet, Zumba, aerial yoga, running, walking, netball, boxing, climbing, stretching, Pilates, hockey, swimming... Hell, you can take up bowling.
Rope In A Buddy
Or maybe don’t. Working out with a friend helps for some, but I like exercising on my own for the headspace and time away from anyone shouting ‘Mummy, I’m HUNGRY’ 24/7.
Remember, Everybody Started Somewhere
Even the person performing the one-handed handstand push-up. They might have been sat on their sofa a year ago.
Get A Good Playlist
This will distract you and mentally cheer you on. Headphones are also a bit of a human shield if you don’t want that annoying person to chat to you in the gym.
Stop Overthinking Exercise
Don’t worry about the people around you, whether you’ll get thirsty or hungry or whether it will hurt. My mantra is ‘Matter over Mind’ not ‘Mind over Matter’. You need to focus on what you’re doing (a form of mindfulness), not what you’re thinking.
Still scared? If all else fails, imagine everybody jigging about naked. Works a treat.
Follow Susannah @Susannahtaylor