When a gym isn’t a gym (and why you need to give them another chance)

Posted on 11 May, 2023

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard in the span of my 15+ year career as a fitness professional: “But I’m not a gym person” as a reason to not go to the gym or exercise at all.

In case you haven’t set foot in a gym since 1972, gyms are no longer dank dens comprising of rusty weight plates, squeaky bikes and intimidating receptionists. To be fair, I don’t know if they ever were, but that’s how I presume those that aren’t “gym people” imagine them to be.

It’s 2023, people, and for a very long time gyms have come in all shapes, sizes and interests. In fact, I feel the word “gym” just puts so many off. It’s so generic and can carry negative connotations or memories.

These days there are more “studios” and “boutiques” than there are gyms…and after a long day or a pre-dawn alarm, doesn’t going to a studio or boutique sound much more enticing than going to the GYM?

So if you’re not a “gym person”, allow me to bring you up to date.

Things have changed—I promise

At this point, I am presuming you imagine gyms to be snot-filled dens populated by grunting men—and while I’m sure these pre-historic facilities exist (horses for courses), most gyms do not want to go bankrupt and have undergone some kind of glow-up in the past decade.

Modern fit-outs and beautiful spaces that are definitely worth another look, many full-service gyms offer a variety of activities above and beyond the standard weights-and-cardio areas (a given) such as group fitness, small group training, personal training, Pilates, yoga and more.

You’re bound to find a tribe that suits you

If a “studio” or “boutique” sounds like it’s more up your alley you’re in A LOT of luck. And perhaps some confusion. There are SO. MANY. A studio or boutique is a facility is like the specialty store of the fitness world.

What do you love? Dancing? Stretching? Strengthening? Boxing? There is a studio for that. These facilities are characterised by specialising in a single activity.

Worried about starting out? Got fear of the first day?

What now? Hopefully your interest has been reignited in “gyms” and all you need to do at this point is inquire. That studio you drive past every day? Go in. The gym that is constantly popping up in your social feed? Register your interest.

Almost every facility offers free trials, visits or tours. If you’re anxious about setting foot in said facility, rope in a friend to come along. Even better if you both love it and end up joining, you’ve now got an accountability buddy. Win-win.

This how to keep going…and going…and going

So you’re in! Well done, I’m proud of you. Walking into a gym for the first time AND getting started (whether it’s an introductory membership offer or a free trial session) is a huge milestone.

But this is where many become unstuck and I’ll tell you why. When you start exercising for the first time or after a very long time, it will probably suck. You will be sore as f**k, you will be self-conscious, and you won’t know what to do.

Manage your expectations. Inform the coach/trainer/teacher you are a complete beginner. A professional worth their salt will tend to you appropriately to make you feel comfortable and successful (green flag!).

When it comes to attendance, start conservatively, three times per week is the sweet spot when starting out and manage your intensity, you don’t have to kill yourself in your session (contrary to popular belief, the goal of exercise isn’t to kill you).

Three sessions are enough to start forming a habit of attendance. Three sessions are enough so you can build on the last session without feeling you are starting over every time. And three sessions in a week allows for recovery days in between.

If you really hate the fitness option you have chosen, respectfully move on. Go to another facility but before you do make sure you give them all a proper chance. Once isn’t enough. Give it at least three chances, maybe more if you’re unsure.

Most facilities have new member discounted short-term memberships and/or extended free trials. Take full advantage and give yourself the opportunity to learn and start to adapt and get to know the staff and fellow members.

And look, sometimes near enough is good enough. Don’t let minor details (excuses!) get in the way of starting what could be the best decision of your life. It’s 2023 and we understand better than ever the importance of moving.

Think of exercise like eating your vegetables: sometimes you just gotta suck it up because you know they are good for you but there are ways to prepare them that doesn’t taste like a fart (am I right, steamed cauliflower?).

Feature image: Tina Nikolovski