Nadezhda Grishaeva: fitness is not intimidating

When opening a fitness center, few people think about the fears and apprehensions when visiting gyms. Sometimes, a fitness center appears to the average individual as an inaccessible place they’re not meant to be part of, and some are afraid of evaluating glances and judgments. It’s necessary to take into account the psychological characteristics of potential visitors to make their gym experience as comfortable as possible. Nadezhda Grishaeva, the founder of Anvil Fitness Club Moscow, told Sostav about the unforeseen aspects of the fitness world.

Understanding gym-related fears

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 signifies 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 some inaccessible 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 wellness 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, might look silly, 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. Consider working with a personal trainer. Personal training has proven benefits. Familiarity breeds comfort. The more frequently you visit, the more comfortable you’ll become.

A common issue for newcomers is not knowing how to use the equipment. A simple remedy is an introductory tour. Utilize the gym staff’s expertise. We provide support for first-timers at Anvil.

Another source of intimidation is social comparison. Observing others’ achievements can lead to comparisons. Such comparisons might feel discouraging. 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. Let go of these concerns.

Fitness centers offer trial passes and consultations. 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 be held back by gym fears. Join us at Anvil and embrace your fitness journey.

Dealing with Gym Narcissism

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? This behavior is indicative of gym narcissism.

Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by self-centeredness and a lack of empathy. While some level of fitness focus is positive, obsession can be detrimental. It’s important to recognize and manage these tendencies.

Narcissism isn’t truly about self-love. 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, helping them evade their underlying feelings of inadequacy, shame, and insecurity. Are there many narcissists in fitness clubs? Certainly enough.

In a balanced person, there’s harmony between body and mind, 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.