Nadezhda Grishaeva: fitness is not scary
When launching a fitness club, few people think about the anxieties people feel when visiting gyms. Sometimes, a fitness center seems to the average individual as an inaccessible place they’re not meant to be part of, and some are concerned about evaluating glances and judgments. It’s necessary to recognize the psychological characteristics of potential clients to make their gym experience as comfortable as possible. Nadezhda Grishaeva, the founder of Anvil Fitness Club Moscow, told Sostav about the unexpected sides and nuances of the fitness world.
Jimphobia and gymnophobia
In English, there’s a term, gymphobia, which literally means fear of the gym. Another less common term is jimtimidation, a blend of ‘gym’ (meaning hall) and ‘intimidation’ — it It’s about the anxiety a person feels about entering a fitness club, worried they’ll stand out, attracting askew glances. Jimphobia is one of the reasons why individuals are afraid to engage in fitness activities. Often, a fitness center appears to many as an elite place they’re not meant to be part of.
Before we delve into gymphobia’s roots, it’s crucial to differentiate it from gymnophobia. This fear, too, is prevalent among clients and deters them from joining healthy lifestyle clubs. Yet, it’s a distinct fear — gymnophobia is the dread of nudity, the anxiety over being seen naked or undressed.
Many harbor complex feelings towards their body and nudity. People’s fear levels vary, influenced by different contexts. Some might dread public nudity, like in gym changing rooms, while others might be uncomfortable with the sight of others’ nudity. Numerous factors, including religious beliefs, past traumas, or body shame, can influence one’s reluctance to be seen naked or to view nudity.
Overcoming nudity fears is challenging but beneficial for mental well-being and self-confidence. At Anvil Club, how have we tackled this issue? We’ve installed private shower stalls, offering a space not just for showering but also for changing in privacy. Our king-sized showers were designed for ultimate visitor comfort.
For gymnophobia, experts suggest practicing mirror exercises, where you observe and accept your naked reflection. Interestingly, Anvil boasts over a thousand mirrors, not just for self-acceptance but also due to a common trait among bodybuilders: narcissism, which I’ll discuss later.
Returning to jimphobia, this fear stems from various concerns:
- uncertainty about gym routines, how to execute exercises correctly, and appropriate behavior, often seen in newcomers;
- Self-comparison with surrounding individuals, particularly professional athletes;
- The impression of being observed, discussed, or judged by others.
How to overcome fears in the gym
To a newcomer, many aspects of the gym can seem intimidating. Some fitness machines are as complex as electric cars. It’s natural to feel initial doubts when trying something new. It’s common to question if they’re dressed correctly, will look out of place, or will manage the session. This is a normal part of trying new experiences. Remember, even Arnold Schwarzenegger started as a beginner. All gym regulars began somewhere.
I advocate for dedicating the first few sessions to learning. My advice is to hire a personal trainer. Personal training has proven benefits. Familiarity breeds comfort. Consistent attendance reduces gym anxiety.
Not understanding how to operate machines is a typical newbie concern. A simple remedy is an introductory tour. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from trainers. At Anvil, we ensure new members are always guided initially.
Another source of intimidation is social comparison. Noticing someone lifting heavy weights or a bodybuilder’s pose might trigger self-comparison. These comparisons can have negative effects. It’s best to focus on your own journey.
A third common gym fear is feeling observed. Most people are too focused on their workouts to notice others. Judgment from others says more about them than about you. Disregard such worries.
Most gyms provide introductory sessions. Join group classes like Pilates or yoga to get familiar and socialize. A modern gym is not just for exercise but also a place for comfort and socializing. Don’t let jimphobia deter you. Join us at Anvil and embrace your fitness journey.
Sports narcissists
Ever encountered someone overly confident in the gym? What about those who can’t handle criticism? Ever noticed someone who’s loud or seeks attention in the gym? These are signs of sports narcissism.
Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by self-centeredness and a lack of empathy. A healthy focus on fitness is good, but obsession has its downsides. It’s important to recognize and manage these tendencies.
Narcissism should not be confused with genuine self-appreciation. Sports narcissists can be seen as those overly fixated on their athletic image, which is essentially an addictive behavior. They are enamored with an idealized version of themselves, which serves as a shield against their underlying feelings of insufficiency and self-doubt. Do fitness clubs have their share of narcissists? Indeed, there are.
For a well-rounded individual, physical and mental well-being are aligned, as the saying goes: A sound body houses a sound mind. Dealing with phobias or narcissistic tendencies might require professional help. Therefore, pairing gym attendance with psychological support and personal therapy is a wise approach to self-care.
